Lords of Exile Review (PlayStation 5)

Lords of Exile is an action platformer game that offers decent 8-bit graphics and an excellent Chiptune soundtrack. The game, which has a download size of 810.3MB, takes inspiration from games like Castlevania and uses a world map system akin to Ghosts N Goblins. It features in-game cutscenes and player interactions which can be skipped, and tutorial pop-ups as you play.

The game offers three save slots and has familiar and easy-to-learn controls. It boasts many enemy types and big end-of-level boss encounters. The gameplay involves earning and learning new abilities like a shadow ninja who can take down walls for you. There are hidden secrets and routes, and enemies can drop coins used for the shop. Breakable boxes for throwing weapons such as scythes and knives add to the game’s appeal.

One of the unique aspects of Lords of Exile is its old-school approach to dying – every death restarts you at the beginning of the level. However, the game is only difficult in places, so you don’t have to be amazing at the genre to have fun. From the start, you can jump, slide, and slam down attacks on enemies. As you progress, you unlock the ability to play as two different characters who each play wildly differently.

The game consists of eight levels, each memorable and unique, providing a lot of solid platforming action. It’s very addictive and satisfying to play. Upon finishing the game, you unlock speed run mode and boss Rush, adding to its replayability.

However, the game does have some drawbacks. There are no game settings, and you cannot rebind controls. The jump takes a bit of getting used to as it is quite short, and the game doesn’t save mid-level, leaving you never sure when it is saving. Ladders are not smooth and need a jump-off action, and any sort of climbing and jumping is clunky. There have been reports of the game hard crashing in the same spot over and over, and it has a horrible knockback from a damaged mechanic. Despite these issues, Lords of Exile offers a whole load of fun and is a great game that nails the 8-bit atmosphere and with familiar controls and mechanics is a must-play.