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Elderand Review (PC) - Gaming with Joy

Name: Elderand Review (PC) - Gaming with Joy - Elderand - TapTap
Uploaded: 2023-03-30T15:45:43+08:00
Duration: 5 min 17 s
Channel: Gaming with Joy
Description: Elderand. I probably wouldn't have enjoyed this game if I would lose experience or currency when I died, because some enemies attack really fast and can drain your stamina. game review

15K View2023-02-17

Elderand is a difficult metroidvania with beautiful pixel art and cool enemy design, but I expected a bit more from this game to be really honest. Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely not a bad game, but if I had to describe this game in one word it would be "safe". The length of this game is a lot shorter than I expected, I managed to finish this game in 6 to 7 hours, even when I have been wandering around for almost an hour, because I was lost. The length is not a bad thing, but just keep that in mind if you are going to buy this game.

The gameplay and level design is also not something to rave about, I mean I really enjoyed all the different weapons and builds, but it was a bit generic. The gameplay is a lot of blocking or evading attacks and then you strike. The upgrades you will get are also just not that special, you have seen it a thousand of times, like double jump, a mid-air dash and a grappling hook for example. It all works fine, but it's sadly too safe for my liking. I was hoping for a bit more creative level design, or more interesting upgrades, but like I said it works fine, so I can't complain too much.

One thing I really appreciate is the overall presentation, like the visuals, the world building, the sound design and the design of the monsters, but also of NPCs. Some boss fights were really awesome or grotesque and I enjoyed beating them. Many of them are brutal because they deal a lot of damage to you, but with some strategy I'm sure you will manage to beat all of them eventually.

I'm really glad this game is not a souls-like, because I have died a lot, especially in the beginning. I probably wouldn't have enjoyed this game if I would lose experience or currency when I died, because some enemies attack really fast and can drain your stamina in an instant, so even with full health you are never safe. But because dying didn't really matter that much, I felt more safe exploring and occasionally I just rushed through an area to find the next checkpoint. I'm also pretty sure I didn't always play this game in the right order, but I appreciate you have so much freedom to go your own way.

There is also a lot to collect, like items that will make your character stronger, ingredients you can use to upgrade your weapons or armor, all these notes that tell you more about the lore of this game and secret weapons, which can be really powerful after you have upgraded them a few times.

The map is really simple, but fast traveling is unlocked later on though and upgrading your stats is also really easy to understand, so if it wasn't for the difficulty, I think this game would be a good introduction to new players of this genre.

So in general Elderand is sadly not the game I was hoping for, but it's still a solid metroidvania that plays it safe. The pixel art is gorgeous and the same goes for the setting. It would have been nice if you could dodge roll, but blocking or jumping works also fine. The overall presentation is the reason why you should consider buying this game, so if you are looking for a metroidvania with creative and innovative level design or gameplay, then this is not the game for you.

I personally recommend to give it a try when it's on sale, but if you really enjoy the visuals then buying it at full price is also still an option. I didn't expect to finish this game so soon, but I'm glad I did so I can tell you already about the pros and cons of this game.

So be ready for a challenging metroidvania that, despite lacking some inventive gameplay, is still worth your while if you love this genre and want to explore this interesting but nightmarish world, called Elderand!

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