The Siege of Dawn is the first Soulslike in a while to grab my attention, and for good reason. As someone who isn't typically a fan of Dark Souls-esque games, this new title from A44 Games has managed to pique my interest with its unique twists on the genre.
One of the standout features of The Siege of Dawn is its setting. Unlike many traditional fantasy-based Souls games, this one takes a different approach by incorporating European-style firearms into its gameplay. The combination of magic and gunpowder adds a visually and mechanically distinct experience that sets it apart from other titles in the genre.
The gameplay in The Siege of Dawn also offers a refreshing change from the slow and clunky feel of traditional Soulslikes. Protagonist Nor is equipped with agile abilities such as hopping, double jumping, and dashing, providing a satisfying level of agility that sets it apart from its counterparts. The combat, with its over-the-shoulder perspective and punchy axe-based attacks, draws favorable comparisons to action games like God of War, making it feel more accessible and enjoyable for players.
Additionally, the inclusion of platforming elements in The Siege of Dawn adds another layer of depth to the gameplay. Players can navigate through magical portals with their fox companion, offering a flashy and potentially thrilling experience. While the demo was somewhat linear in this regard, there is the promise of more complex and engaging platforming sections in the full game.
As the release date for The Siege of Dawn approaches, there are still some questions remaining about the open-world aspect of the game and the depth of its story. The developers have teased elements of reactivity in the game world, such as how actions in one village may impact the availability of sidequests. Furthermore, the potential for character development and story depth, similar to games like Star Wars Jedi, is something to look forward to.
Overall, The Siege of Dawn looks to be a promising addition to the Soulslike genre, offering a fresh take on familiar mechanics and injecting new elements that make it stand out. With its unique setting, agile gameplay, and platforming elements, this “Souls-lite” title is definitely worth keeping an eye on for fans of the genre.
