aenimality
 
 
I tryhard video games.
Review Showcase
9.2 Hours played
Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this indie game. Considering it's the first major launch from this studio, I think they did a fantastic job overall. However, I can't help but feel that the game had the potential to be something even greater.

Story

If I had to pick the weakest aspect of the game, it would be the story. It feels like a mix of Mass Effect, Independence Day: Resurgence, and Returnal—those familiar with these titles will likely recognize the similarities. While the narrative is engaging, it can be quite predictable, lacking major twists or player-driven choices.

The occasional Dead Space vibes with hallucinations add an intriguing layer, but unfortunately, this idea isn't fully explored. While I don’t mind a linear experience, a game with souls-like elements should ideally offer the player choices that impact the journey. We are not just playing as Kate; she should reflect our decisions rather than simply guiding us through a predetermined path.

That being said, despite the predictable nature of the story, it still holds up better than Mass Effect: Andromeda, even if it leans toward the cheesy side.

Voice Acting

The voice acting was impressive, especially considering the scale of the game. The main actress delivered a fantastic performance, bringing depth and emotion to the character. She has great potential in voice acting, and I’d love to see her take on more roles in the future.

Music

The soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal. It carries a distinct Mass Effect and Blade Runner synth vibe, which complements the atmosphere perfectly. And that final song by The Doo—just wow.

Gameplay

The gameplay is fun, but it could benefit from more variety. The elemental combo mechanics—such as toxic combos, melting effects, and freeze status—are fantastic, with breaking ice standing out as one of the best mechanics in the game.

However, the talent tree feels underdeveloped, as if it was designed quickly without much depth. If the next game features a similar system, I would prefer either a more fleshed-out progression system or for it to be removed entirely.

Leveling via purple cubes forces exploration, which is interesting, but it feels a bit unnecessary given the game’s linear nature. Utility spells are present, but only the freeze field stands out as particularly useful, especially when upgraded. The difficulty balance is another aspect that could use improvement—playing on Commander difficulty still felt very much like a Story Mode experience.

The inventory and itemization elements give off a nice Resident Evil vibe, which I loved. However, they could have been utilized more effectively. Puzzles, while serviceable, are another missed opportunity; something along the lines of Remnant 2’s puzzle design could have added more depth.

Melee combat is rather ineffective, primarily serving as a way to finish off enemies for a health regeneration perk. Movement and dodging can feel slightly clunky, sometimes causing the player to get stuck in mobs, but it's still manageable.

Monsters & Bosses

The enemy design is decent but lacks diversity and strong AI. They are highly predictable, often spamming abilities in random directions. The encounters mostly revolve around exploiting weak points—on the back, in water with electricity, or with fire on ice—which becomes repetitive over time. Since enemies respawn after resting but don’t grant XP, this mechanic feels somewhat redundant.

The Constructor boss fight is a highlight, but even that battle suffers from repetition. It follows a single pattern with only a few attack variations. While I wasn’t expecting FromSoftware-level boss fights, Remnant 2—also an indie title—managed to create some incredible souls-like encounters that this game could take inspiration from.

Level Design

The game’s level design is quite linear, often presenting two paths—one for the main quest and another leading to upgrades or collectibles. Given its linearity, what stands out most is the atmosphere. From the vast plains to alien artifacts, the depths of gluttony, and icy landscapes reminiscent of Hoth, the environments are beautifully crafted and immersive.

Characters

The protagonist is well-developed and likable, but unfortunately, the supporting cast lacks depth. The game needed more moments to establish emotional connections—perhaps through additional interactions, heroic sacrifices, or surprising betrayals. As it stands, I found myself indifferent to their fate, and even tempted to side with the antagonists just to bring an end to their struggles.

A stronger emotional connection with the characters would have given their presence more weight. As it is, they feel less important than the creatures emerging from the water, only to be promptly vaporized.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, I truly enjoyed the game and would love to see a sequel. The ending leaves room for another adventure, and I hope the developers expand on the mechanics, story depth, and character development in the next installment. Also, a post-credits scene would have been a fantastic touch!

Overall, this was a strong first major release for the studio, and I’m excited to see where they go from here!
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Comments
hid 11 Aug, 2023 @ 5:39am 
Buraz.