Elderand
a game by | Mantra, and Sinergia Games |
Platform: | PC (2023) |
Editor Rating: | 7/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 10.0/10 - 2 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Action Adventure Games, Best Indie Games, RPGs, Hack and Slash Games, Gore Games, Metroidvania Games, Lovecraftian Games |
In this metroidvania, players take the role of a mercenary tasked with the job of eradicating an evil legacy left behind by a tyrant named Sserthris. Elderand is a sweeping platformer with stunning graphics, smooth animations, and an interesting but not especially gripping plot. Unlike many other games in this genre, Elderand is not quite so sharply linear. It is common for metroidvania to have just one way to move forward in the game, with everything blocked off until you get the right weapon or key to open it.
In this game, you can actually reach a few of these access points early. This gives you a tiny bit more freedom to explore.
Beautiful Graphics
One of the standouts in this game is the graphics. The backgrounds have depth, detail, and definitely carry the mood of the game. The sprites of both enemies and characters are also stunning. The art style is somewhat pixelated and carries an early Monkey Island vibe.
Imbalanced Combat
A few flaws do show up, particularly in combat. Although there are many weapons to choose from, there’s always one weapon that is better than the rest. While there’s an abundance of weapons to choose from, there might as well not be because you will feel like it is a punishment to use anything else.
Hitboxes are also too generous in scope. Enemies can hit you from unexpectedly far away, and you can hit them from what ought to be out of reach. If you knock an enemy out of shot, they can still hit you but you can no longer hit them.
These combat problems are annoying, but not entirely unplayable.
Not a hack n’ slash
Elderand is not a game where you leap at an enemy and mindlessly slash them. You will need to take your time with enemy mobs, learn how they move, and learn how to counteract them. If you are not careful to learn attack moves, even a low-level mob will be able to defeat you. Despite some combat issues, attacking and movement are fluid enough to make the combat fun. Bosses are especially freeing because you can defeat them with knowledge at any time.
Each boss has a specific attack set, and learning them will help you defeat them. If you’ve ever played Astlibra Revision and felt the frustration of trying to grind your way to being able to defeat a boss, Elderand will be a refreshing breeze to you.
While weapons and leveling will certainly help you, it won’t be luck that has you defeating the boss. It will be learning their movement patterns and how to defeat those patterns.
While Elderand isn’t going to redefine the genre any time soon, it is a pleasant game to play. The graphics are beautiful, animations are smooth, and combat is fun. The game does have a plotline that is easy to follow along with, but doesn’t cause you any revelations worthy of note.
This is overall a fun game for those who love metroidvania.
Pros:
- Beautiful graphics and animation
- Thoughtful mobs with unique movements
Cons:
- Some combat issues
Download Elderand
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP