For Better or Worse, Enotria: The Last Song Mostly Plays It Safe

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For Better or Worse, Enotria: The Last Song Mostly Plays It Safe

Key Takeaways

  • Enotria: The Last Song strives to be unique but might still be considered generic compared to modern Soulslikes.
  • The game’s unique atmosphere and creative systems often fail to truly distinguish it.
  • Enotria relies heavily on Dark Souls’ influence, sticking to basic gameplay and design choices.

As a seasoned veteran of the Soulsborne series, I’ve traversed the twisted realms of Yharnam, scaled the towering walls of Lordran, and danced with the shadows in the Catacombs. Yet, here I stand, facing another Soulslike contender – Enotria: The Last Song.

Jyamma Games’ title, “Enotria: The Last Song“, joins the ranks of other Souls-inspired games, aiming to refine and advance the unique formula that FromSoftware has been perfecting for the past 15 years. Fans may wonder if this game, “Enotria: The Last Song“, manages to break new ground in its innovative approach, a common challenge faced by new Soulslike games, which has almost become a tradition.

In many aspects, “Enotria: The Last Song” aspires to stand out, yet it may not completely redefine the genre. The unique creative structures and captivating artistic style are what set it apart, but it could still primarily fall under the category of a Soulslike game.

Enotria: The Last Song Is Mostly Just Another Soulslike

Enotria: The Last Song’s Uniqueness Largely Fails to Stand Out

It’s possible that “Enotria: The Last Song” was released at an unfortunate timing, following closely after the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for “Elden Ring” and the upcoming Soulslike game “Black Myth: Wukong>”. Due to this, it’s hard not to compare it with these games, which may overshadow its unique aspects because some people perceive it as following a generic formula. Nevertheless, despite feeling familiar in many ways, what truly sets “Enotria: The Last Song” apart from other Soulslikes is its atmosphere. Unlike most games in the genre that are known for their dark and ominous settings, “Enotria” stands out with its bright and exaggerated environment most of the time.

Beyond the distinctive ambiance of Enotria, the game stands out by offering inventive mechanics not commonly seen in other Soulslike titles. For example, Enotria’s elemental system is a rarely explored concept among similar games, aiming to prompt players to strategize their approach to each battle instead of relying on a single playstyle. This thoughtful design also extends to Enotria’s loadout system, which empowers gamers to craft and personalize three distinct loadouts that can be swapped at will during gameplay.

It appears that sometimes, these systems don’t operate as planned, leading players to explore Enotria in a manner similar to any other Soulslike game.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but notice the overwhelming dominance of Malanno element in Enotria, outperforming other elements in every way, making it an absolute must-have for anyone aiming to build the strongest character. Not only that, Colossal Greatswords are widely acknowledged as one of Enotria’s finest weapons, arguably the best type in the game. Consequently, numerous players have managed to conquer the entire game using just a Colossal Greatsword and the Malanno element, effectively bypassing Enotria’s unique elemental and loadout systems. This seemingly unintentional occurrence gives Enotria an uncanny resemblance to other Soulslike games, as it follows the same pattern that has been prevalent throughout the genre’s history.

Enotria: The Last Song Doesn’t Stray Too Far From Dark Souls

In a somewhat unexpected twist, some people might not view it as a disadvantage, but the game titled “Enotria: The Last Song” maintains a strong resemblance to the classic game “Dark Souls“. As you journey through its regions, it’s evident that “Dark Souls” has left an indelible mark on “Enotria“, from the movements and animations of the Maskless One to the layout of the levels. Unlike more modern games in the same genre like “Elden Ring“, “Enotria” emphasizes verticality and intricate environments in its level design. Similarly, just like the original “Dark Souls“, “Enotria” does not include a map screen. In terms of movement, “Enotria” is reminiscent of the first “Dark Souls“, with its janky mechanics evoking nostalgic feelings that some might find too outdated to revisit.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself divided when it comes to Enotria. While its return to the roots of the original Dark Souls may resonate with fans who claim it as the greatest Soulslike game ever made, it also feels like a step back in time, a relic of gaming’s past. This classic design, while cherished by some, can be dismissed by those who have since ventured into newer, more innovative territories. So, for me, Enotria is a game that I either deeply appreciate or find myself growing weary of, depending on my current gaming preferences.

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2024-09-25 14:03