When you think of the term Souls-like, what games come to mind? Are you reminded of popular titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Demon Souls, and Elden Ring? Or perhaps games such as Lies of P, Code Vein, Remnant 2, Star Wars Jedi Survivor, or Nioh? Typically, the Souls-like genre is characterized by tough enemies, challenging bosses, loss of experience upon death, and dark environments.
But what happens when a developer decides to deviate from this norm and create a more colorful and inviting Souls-like experience? This leads to games like Phantom Blade 0, Seikero: Shadows Die Twice, and now, Enotria: The Last Song. How does this fresh take on the formula fare? Let’s delve into our review of Entoria: The Last Song!
Developer: Jyamma Games
Publisher: Jyamma Games
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic), and PlayStation 5. (Xbox Series X/S delayed)
Release Date: September 16th, 2024
Players: 1
Price: Base: $49.99 USD
Upon starting Enotria: The Last Song, players are given the choice between Story Mode and Souls-Like Mode. After selecting their preferred game mode, players are guided through a tutorial to learn the game’s basic controls. Unlike other Souls-like games, countering plays a crucial role and can be decisive in tough combat situations. Upon completing the tutorial, players are greeted by a beautiful field of sunflowers.
Instead of the usual dark and grim setting, the world of Enotria: The Last Song is teeming with vibrant colors, natural enemies, and soothing music. While the enemies may not appear menacing, letting your guard down can lead to swift defeat. Whether in Story Mode or Souls-Like Mode, enemies pose a threat; in Souls-Like Mode, they hit harder, requiring strategic decision-making.
Enotria: The Last Song highlights two key aspects: the game’s variable difficulty and the mask-swapping mechanic. In Story Mode, players receive more guidance on where to go, and items are more plentiful in each area. On the other hand, Souls-Like Mode presents a tougher challenge, with bosses feeling god-like until their patterns are mastered. Story Mode allows for a bit more leeway in tanking bosses’ attacks without immediate death looming.
Playing through Enotria: The Last Song provided a refreshing experience after years of similar game styles. Rather than feeling like a copycat of popular titles, it felt like the developers incorporated beloved mechanics in a fun and thoughtful manner. Destroying certain objects took some getting used to, but it wasn’t always necessary for progression.
The boss encounters in Enotria: The Last Song were exhilarating, with each fight offering unique challenges. No two boss fights felt the same, each presenting its own gimmicks and surprises. Even minor bosses posed unexpected challenges, utilizing various abilities to keep players on their toes.
Aside from major boss battles, players can engage in fights with smaller bosses that yield masks, essential items, and stat boosts. The game also features optional fights through Dark Rifts, ranging from regular enemies to challenging versions of previous bosses. While some Dark Rift fights may be necessary for progression, they usually involve lesser enemies.
Unlike traditional Souls-like games, Enotria: The Last Song introduces a multi-class system allowing players to switch their fighting style by changing masks. This unique feature sets it apart from other similar games, offering special stats and abilities with each mask switch.
Switching masks in Enotria: The Last Song does not impact health like in Deathbound, and each mask provides distinct benefits and drawbacks. Need a change in combat strategy? Simply switch your mask.
For those who enjoy customization, players can adjust control layout to suit their preferences, whether using a controller or keyboard and mouse. However, the interact command may have issues when Auto Loot is enabled.
Players have the option to tweak visual settings such as colorblind settings, anti-aliasing, light quality, shadow quality, and overall art quality. Objects in lighter areas of the map may be challenging to spot. The game supports twelve text languages and three audio languages (English, Italian, Japanese).
Upon closer examination, the gameplay of Enotria: The Last Song is solid, thanks to its leveling and mask change systems. Each boss fight offers unique combat mechanics that are both challenging and engaging. The option to play in either Souls Mode or Story Mode caters to players seeking different levels of difficulty. The level design and artistic style further distinguish the game.
The ability to customize visual settings and control layout is a significant advantage for players. However, the game may suffer from visual stutters and object interaction issues. Unlike many other Souls-like games, Enotria: The Last Song does not currently offer co-op gameplay.
If you’re seeking a unique Souls-like experience, consider picking up Enotria: The Last Song. For those looking for a fresh action-adventure game, alternative options may be more suitable. Perhaps the game will become more stable once released on the Xbox Series X.
Enotria: The Last Song Review was reviewed on PC using a copy provided by Jyamma Games. Additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy can be found here. Enotria: The Last Song is now available on PC (Steam, Epic) and The PlayStation 5. The Xbox Series X/S versions of the game have yet to be released.
