3 people found this review helpful
Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 12.6 hrs on record (1.8 hrs at review time)
Posted: 25 Nov, 2020 @ 2:51pm
Updated: 25 Nov, 2020 @ 3:29pm

TLDR: I'm 3 hours in so far. Definitely worth full price, a steal at $10. Feels and sounds amazing. It has some of those same 'flow' moments I remember from DOOM where you're intensely focused, the music hits just right and the feeling is nearly orgasmic. Cool atmosphere, interesting variety of enemies that require different approaches and some of the tightest combat I've played. Also, if the first hour feels terrible, give it a chance, the combat takes some getting used to.

Before buying this I saw a quote saying it was like DOOM meets Might and Magic. I can say now, that is a somewhat appropriate comparison. I'd say it's closer to DOOM with swords and kicking, and I mean that as a compliment. This game really captures the fast frenetic pace of classic FPS's and to my surprise, the first person sword play feels great. Combat feels weighty yet fast, aided by really solid sound design and animations. I've only gotten a small taste of the sound track so far, but I've been very impressed with what I've heard. It's not afraid to have quiet moments with subtle ambiance and then explode into something brain melting.

Fairly early on, you get 4 weapons and each feels distinct and useful in different scenarios. They all affect movement speed differently, you can parry with some and block with others, and enemy variety mean's you'll be quick swapping between them often, which feels great.

There's a progression system that feels tacked on, but doesn't detract. You could look at it as a way of slowly introducing new tools.

As for story, I have no idea. There are inscriptions to find and an opening cut scene...which I skipped, not because it was bad, but because I wanted to get into the game that badly. You'll have to check a different review for notes on story.

Minor complaints:

These don't detract from the game, but there are a few mechanics thrown in that feel like they don't belong and were added to invite comparison. For example, it has the same 'pick up lost souls' mechanic from Dark Souls, I found myself quickly ignoring them because there are no items to buy and levels seem to come quickly and effortlessly anyway. Some of the borrowed mechanics are great, for example the 'rally' system from bloodborne where you restore lost health by dealing damage, it works great and is a great addition. But at the same time it has a master system, where you master a weapon once you've used it enough, but the reward is a 5% damage increase...completely insignificant. Similarly the upgrade system is shallow and feels like a weird addition. It doesn't add anything and the level ups are incremental increases to speed, health and damage, which are also not noticable. I find myself leveling as quickly as possible at health fountains to get back into the game. It doesn't feel like you're building a character, for example there isn't room to build a speedy glass cannon as opposed to a tank because there are no other RPG elements.
My biggest wish for the future of this game is that is isn't afraid to take risks and be it's self, because it does frantic first person melee combat so well already.
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