Achilles: Legends Untold Dark Point Games, takes players on a journey through ancient Greece, immersing them in the world of the legendary warrior, Achilles. Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, the game kicks off with a narrative that sees players facing off against iconic figures like Hector and Paris. The transition from the familiar battleground of Troy to an unknown land shrouded in mystery adds an intriguing twist to the tale. Having spent a while in Early Access on Steam, the game is now available on consoles as well, where we tested the PlayStation 5 version.
The combat mechanics in Achilles: Legends Untold strike a balance between the familiarity of classic CRPGs like Diablo and the precision of Soulslike games. While the controls are intuitive, the depth of combat strategies is surprising and keeps players engaged. The arsenal of weapons and special attacks offers a variety of playstyles, allowing players to tailor their approach to fit their preferences. The inclusion of what the developers call the GAIA system for enemy behavior adds an extra layer of complexity as well, leading to dynamic and unpredictable encounters.
Exploration in Ancient Greece is a rewarding experience, with locations that pay homage to the era that have been crafted with great attention to detail. From scaling mountain passes to delving into dungeons, every corner of the game world feels like it offers a new challenge or hidden treasure. The inclusion of side quests provides additional depth to the gameplay as well, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path in pursuit of rewards and experience.
The skill tree system offers ample room for character development, enabling players to fine-tune their hero’s abilities to suit their preferred playstyle – but with enough freedom to also play very differently a second time. While some quests primarily yield experience and crafting materials, the overall progression system ensures a sense of growth and empowerment throughout the adventure.
Boss fights in Achilles: Legends Untold strike a satisfying balance between challenge and accessibility. While they may require a few attempts to conquer, the learning curve is well-balanced, ensuring that victory feels earned – much like they would in a Soulslike title. The choice to spare or slay defeated bosses adds an interesting moral dimension, promising potential branching paths and multiple endings.
The combat system is where the game stands out from similar-looking action RPGs, offering a visceral experience. The combination of quick strikes, dodges, and powerful special moves creates a combat dance that is both satisfying and demanding once you get comfortable with it. The absence of a weapon durability system streamlines the experience, allowing players to focus on the thrill of battle without worrying about gear maintenance.
However, Achilles: Legends Untold does have its minor imperfections, even in its engaging combat dynamics. The lock-on system occasionally falters, leading to inadvertent targeting of distant foes. Additionally, the absence of cooperative play, while promised in a future update, may disappoint players seeking a multiplayer experience.
In conclusion, Achilles: Legends Untold successfully marries the best elements of CRPGs and Soulslike games, delivering a satisfying and visceral action RPG experience. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it offers a well-crafted journey through Greek mythology, with combat mechanics that stand out in the crowded field. For fans of action RPGs and Soulslikes, Achilles: Legends Untold is a must-play title that breathes new life into ancient legends – and if you liked the setting of Titan Quest you won’t want to miss this one either.
Score: 7.4/10
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