ADEPTUS CRITICUS GAME REVIEWS

Developer: A44 Games

Publisher: Kepler Interactive

System played on: Xbox Series X

Purchased No – Played on Gamepass.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn on Xbox Series X delivers a solid yet imperfect experience. The game combines elements of action RPGs and open-world exploration with a unique setting inspired by a mix of Norse mythology and dark fantasy. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Story and Setting:

The world of Flintlock is grim and intriguing. Set in a universe where gods and the dead have risen to enslave humanity, you play as Nor Vanek, a warrior with a personal vendetta against these divine forces. Accompanied by your fox-like magical companion, Enki, the journey is filled with dark lore, epic battles, and the struggle against oppressive gods. The narrative has moments of brilliance, though it sometimes falls into predictable tropes. The blend of mythological influences and gritty, war-torn landscapes makes for an engaging world to explore.

Gameplay:

Flintlock offers a mix of tight, soulslike combat with gunplay and magic, giving players various tools to approach fights. The combat system emphasizes timing and positioning, rewarding skilful dodging, countering, and combos. The inclusion of firearms adds a satisfying dynamic to battles, blending melee with ranged attacks seamlessly. However, the combat can feel repetitive after extended sessions, especially when enemy variety is limited.

The exploration is typical for an open-world RPG, with plenty of side quests, hidden treasures, and lore scattered across the world. While the world is beautiful, it sometimes lacks the depth and vibrancy of top-tier open-world titles. Traversal is enhanced by Enki’s magical abilities, which add a layer of verticality and creativity to getting around.

Graphics and Performance:

On the Xbox Series X, Flintlock runs smoothly with crisp 4K visuals and a solid frame rate. The art direction shines, with its blend of dark, foreboding environments and moments of breath-taking scenery. However, the game does suffer from occasional pop-ins and some minor texture issues. The character models and animations are decent but lack the polish seen in more AAA releases.

Sound and Music:

The game’s score is atmospheric, fitting the dark and mythical setting well. The voice acting is generally strong, with some standout performances, though certain characters can feel flat or stereotypical. Sound design is immersive, particularly in combat where the clash of weapons and echoing gunshots are satisfying and impactful.

Verdict:

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a promising adventure with solid combat mechanics and a richly detailed world. While it may not reach the heights of genre-defining titles, it offers an engaging experience for fans of action RPGs. If you enjoy a challenging combat system, a dark narrative, and expansive exploration, Flintlock is worth a playthrough, especially if you’re looking for something fresh within the RPG genre. Just be prepared for some rough edges and repetitiveness.

Score 7 out of 10.