The Last Faith Review

Release date: November 15, 2023

Developer: Kumi Souls Games

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, MORE

Genres: Metroidvania, Role-playing video game, Fighting game

Publishers: Playstack, Playstack Limited

Engine: Unity

"Review Copy Provided By PlayStack"

In the evolving landscape of video games, distinguishing between genres like Metroidvanias, souslikes, roguelites, and soulsbornes is increasingly challenging. These genres, essentially hybrids formed by blending different gaming styles, have created a complex tapestry. "SoulsVania" is a term I've coined to encapsulate the essence of "The Last Faith," a game that epitomizes this genre-melding trend.

When I first played "The Last Faith," I had no preconceptions and was very impressed. My perspective shifted as I became more immersed in the game, discovering that it was more akin to a modern take on "Castlevania," much like "Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night" from 2019 was to 1997’s Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. This revelation is both exciting and somewhat problematic. The game's familiar feel, from its ambiance to character designs, made it challenging for me to become fully invested in the story. As Eryk, a sword-wielding protagonist with a mysterious aura (whom I imagine was made to look like Gabriel Belmont from Castlevania Lords of Shadows), you navigate a world plagued by a Scourge that transforms men into beasts. Despite the somewhat clichéd narrative, the gameplay doesn't suffer.

The game features NPCs who lament the doomed state of the world and offer assistance in exchange for items. A grand, baroque estate serves as the hub, where you can provide safety for NPCs and access vendors offering various upgrades and items. Contrary to its Steam classification, "The Last Faith" doesn't quite match the difficulty level of typical Soulslikes. The leveling system is reminiscent of FromSoft games, requiring collection of a substance called Nycrux. The estate's Last Helena serves as a point for stat allocation, affecting your character's attributes and weapon scaling. Notably, enemies respawn when you save the game, and there's an extensive MetroidVania-style map with cost-free fast travel between save points.

The game's combat system blends dodge-rolling, melee combos, ranged attacks, magic spells, and various weapon arts. The diversity in weapons and spells is notable, including unique items like oils and elemental pellets for countering status effects. The Last Faith stands out in its balanced difficulty. While challenging, it rarely feels unfair, with boss battles that are tough but manageable. Players can develop skills and explore new areas or grind for Nycrux to enhance their capabilities. The exploration aspect is engaging, featuring hidden paths, locked doors, and secret gear that unlock new areas, reminiscent of classic adventure games but executed with a modern flair.

In summary, "The Last Faith" excels in its genre, with its only drawback being a less compelling story. However, the engaging combat and exploration more than compensate, keeping players intrigued with each new discovery and challenge. While not groundbreaking in originality, the game delivers an atmospheric and exciting experience.