PGC NEWS

Godfall, first unveiled at The Game Awards in December 2019, quickly grabbed attention as one of the first confirmed titles for the PlayStation 5. Developed by Counterplay Games using Unreal Engine 4, it promised a visually stunning AAA action RPG experience. Does Godfall live up to the hype? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review.

Godfall gameplay

A Visual Feast

Godfall’s most immediate strength lies in its breathtaking visuals. As an early PS5 title, it effectively showcased the console’s power with highly detailed graphics. Every scratch on a stone, every intricate detail on architectural surfaces, is rendered with impressive fidelity. The environments themselves are equally striking, with expertly implemented lighting, reflections, and atmospheric effects that blend seamlessly with the diverse level design.

Environment detail

Character models are meticulously crafted, exuding an air of polished grandeur, especially noticeable in the imposing bosses and the player’s evolving armor sets. Even on PC, Godfall boasts impressive graphical capabilities. The inclusion of AMD FSR (Fidelity Super Resolution) technology allows for improved performance on a wider range of hardware. Testing with a 1660Ti at 1080p resolution with Ultra Quality settings and FSR enabled yielded an average of 57.2 FPS, a significant boost from the 46 FPS without FSR. However, this improvement comes at the cost of some visual fidelity, which can be detrimental to a game that relies so heavily on its detailed aesthetic.

While the performance gains from FSR are welcome, they aren’t groundbreaking. However, it remains a valuable tool for players seeking improved performance on less powerful hardware or aiming for a more stable framerate.

Godfall environment

Engaging, Yet Familiar Combat

Godfall’s combat system, while not revolutionary, offers satisfying hack-and-slash action. Light attacks build up a Soul Shatter meter, which can then be unleashed with Heavy Attacks to deal massive damage. This dynamic adds weight and impact to combat encounters. The inclusion of a shield adds a defensive layer, allowing for parries and shield throws. Parrying is fairly forgiving, given the predictable enemy attack patterns.

Combat screenshot

The game features five weapon classes, each with distinct characteristics that influence playstyle. Players start with the Longsword, offering a balanced blend of speed and damage. Heavier weapons like the Warhammer and Greatsword cater to those who prefer slower, more powerful attacks. The ability to equip two weapons simultaneously encourages experimentation and dynamic combat flow. Special Northern and Southern techniques offer enhanced variations of basic attacks.

Dual wielding

Godfall’s skill system shines with its unparalleled flexibility. Players can respec their skills at any time, even during missions. This allows for constant adaptation and experimentation, encouraging players to explore different builds and playstyles.

A Narrative Letdown

Despite a promising premise, Godfall’s narrative falls flat. Players take on the role of Orin, embarking on a quest to confront Macros, his brother and sworn enemy. However, the story focuses primarily on Orin’s ascent through a tower and battles against Macros’ underlings. Key plot points are often introduced without proper explanation, leading to confusing and nonsensical twists.

Story related item

Furthermore, crucial narrative elements are relegated to collectible items scattered throughout the world. The dialogue is often repetitive and simplistic, with a heavy emphasis on defeating Macros.

Godfall environment

A Disappointing Mess

Ultimately, Godfall suffers from a lack of focus and polish. The open world feels underutilized, lacking a map and featuring repetitive environments. Missions are tedious and formulaic, often boiling down to reaching a specific location and defeating a boss. The game is heavily reliant on grinding, exacerbating the repetitive gameplay loop.

Godfall loot

Enemies are frequently encountered in overwhelming numbers, with ranged attackers constantly interrupting combat flow. The loot system, a staple of loot-driven games, is underwhelming, with item value heavily dependent on rarity and level. Upgrading equipment is a temporary solution that consumes valuable resources. Bosses possess frustratingly unpredictable attacks and high mobility, limiting the potential of the combat system.

In conclusion, while Godfall impresses with its stunning visuals, it falls short in nearly every other aspect. The lackluster story, repetitive gameplay, and underdeveloped features ultimately drag down the experience.