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ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights stands out in the increasingly popular Metroidvania genre, offering a unique blend of captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and a haunting soundtrack reminiscent of Ori and The Blind Forest and the challenging world of Hollow Knight. Developed by Live Wire, this game carves its own niche with distinct anime-inspired artwork and a dark fantasy setting, incorporating gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Dark Souls. But does this unique combination create a truly remarkable experience? Let’s delve into the world of ENDER LILIES to find out.

What You’ll Love

Alt: ENDER LILIES screenshot showcasing the protagonist, Lily, in a dark, atmospheric environment.

A Story Painted by Imagination

ENDER LILIES’ narrative is a captivating mystery, unfolded through fragmented notes and environmental storytelling. The story isn’t explicitly told; it’s pieced together, requiring careful observation and interpretation. Even with close attention, the complete picture remains elusive, shrouded in an ethereal mist. This ambiguity is intentional, allowing players to fill in the gaps with their own imaginations, creating a personal and engaging experience. A catastrophic event has transformed the kingdom of Land’s End and its inhabitants into grotesque monsters, but the cause remains a haunting question mark.

Alt: Screenshot from ENDER LILIES depicting Lily with a spectral knight companion in a ruined setting.

A Vast World to Explore

True to its Metroidvania roots, ENDER LILIES offers a sprawling world brimming with secrets to uncover. With nearly ten distinct regions, each boasting unique landscapes, atmospheres, and accompanying soundtracks, exploration is a core element of the gameplay. Fast travel is available early on, facilitating seamless movement between unlocked areas. The double jump ability, often a mid-to-late-game unlock in other Metroidvanias, is also accessible from the start. Clear map indicators show exploration progress within each area, and defeating enemies and collecting items unlocks access to new locations. The abundance of hidden areas and secrets elevates exploration from a supplementary activity to a central pillar of the game’s experience.

Alt: Screenshot from ENDER LILIES showing a lush, overgrown environment with intricate details and atmospheric lighting.

Echoes of Souls-like Combat

The combat in ENDER LILIES is both innovative and challenging. Lily, the protagonist, is incapable of direct combat. Instead, she relies on the spirits of fallen knights, purified and bound to her service. Each spirit possesses unique abilities, and with six slots available, players can customize their combat approach. Regular enemies and environmental obstacles pose a manageable challenge, thanks to strategically placed Respite points for healing and replenishing resources. The game leans towards melee combat, with unlimited-use spirits primarily focused on close-range attacks, while ranged spirit attacks are limited. A well-timed dodge mechanic, reminiscent of Souls-like games, allows players to evade enemy attacks. However, ENDER LILIES also shares the Souls-like penchant for punishing difficulty.

Alt: ENDER LILIES combat screenshot showcasing Lily and a spirit knight facing a formidable enemy.

The initial ease of the game can be deceptive. After the first couple of hours, the difficulty ramps up significantly, demanding strategic thinking and precise execution. Bosses, in particular, are formidable, often requiring multiple attempts and careful observation of their attack patterns to overcome. Each boss encounter is a learning experience, pushing players to refine their tactics and spirit combinations. The sense of accomplishment after defeating a challenging boss is immensely rewarding.

What You Might Dislike

Alt: Screenshot from ENDER LILIES depicting Lily traversing a dark, cavernous environment.

Uninterruptible Attacks

The combat in ENDER LILIES can feel somewhat sluggish due to the lack of an attack cancel mechanic. Once an attack animation begins, it must complete before any other action can be taken. This can lead to frustrating situations where dodging becomes impossible mid-attack, leaving players vulnerable to enemy strikes. Healing also requires a dedicated animation, further increasing vulnerability. While this design choice encourages careful timing and strategic planning, it also introduces an element of unavoidable damage. Some powerful spirits, like Gerrod, have slow attack animations, requiring precise timing due to the inability to cancel.

Alt: ENDER LILIES screenshot showing Lily in a tense combat situation against a large enemy.

This deliberate design choice, while not inherently a flaw, creates a unique rhythm that may not appeal to all players. It demands both quick reflexes for dodging and patience to endure unavoidable damage during attack animations. The lack of an attack cancel adds a layer of strategic depth but also introduces a sense of helplessness in certain situations.