Enotria: The Last Song by Jyamma Games brings its own unique spin to the densely populated Soulslike genre, taking inspiration from Italian folklore to create a vibrant yet dangerous world. Set in a land trapped in an eternal play, your role as the Maskless One gives you the power to challenge the rigid roles enforced by the mysterious Authors. The narrative is driven by your quest to break free from the Canovaccio, offering an intriguing twist on the typical Soulslike formula where fate and identity are central themes. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
Visually, Enotria stands out with its bright, sunlit environments – a refreshing change from the norm in the genre. The contrast between the picturesque Italian-inspired landscapes and the dark, oppressive nature of the Canovaccio offers a dynamic setting that feels like it adds to the narrative. The game’s environments are richly detailed, with hidden secrets and environmental puzzles that encourage exploration. The power of Ardore adds another layer to the game, allowing players to alter reality itself to uncover new paths or gain strategic advantages in battle.
Enotria’s gameplay impresses thanks to its flexible combat system. The ability to equip different Masks and swap between loadouts mid-battle keeps encounters fresh and encourages experimentation. Each Mask brings unique abilities, and with more than 30 to choose from, the game offers plenty of options for players to change up their playstyle. This versatility extends to the talent system, where you can mix and match abilities to suit different challenges. Combat is fast-paced and fluid, with parrying and quicksteps forming the core of the game’s mechanics. Successfully breaking an enemy’s posture grants powerful buffs, rewarding skillful play and learning the intricacies of each playstyle.
However, there’s room for improvement here as well. While the Mask system offers great flexibility, it can feel overwhelming for players trying to balance all the available options. The difficulty of managing multiple loadouts and talents may detract from the immersion, especially for those who prefer a more streamlined and immersive experience who don’t want to “manage stuff”. Additionally, although the story’s premise is intriguing, the pacing can feel uneven at times, with certain narrative moments dragging in between the more action-packed sequences.
In terms of audio, the game impresses with a strong score that fits the Italian-themed setting well. The soundtrack is one of the highlights and helps to elevate the atmosphere, making exploration and combat feel more impactful. Voice acting is serviceable, though some performances come across as stilted, which can detract from the otherwise immersive experience and don’t live up to the level of the music.
Overall, Enotria: The Last Song delivers a solid Soulslike experience with a unique setting and flexible combat. While its complexity might feel daunting at times, the game’s innovative mechanics and world-building make it a worthy addition to the genre. If you’re looking for a fresh take on the genre with a strong audiovisual identity, Enotria is definitely worth checking out.
Score: 7.1/10
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