Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, which comes out next month and is being developed by the developers of Ashed at A44 Games, promises an adventure in a setting where the worlds of gods and guns collide. Published by Kepler Interactive, this upcoming “souls-lite” game introduces players to a world that’s on the brink of destruction, blending intense combat with an engaging narrative. With our hands-on experience with the PC version, we delve into what Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn has in store.
What We Know
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is an action-adventure game set in the besieged lands of Kian, where the opening of the “Door to the Great Below” has unleashed gods as well as their undead armies upon the world. Players will take on the role of Nor Vanek, an elite member of the Coalition army, who is joined by Enki, a fox-like companion. Together, they embark on a quest to close the door again and thus restore peace. The game is characterized as a “souls-lite,” combining elements of the souls-like genre with rapid mobility and explosive combat. Players can expect to weave together melee attacks, gunpowder abilities, and magic as they plough their way through the enemies you face. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is set to launch on multiple platforms, including PC.
What We Saw
We’ve had the opportunity to test Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn extensively through Steam, giving us a comprehensive look at its gameplay mechanics and overall design. Our hands-on session with a recent build provided valuable insights into the game’s potential and areas for improvement.
What We Thought
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn features a novel blend of souls-like mechanics and dynamic combat. The combination of melee, guns, and magic creates a combat system that feels fluid and engaging. Players can chain together combos, use verticality to their advantage, and employ Enki’s magical abilities to turn the tide of battle. This mix of elements ensures that combat remains fresh and exciting, challenging players to adapt their strategies on the fly – with ranged attacks in particular feeling like a standout element.
The narrative premise of a world under siege by vengeful gods adds a compelling backdrop to the action. Nor Vanek’s quest for vengeance, coupled with the guidance of Enki, provides a strong narrative core to the gameplay. The relationship between Nor and Enki not only enhances the story but also adds depth to the gameplay, as Enki’s powers are integral to both combat and exploration.
However, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn does have a few rougher edges. Some players may find the controls a bit unwieldy at times, especially when trying to execute complex combos or navigate the game’s vertical environments, and we’re hoping those get tightened up in the remaining weeks until launch. Additionally, while the game’s visuals are generally impressive, with detailed environments and character models, we did see a few graphical glitches that can detract from the overall experience.
Audio design plays a crucial role in immersing players in the game’s world, and that aspect felt right on point. The ambient sounds and music effectively convey the desolate atmosphere of the besieged lands of Kian. The voice acting, particularly for Nor and Enki, helps bring the characters to life, adding emotional weight to their journey and pushing the narrative forward.
In summary, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn shows great promise with its engaging combat system, intriguing narrative, and strong visual and audio design. While there are areas that could benefit from refinement, particularly in terms of controls and graphical polish, the game offers a compelling experience for fans of action-adventure and souls-like genres. As we look forward to its release, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is shaping up to be a noteworthy addition to take with us into the summer months.
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