With the glut of gaming choices obtainable to avid gamers these days, it may be onerous to face out from the gang, that’s, except you’ve got each the model and substance. For Italian studio Modus Video games, their newest mission, Soulstice, the principle attraction lies in not simply its stylistic visuals but in addition a fight system that mixes the powers of its twin protagonists, sisters Briar and Lute.
The pair is named a Chimera, hybrid warriors born of the union of two souls, and every takes up a distinct burden in the case of dealing with down the enemies often known as the Wraiths. These feral creatures have invaded from the opposite aspect of the Veil, and except our heroines do their job, the dwelling stands no probability.
Whereas our hands-on time with Soulstice doesn’t essentially dive too deep into the story particulars, there are sufficient tantalizing bits to hook one’s curiosity. The thriller of the Veil and the invading Wraiths must be investigated, there are occasions that may solely be found utilizing Lute’s powers that may replicate echoes, and it’s seemingly we’ll get a deeper have a look at what value needs to be paid for turning into a Chimera on this world.
The sport additionally options some gentle platforming, enhanced by the necessity to seek out assets that are available in two completely different kinds. Crimson crystals dropped from the atmosphere and enemies can be utilized to improve Briar’s abilities, whereas ethereal blue crystals will be exchanged on the mysterious Observer Layton for much more highly effective talents. Each sorts of crystals may additionally require Lute’s otherworldly management of the color-coded Evocation or Banishment fields to work together with them.
For all of the secrets and techniques and environmental exploration, all of that fades into the background when the fight of Soulstice steps into the highlight, or maybe, only for this preview.
Not like the extra measured strategy taken by Soulslike video games resembling Elden Ring or Thymesia, Soulstice options the identical foreboding environment however trades the slower fight for excessive velocity. Fight is quick and visceral, with Briar dealing with the enemies with excessive prejudice utilizing a sword, whip, or heavier hammer, every serving a distinct function, resembling breaking armor, whereas Lute helps with blasts and helpful blocks and counters.
It’s best in comparison with the Satan Could Cry video games, the place chaining trendy combos collectively and avoiding getting hit is the secret, as swarms of enemies descend upon the pair and gamers do their finest to navigate the chaos. Do properly sufficient, and you’ll begin constructing Unity, and when that gauge fills up, Briar and Lute can unleash extra highly effective Synergy assaults that convey a number of different advantages, resembling stopping enemies briefly or including much more ranged assaults to the combo. It’s a refreshing tackle issues, and, whereas not groundbreaking, it does enable the participant to have extra leeway for survival whereas sustaining a sure stage of problem in fight.
Whereas the cannon fodder is normally dispatched simply, the boss fights in Soulstice are prone to require somewhat extra technique. Going through the Possessed Arrowhead in our preview, this was a multi-stage battle that throws all types of obstacles into my path and stored me considering on my ft the entire time.
Except for having allies in tow, the battle requires the deft switching between the aforementioned two fields underneath Lute’s management with a purpose to remove sure foes, with Arrowhead solely getting broken when in a Banishment subject. Simply whenever you thought an agile enemy couldn’t get more durable, it begins utilizing echoes to bash AoE assaults throughout the battlefield or use an arena-wide AoE explosive assault to pin the pair in a nook.
The fight by no means really lets up in Soulstice, particularly when dealing with the extra harmful enemies, and it’s seemingly that such gameplay design will resonate strongly with gamers who search video games with high-skill ceilings, and the joys of mastering a fight system that’s dynamic and fascinating.
For on a regular basis we’ve spent making an attempt to take down the Wraiths, the fight of Soulstice already has me hooked, and the setup is promising sufficient to warrant an invested curiosity in a recreation popping out on Sept. 20, 2022. If the workforce at Modus Studios can ship a robust sufficient story, and proceed to ship high-impact motion with the stylized visuals, Soulstice may very properly be one of many breakout hits of this yr.
