It will hook you with its satisfying combat, fast-paced exploration, and fascinating environments.
Knowing when to use what attack makes all the difference.
What is it?Art & performanceStory & charactersCombat & gameplayShould you play it?
Enki is a mysterious fox-like creature that joins Nor on her journey.
You see, I’ve never really been interested in the Soulslike genre.
Not evenElden Ringcould tempt me, despite many friends saying it was one of the more approachable Soulslikes.
This Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn review was conducted on Xbox Series X. Thankfully, you have the help of a supernatural fox-like entity to make things easier.
When separated from her comrades, she is joined by Enki, a mysterious fox-like creature with supernatural powers.
My own experience playing this game helped me to see that this is an accurate description.
Flintlock also has a good deal of platforming, which isn’t necessarily something that Soulslikes are known for.
Things don’t go well, and she gets separated from her friends, unsure of their fate.
Shortly thereafter, a small fox-like creature named Enki joins her side.
Mysteries revolve around Enki, and you’ll uncover more information about this curious creature as the story progresses.
Enki is a mysterious fox-like creature that joins Nor on her journey.
It’s obvious that a lot of effort went into the creation of this world.
What’s more, the game has an interesting plot.
However, the actual main character relationship does not sell the tale well.
Interacting with these skull-topped podiums unlocks rifts so you can easily travel to areas you’ve previously been.
If anything, sometimes they respond to each other in ways that don’t make sense.
On the one hand, environments and landscapes look stunning and detailed.
I found myself intentionally walking over to the cliffs simply to take in the beautiful views.
Uru is a powerful god who you meet at the beginning of the game.
However, Flintlock’s character designs and environments send out contrasting vibes that don’t always work together.
However, the coffee shop hosts she encounters definitely seem god-like, and yet Nor loves talking to them.
For this reason, it seems like there is a disconnect between character design and plot sometimes.
Human character faces don’t look as polished as other aspects of the game, which detracts from cutscenes.
It gives off the right vibes for a powerful and dangerous otherworldly deity.
Some enemies and bosses feel very generic.
It would feel better if these disparate design choices had some kind of meaning for the plot.
To play Flintlock well, you need to respond quickly to enemy movements, so it’s a good thing Flintlock runs well.
But as it is, some of the gods aren’t very memorable.
Alternatively, there are sometimes random NPCs or people in your camp who will want assistance.
Sebo has two phases.
If you find explosive barrels, you can place them at designated spots, shoot them, and uncover hidden areas.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to get Reputation when exploring Flintlock’s world.
To help with navigation, there are multiple fast-travel beacons all around the map.
you could basically fast-travel at any point in time unless you’re in combat.
Sebo is a two-part board game where you attempt to form your pieces into a triangle and then attempt to block your opponent from doing the same.
The map is also often filled with steep slopes that activate a sliding sequence when Nor approaches.
Speaking of, Flintlock does an excellent job of rewarding players for exploration.
Speaking of, certain weapons work better against specific foes.
When two map icons are too close to each other, it can be difficult to select a fast travel area.
Meanwhile, getting a hammer made it easier for me to defeat armored enemies.
it’s possible for you to equip two melee weapons at once and swap between them using the D-Pad.
There are often useful items or gear in these secret spots.
In addition to fast travel, Nor can quickly shoot around the map with the use of rifts.
Just verify Nor isn’t too close to the blast or she can get killed.
Enki also has different skills and abilities that he can equip.
One of my favorites being his ability to restore my health as I hack away at enemies.
Enemies are weak to different types of weapons, so it’s important to find as much gear as possible.
As you might guess, this puts an added desire to do well in combat.
This puts added pressure to play well and spend your points regularly.
You heard that right.
The Reputation multiplier ads an added risk to reward scenario to combat.
Unlike other Soulslike games like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, you might actually pause Flintlock if needed.
If enemies are too hard, change to Story mode.
Alternatively, if enemies feel too easy, up the difficulty to Possessed mode.
You can spend Reputation points on the Skill Tree, cosmetic clothing, or gear upgrades.(Image credit: Windows Central)
The game will just warn you that Achievements won’t be unlocked if you change modes mid-game.
Gameplay was notably easier, with Nor taking a whole lot less damage than on Normal mode.
That said, I’m sure Story mode could still prove challenging for some.
You’ll find more gear and useful items as you explore the maps in Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn.(Image credit: Windows Central)
But these options make the game one of the most approachable Soulslikes, which is nice.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Should you play it?
While bosses were difficult, they always felt fair and balanced.
When a rift is active, it appears like a downward triangle that floats in the air.
As such, it’s satisfying to check the corners of the map and look for hidden goodies.
Is Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Kepler Interactive’s Soulslite with platforming elements is coming to Game Pass on day one.
Can I play Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn on Steam Deck and gaming handhelds?
Valve marks Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn as Playable under Steam Deck compatibility.
However, in-game text can be small and difficult to read.
Taking on a powerful god didn’t go so well.
