Bleak Faith: Forsaken review (PS5)

Bleak Faith: Forsaken, developed by Archangel Studios and brought to consoles by Perp Games after its initial launch on Steam, puts players into the dark, sprawling expanse of the “Omnistructure”. This mysterious and interconnected world is as unforgiving as it is captivating, offering a unique blend of exploration, hardcore combat, and challenging boss battles that will test your skills at every turn – it’s an ambitious and audiovisually impressive soulslike, and we tested it on a PlayStation 5.

The premise of Bleak Faith: Forsaken is steeped in mystery and desolation. Set in the remnants of a crumbling civilization, the game invites players to uncover its lost history and navigate the ever-dangerous pathways of the Omnistructure. The narrative is not handed to you on a silver platter; instead, it unfolds gradually as you piece together the story from scattered lore and environmental clues – the early PS5 exclusive Demon’s Souls came to mind as a possible source of inspiration. This approach to storytelling adds a layer of depth and engagement, making each discovery feel rewarding while encouraging exploration.

Gameplay in Bleak Faith: Forsaken features a combat system that is punishing and requires careful consideration of positioning, timing, and resource management. Every encounter, whether with common enemies or absolutely huge bosses, demands strategic thinking and precise execution – and you’ll regularly hit moments of frustration where you feel like you don’t stand a chance. The game’s difficulty curve can be daunting, but as with other games in the genre it is also what makes each victory feel hard-earned and satisfying.

Exploration is another cornerstone of the Bleak Faith experience. The Omnistructure is a vast, open world teeming with secrets and dangers. Players must run, climb, and leap across its varied landscapes, uncovering hidden pathways and confronting the unknown and the dangers that lurk there. This sense of adventure is heightened by the game’s atmospheric visual design, which effectively uses lighting and sound to create a hauntingly beautiful environment that is extremely impressive for a smaller production.

However, the game’s complexity and difficulty might not be for everyone. The steep learning curve and the sometimes unforgiving nature of its combat can be a barrier for players who are not accustomed to hardcore action RPGs – and it’s not as finely balanced as Demon’s Souls is. Additionally, while the narrative is intriguing, its fragmented delivery may leave some players craving more direct and guided storytelling.

Visually, Bleak Faith: Forsaken is a mixed bag and we wish it did the screenshots justice. The art direction is certainly striking, with a distinct style that sets it apart from other games in the genre. The environments are richly detailed and contribute significantly to the game’s oppressive atmosphere. However, there are moments where the graphics can feel a bit rough around the edges, with some textures and models lacking polish.

The audio design, on the other hand, is excellent. The game’s soundtrack, especially during boss fights, ramps up the tension and excitement, while the ambient sounds of the Omnistructure enhance the feeling of isolation and danger. The combination of these elements creates an immersive auditory experience that complements the visual and gameplay aspects well.

In conclusion, Bleak Faith: Forsaken is a challenging and atmospheric journey through a desolate world. Its demanding combat, rich exploration, and intriguing narrative make it a compelling choice for fans of hardcore action RPGs. While it may not be accessible to all players due to its difficulty and fragmented storytelling, those who embrace its challenges will find a rewarding experience here.

Score: 7.0/10