Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Review

In the world of video games, taking on the gods has become a popular theme, with characters like Kratos, Bayonetta, and Terra Branford leading the charge. The action-RPG soulslike Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn introduces a new duo of god killers, Nor and Enki, to the mix. While the game follows a familiar narrative of seeking vengeance against powerful deities, it falls short of reaching the heights set by its predecessors, borrowing elements from various genres without establishing a unique identity. Despite this drawback, Flintlock manages to captivate players with its flashy combat and agile movement throughout the near-completionist experience.

Developer A44, known for its previous game Ashen, delivers Flintlock as a spiritual successor with similarities in combat mechanics, storytelling, and overall design. The new game focuses on enhancing combat with brutal and cinematic finishers, introducing mechanics like an experience multiplier to add depth and tension to the soulslike gameplay.

The journey of Nor and Enki unfolds as a story of revenge and redemption, with Nor seeking justice for the wrongs done to her by the gods. While Nor’s quest may fall into cliches at times, the evolving bond between Nor and Enki remains a highlight, offering moments of charm and curiosity. The minimalistic cutscenes from the perspective of another NPC provide a different angle to the story but may leave gaps in the narrative.

Flintlock’s combat system is fast-paced and fluid, allowing players to chain attacks seamlessly across various weapons and magical abilities. The addition of armor pieces with unique effects adds depth to the customization options, encouraging players to experiment with different playstyles.

Enki’s abilities, from curses to powerful attacks, complement Nor’s skills in combat, sometimes making him feel overpowered. The game introduces a combo multiplier mechanic that rewards players for maintaining a streak of successful attacks, adding a layer of strategy to the fast-paced battles.

Skills trees for gun, magic, and melee upgrades offer flexibility in character progression, allowing players to tailor their abilities to suit their playstyle. Unlocking high-tier abilities early can provide a significant advantage in challenging boss fights.

Flintlock’s world is filled with secrets and sidequests, encouraging players to explore every corner for rewards and hidden lore. Shortcuts and interactive elements like energy rifts add depth to the exploration experience, providing convenient ways to navigate the vast environments.

Sidequests offer a mix of engaging tasks and unexpected twists, diversifying the gameplay experience beyond the main storyline. Collectibles and mini-games like Sebo provide additional incentives for players to delve deeper into the game world.