Many games draw inspiration from From Software’s Souls games, but Enotria: The Last Song stands out as a title aiming to make this challenging genre more accessible to a wider audience.

I had the opportunity to play Enotria at the Summer Game Fest’s Play Days event, where developer Jyamma Games showcased a demo featuring a boss rush of three formidable foes. From a jester-like miniboss with a spear to a wispy magic-user and a giant puppet monster, each battle progressively increased in difficulty. Despite the tough encounters, I managed to defeat all three opponents within the limited hour-long demo slot, thanks in part to guidance from Jyamma producer Eduoardo Basile on Enotria’s unique combat systems.

Enotria retains the core mechanics of a Souls-like game, emphasizing aggressive combat and precise parrying akin to Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. However, what sets Enotria apart is its innovative approach to character customization and loadouts. Players can effortlessly switch between three loadouts during combat, each tailored to different playstyles and strategies. By collecting masks from defeated enemies, players can enhance specific aspects of their character, such as defense or elemental damage, allowing for adaptability in the heat of battle.

The dynamic gameplay in Enotria was evident during the boss rush, where changing loadouts on the fly proved essential. Adapting to each enemy’s strengths and weaknesses with the right mask and weapon combination added a strategic layer to the otherwise challenging encounters. This flexibility in approach aims to provide players with more options and a less restrictive gameplay experience throughout Enotria’s extensive playtime.

While Enotria maintains the intense combat characteristics of a Souls-like game, it also introduces new elements like shield gems for parrying and a stagger mechanic based on enemy poise. These features, combined with versatile loadouts and weapon swaps, offer a fresh take on the genre, rewarding thoughtful strategy alongside precise execution.

Beyond its engaging gameplay, Enotria’s captivating setting and narrative draw inspiration from Italian folklore, creating a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional Souls-like titles. By blending cultural themes with immersive storytelling techniques, Enotria aims to offer a unique experience that resonates with players on both gameplay and narrative levels.

Enotria’s approach to the Souls-like genre represents a fresh perspective that seeks to expand the appeal of these challenging games to a broader audience. With its engaging combat mechanics, innovative character customization, and rich narrative backdrop, Enotria is poised to offer a compelling experience for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

If you’re interested in experiencing Enotria firsthand, an eight-hour demo is currently available as part of Steam Next Fest. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into a new and exciting world of challenging gameplay and captivating storytelling.