Neat lil boss rush game with great pixel art graphics! Enjoyed the first half, cause after that it felt like the difficulty went up a couple of notches, and it got just too hard for me. The bosses seem very well designed, but they may have had a tad bit too much health for my taste. I've heard people complain that the game is unfair, but I think it's one of those games where you just have to put in the time. Whenever I died it felt like my own mistake. Interesting little world with a quest system similar to metroidvanias like Blasphemous and Hollow Knight, but way simpler. Combat felt like a roguelike with soulslike elements. I feel like calling the game Eldest Souls was a discredit to itself, because it makes it sound like a parody or a cheap ripoff. I think the game could've standed well enough of it's own without marketing it as a "Souls" game.
After delving into "Eldest Souls" for a significant stretch, I find myself reflecting on the growing appeal of indie games compared to mainstream offerings. Recently, indie titles like "Eldest Souls" have sparked more enthusiasm in me than many big-budget games. This game, with its intriguing blend of 'soulslike' mechanics and crisp narrative delivery, offers a refreshing take on the genre.
"Eldest Souls" begins with a setting typical of soulslike games—a lone warrior traversing a historically rich, battle-scarred landscape. The narrative unfolds through environmental clues and item descriptions, painting a picture of ancient gods and crusader-like knights that once shaped the land. This setup is intriguing and invites players to dive deeper into the game's lore.
The gameplay in "Eldest Souls" focuses on intense, boss-rush challenges that incorporate innovative mechanics well-suited to the top-down perspective. Each boss battle is a testament to the game’s core appeal, blending recognizable 'souls' motifs with unique elements that elevate the combat experience. The use of the environment, dynamic music shifts, and phase changes in bosses make each encounter a thrilling, strategic battle. It's clear the developers have poured their passion into these engagements, crafting moments that challenge and reward in equal measure.
Graphically, the game is stunning, with beautifully rendered art and an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the somber, immersive feel of the game. The art style pays homage to the dark fantasy genre while infusing it with originality, making every area and encounter memorable.
Gameplay customization allows for varied combat styles, from agile dodging to robust, defensive play. This flexibility encourages experimentation and adaptability, enriching the combat dynamics and replayability of the game. Each style brings something different to the battles, influencing not just how you fight but also how you navigate the game's world and interact with its characters.
Despite its strengths, "Eldest Souls" does have its drawbacks. The most notable is its length; the game feels too short, leaving a sense of wanting more just as you settle into its rhythm. While its brevity ensures that the gameplay doesn't become tedious, it also means that the experience ends all too quickly. This is somewhat mitigated by the game’s high replayability and the changes introduced in New Game+, which adjusts boss mechanics to provide fresh challenges.
The developers, a small team from Italy, deserve commendation for their work. It’s heartening to see such creativity and dedication thrive, especially given the challenging creative environment in Italy. Their success with "Eldest Souls" is a beacon of hope for aspiring game developers in similar situations.
In conclusion, "Eldest Souls" is a finely crafted gem that stands out in the sea of soulslike games. Its compelling boss fights and artistic execution make it a must-play for fans of the genre. While the game may be brief, its intensity and the mastery with which it's crafted make every moment count. It’s a testament to the potential lurking in the indie game development scene, proving that with passion and creativity, small teams can deliver experiences that resonate deeply with players.
"Eldest Souls" begins with a setting typical of soulslike games—a lone warrior traversing a historically rich, battle-scarred landscape. The narrative unfolds through environmental clues and item descriptions, painting a picture of ancient gods and crusader-like knights that once shaped the land. This setup is intriguing and invites players to dive deeper into the game's lore.
The gameplay in "Eldest Souls" focuses on intense, boss-rush challenges that incorporate innovative mechanics well-suited to the top-down perspective. Each boss battle is a testament to the game’s core appeal, blending recognizable 'souls' motifs with unique elements that elevate the combat experience. The use of the environment, dynamic music shifts, and phase changes in bosses make each encounter a thrilling, strategic battle. It's clear the developers have poured their passion into these engagements, crafting moments that challenge and reward in equal measure.
Graphically, the game is stunning, with beautifully rendered art and an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the somber, immersive feel of the game. The art style pays homage to the dark fantasy genre while infusing it with originality, making every area and encounter memorable.
Gameplay customization allows for varied combat styles, from agile dodging to robust, defensive play. This flexibility encourages experimentation and adaptability, enriching the combat dynamics and replayability of the game. Each style brings something different to the battles, influencing not just how you fight but also how you navigate the game's world and interact with its characters.
Despite its strengths, "Eldest Souls" does have its drawbacks. The most notable is its length; the game feels too short, leaving a sense of wanting more just as you settle into its rhythm. While its brevity ensures that the gameplay doesn't become tedious, it also means that the experience ends all too quickly. This is somewhat mitigated by the game’s high replayability and the changes introduced in New Game+, which adjusts boss mechanics to provide fresh challenges.
The developers, a small team from Italy, deserve commendation for their work. It’s heartening to see such creativity and dedication thrive, especially given the challenging creative environment in Italy. Their success with "Eldest Souls" is a beacon of hope for aspiring game developers in similar situations.
In conclusion, "Eldest Souls" is a finely crafted gem that stands out in the sea of soulslike games. Its compelling boss fights and artistic execution make it a must-play for fans of the genre. While the game may be brief, its intensity and the mastery with which it's crafted make every moment count. It’s a testament to the potential lurking in the indie game development scene, proving that with passion and creativity, small teams can deliver experiences that resonate deeply with players.