Kris Bray

I'm roughly 20 hrs played as I write this and will update as/if I continue further into the game. This is my impression so far. The game does have a Dungeons and Dragons and Souls game vibe at it's core but if you think this game is like some of your favorite Souls games.... pump the brakes. I guess starting with the Positives works. The cinematic cut scenes are really great. The in-game graphics are really good as well. Note: However, if you go and change graphic settings for better FPS focus over graphic quality. The difference is really noticeable, unlike other recent titles like FF XVI. This is VERY noticeable, especially with cinematic scenes where the graphics look awful in the lower graphics setting. I purchased the Digital Delux with the Dark Crusader starting class and gear set. I think this class and the gear set is just awesome looking. I mean, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE how it looks. Sadly, this is really where the positives for me sort of end. Negatives a plenty. The combat mechanics are really slow, clunky jerky, and just plain awful. The UI and menus are poorly done as well. The Maps if you want to call them that. They're almost unreadable and remind me of maps from the old LOTR books (those are actually better easier to read and understand, frankly) The areas (levels) are super long with way way way too many mobs. There is so much backtracking involved making things seem even longer. Your average mob in any given area is challenging, and there isn't much in the way of "trash mobs." You find yourself having to sprint through areas running for your life more than doing much combat. Also, be prepared for lots of gravity deaths. Mobs will pop out and shove you off cliffs. As if you needed the help. The jumping action, like most controll/combat mechanics, stink and is poorly implemented, makes falling to your demise a very common occurrence as well. So be prepared to game over often and do lots of running back to try that jump(s) again and again. Boss fights (I've had 2 so far) are challenging , and Harkins you back to games like ER & FFXVI . The use of the lamp one of the key items that you will have to use makes things even more difficult as looking at the world while using the lamp is like peering into a different dimension or time in that same physical place. The graphics, when looking at the world through the lamp, are poor and difficult to see and navigate through. World navigation is well If you played Elden Ring, this game is on par with ER as far as there isn't much in the way at all that is helping you navigate where to go what to do next, etc. So if you like knowing where to head next and a nice linear timeline and flow like most RPG games, well, you won't find it here. Quests aren't going to jump out at you either, no ! Over an NPC to tell you, hey, I got a quest. Also, much like ER, it's very easy to miss quests, and you will have puzzles to solve that will likely find you on Google for assistance for sure. Also similar to Elden Ring, there is a central location with a handful of NPC's who you can do training and upgrades as well as buy and sell items and gear. I personally think this game could have been as good as Elden Ring if not for the poor combat system and just over all poor game play mechanics. I wish I had decided to buy the latest Diablo installment instead. I feel like my $84 could have been much better spent elsewhere.

Very good game! I almost gave it 5 stars! The game play is really laid back and fun! The graphics are awesome and the story is good too! The only draw backs that prevented me from giving 5 stars is mainly because the game is SUPER SHORT! which explains why it was only $40 for the digital deluxe version. Speaking of it gives you a staff that has no bonuses or anything just looks different and you get a gold colored Rot. The other I guess draw back was the games default difficulty "Story Mode" is REALLY EASY! If you like even the slightest bit of a challenge I'd choose the next step up in difficulty "Spirit Guide" Other than a really good game being too short and a tad too easy on story mode, It's a really fun and good game! I just beat it in 3 days of casual play and has me wanting more!