London-based developers, Kumi Souls Games, have created a 2D Metroidvania, soulslike experience with The Last Faith. Combining fast-paced hack-and-slash action with platforming and environment traversal, they have produced a title that oozes with style.
A bloody, gothic and violent style. It was hard not to make the comparisons after the trailer for the game released earlier this year but after playing the title now it really does look like a mashup of From Software’s 2015 title ‘Bloodborne’ and The Game Kitchen’s ‘Blasphemous’ series. Two powerhouse titles for comparison but does the mix of the two fare well in a game together?
Let me tell you.
New journey, new map to fill.
Upon starting a new game, you are given the choice between classes to set your starting skill points for your playthrough. You start your journey as Eyrk, a well-spoken man with no memories to recall but very quickly discovers he is also an infected man, soon to be taken over by his deadly infliction. Right off the bat, you can see the similarities to a Souls game, right and left-hand weapons, five-item slots to quickly select and a small amount of experience that grows with each enemy in the top corner.
You get eased into the gameplay with an opening area which introduces the player to the fundamentals of the game going forward, combat, platforming, basic traversal etc. Once cleared Eyrk will come across a large manor, which acts as the hub for the game.
NPCs, traders and the ability to level up are all accessible here and Eyrk can point people in the direction of the manor as he meets them on his journey, opening new lines of dialogue to explore and enjoy upon his return. Dialogue in this game is fully voiced and was a pleasant surprise. Even more pleasant was coming across some Irish accents, which to me personally is always a joy on the ears.
What about the other fun bits?
Combat can be a breeze at times but enemies will become damage sponges if weapons are not upgraded and stats levelled up. Your experience points are key to Eyrk’s survival, using them to make him stronger in your choice of stat upgrade or sharpening his blades for combat. It’s also the currency of choice in his world. Do you leave yourself broke with no items but rocking the higher stats or do you run a low-level character with the safety of the new stock of items you have acquired from the local trader? Each choice will affect the option you didn’t pursue.
Enemies can afflict all sorts of status effects on Eyrk but the brilliant design choice made here makes each dangerous in their own way. Instead of fire, electric and bleed just being three forms of damage that you need it’s own item to cure, they all have unique secondary effects too. Take too much electric damage? Every few moments Eyrk will be shocked and stunned in place, leaving him completely defenceless.
One too many hits of bleed, Eyrk is now bleeding but instead of taking damage over time every couple of seconds, Eyrk will only take additional damage any time he dodges. My personal favourite that cost me a great deal of experience to lose to death is ‘Nightmare’ damage. Take too much of this and your controls will become reversed and if you’re like me, it will happen at the worst time possible, surrounded by a bunch of friendly enemies looking to give Eyrk a severe case of death.
All positive but are there any negatives?
My only negatives with The Last Faith are the transitions between areas. They are quite jarring. I don’t know if it’s just me but the sudden black screens snapping on and off the screen was quite off-putting. It’s nothing major but it stood out to me during my playthrough. Also, Eyrk can be quite slow at times when you’re making your way around the map. If he just moved at 0.5 more speed I feel he would be at a perfect pace for this type of game.
The Last Faith is a perfect Metroidvania to sink your teeth into if you’re looking for a new experience and want to scratch that itch. The style is beautifully haunting at times, and the combat can reach levels of high intensity. Most importantly though, it’s just a fun time. You cannot go wrong with this title and I look forward to what the devs create in the future.
Words were given in good faith by Lewis Magee.
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