Silent Games’ Empyreal invites players into a sci-fi action RPG experience, where a mysterious monolith beckons exploration. While the game showcases commendable ambition, its execution presents a mix of strengths and areas needing refinement.
Set on an uncharted planet, players assume the role of a mercenary delving into the enigmatic Monolith to uncover the fate of a lost expedition. The game’s atmosphere, reminiscent of titles like Returnal in some ways, sets a compelling stage, and is one of the main draws of Empyreal. However, the narrative delivery feels fragmented, with NPC interactions and questlines lacking depth, making it challenging to fully immerse yourself in the storyline.
At its core, Empyreal emphasizes dungeon exploration and combat. Players can choose between three weapon archetypes: the agile Glaive, the defensive Mace & Shield, and the ranged Cannon. Each offers distinct playstyles, encouraging experimentation. The combat system, while fast-paced and reminiscent of Souls-like games, can sometimes feel repetitive, especially during prolonged sessions.
The game’s unique “Cartogram” system introduces procedurally generated dungeons, each with specific challenges and loot. This mechanic adds variety but can also lead to inconsistent difficulty spikes, occasionally making progression feel more grind-oriented than rewarding, especially when hitting a wall.
Controls are generally responsive, with combat mechanics that are easy to grasp. However, certain aspects, like the Cannon’s handling, can feel cumbersome, potentially hindering the fluidity of combat. Additionally, the absence of a comprehensive map or clear navigation tools can make exploration more tedious than intended.
Visually, Empyreal captures the essence of its sci-fi setting, with diverse environments and enemy designs. The audio complements the visuals, offering ambient sounds that enhance immersion. However, some areas lack the polish seen in other titles in this genre, occasionally breaking the immersion set by a strong and mysterious premise.
Empyreal stands as a testament to Silent Games’ ambition, offering a unique blend of dungeon crawling and action RPG elements. While it excels in certain areas, like its combat variety and atmospheric setting, it also grapples with narrative cohesion and gameplay balance. For players seeking a fresh take on sci-fi dungeon exploration, Empyreal offers a journey worth undertaking, albeit with tempered expectations.
Score: 6.8/10
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