PGC NEWS

Immortals Fenyx Rising’s third DLC, The Lost Gods, takes a bold step away from the established formula, offering a new perspective and gameplay style. While retaining the charm of the original, this expansion introduces enough changes to feel like a fresh experience, though not without some drawbacks. This review explores the hits and misses of this divine departure.

A New Hero, a New Perspective

Following Fenyx’s triumph over Typhon and subsequent ascension to godhood, a new threat emerges: discord among the gods. Zeus, far from the jovial figure of the main game, displays a petulant and isolating nature, leading several deities to abandon Olympus. This divine exodus results in a cascade of natural disasters, prompting Fenyx to seek a mortal champion to intervene.

Enter Ash, a young mortal with unwavering faith in the gods. Bestowed with Fenyx’s divine artifacts, Ash embarks on a quest to reunite the pantheon. Unlike Fenyx, Ash feels decidedly more human, lacking the effortless aerial mobility of her predecessor. Her grounded approach and reliance on physical combat further distinguish her, creating a more relatable and vulnerable protagonist.

The most striking change, however, is the shift to an isometric, action RPG perspective. This departure transforms the gameplay, creating a Diablo-esque experience within the familiar world of Greek mythology.

Ash exploring the world of Pyrite

Reimagining Puzzles and Combat

The Lost Gods significantly reimagines the puzzle mechanics that defined the base game. While Vaults still exist, they are less frequent and demanding. Instead, environmental puzzles are seamlessly integrated into the world, requiring players to think creatively and utilize Ash’s abilities to progress. These puzzles are cleverly designed, often with surprisingly simple solutions, reminiscent of Darksiders Genesis. The minimalist guidance provided adds to the challenge and sense of discovery.

Combat also receives an overhaul. Enemies are more aggressive and abundant, engaging Ash in frequent skirmishes. The shift to an ARPG perspective results in faster-paced, more dynamic battles. While finishing moves are absent, the combat feels more layered, demanding a balance of dodging, parrying, and attacking. Defeated enemies drop resources used for upgrading weapons, skills, and other essential functions, adding a layer of rewarding progression.

Ash battling enemies

A God-Sized Catch

Despite its innovative approach, The Lost Gods falls short of perfection. The isometric perspective, while refreshing, suffers from a restrictive camera, hindering exploration and occasionally leading to frustrating “camera lock” moments common in classic ARPGs. The narrative, while engaging, feels rushed, covering the stories of six gods within a relatively short playtime of around 30 hours. This rapid pacing undermines character development and emotional impact.

Furthermore, Ash’s personality mirrors Fenyx’s a little too closely, lacking distinct characterization. This similarity creates a sense of déjà vu, particularly in their interactions, which often feel like two versions of the same character conversing. The need to re-earn abilities and upgrades, while understandable, can feel tedious for players invested in the original game’s progression.

The restrictive camera can be frustrating

Conclusion

The Lost Gods offers a compelling, albeit flawed, expansion to the Immortals Fenyx Rising universe. The shift to an ARPG perspective, reimagined puzzle mechanics, and more engaging combat offer a fresh experience. However, the restrictive camera, rushed narrative, and underdeveloped protagonist hold it back from reaching its full potential. Despite these shortcomings, The Lost Gods is a worthwhile addition for fans seeking a new adventure in the vibrant world of Greek mythology.