Souls-like games have become incredibly popular in 2022, and this year, which started with a massive title like *Elden Ring*, wouldn’t be complete without another unique entry like *Steelrising*. From its announcement, this game captured my attention with its enchanting world set in an alternate history during the French Revolution.

*Steelrising* stands out not just because it’s a Souls-like game but also for its strong focus on storytelling and cinematic sequences. This makes it a great choice even for those who usually dislike Souls games for their cryptic narratives.

Did I mention the developer? The studio behind this game also created *Greedfall*, a beloved RPG from 2019. Fans have eagerly awaited their next project, so the question is: was the wait worth it?

The Story

You play as Aegis, a rebellious automaton aiding revolutionaries against King Louis XVI, who plans to crush the rebellion with his army of feral automatons. These machines spiral out of control, taking over Paris, and it’s your job to fight them with the help of historical figures like Marie Antoinette.

While the premise is promising, the story turns out to be somewhat predictable and underwhelming, especially compared to *Greedfall*. The characters’ plastic-like facial animations also detract from the experience, making some cutscenes skippable.

Gameplay and World Design

Unlike *Elden Ring*, *Steelrising* doesn’t offer an open world. It features linear stages, reminiscent of classic games, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The levels are packed with details, enemies, and collectibles.

Combat revolves around dodging fast enemy attacks and breaking through their metallic defenses. The enemies, being machines, emit metallic clashing sounds during battles, enhancing the immersion.

While boss fights are challenging, they often lack variety. On the brighter side, the game offers diverse weapon designs, each with unique mechanics that encourage experimentation. For example, there’s a weapon resembling a fan with sharp blades that can be used offensively or defensively.

The game features four classes: Alchemist, Bodyguard, Dancer, and Soldier, each with distinct abilities. Alchemists excel in fire attacks, while Bodyguards focus on defense. The Dancer class is agile and ideal for stealth gameplay, making the game more accessible for players new to Souls-likes.

Arabic Localization

The game includes Arabic subtitles, which are decent but contain minor errors. If you’re not comfortable with English, the Arabic option is fine; otherwise, playing in English is recommended.

Visually, the game isn’t groundbreaking but features beautiful level designs. The alternate history setting of the French Revolution is rarely explored, making it a treat to explore.

Technically, the game performs well on all platforms but doesn’t offer anything extraordinary. While it supports ray tracing on PC, the performance impact isn’t worth the minimal visual improvement.

Overall, *Steelrising* is an enjoyable Souls-like experience, especially for newcomers to the genre. However, the story leaves much to be desired. Despite its shortcomings, it’s a game worth trying for its fun combat and unique setting.

Rating

7.5/10

Available now at Gamezawy Store.