A few weeks ago, I told you about Soulstice and the exchange I had with the devs who were particularly proud of their work, rightly so. Today, I present to you the sequel with a longer and more content demo to get us started on what awaits us in the final game. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to try a little more of a title that I'm eagerly awaiting, and let you discover it right away!
Summary of the previous demo
The game seemed to me to be clean, fast and naughty when needed, but with many subtleties that seemed quite promising to me. I was eager to see the continuation of the adventure. The graphics and the crazy atmosphere interested me just as much as the gameplay. In terms of the story, once again, difficult to say with the fragments of a demo.
NEW ARRIVALS
First thing that pleases: the location. The game therefore offers us full support for written French but will of course remain in VOST FR in terms of audio. Something that will reassure many players who don't particularly like playing in a language other than their own, or who simply have difficulty in English. This is coupled with a more in-depth story discovery, which tells us more about Briar and Lute than before. Especially on Briar's touching journey, how corrupt and terribly unstable as a chimera, and how she risks losing Lute if she gets out of control...
But even more, it seems that a masterful plot is being hatched in which no suspect can be excluded, and where every ally is a potential enemy. Including Layton, your favorite skill and item vendor who will insult you for your own good. Healing items, or those that will allow you to resume a fight when you have no more life, are available for a red soul currency. Sure you will find some from time to time, but the merchant remains the simplest. In terms of weapons and combat, I was finally able to test what is called synergy. The unit between Lute and Briar allows you to unleash a devastating super attack depending on the weapon you have in hand, and the skills you have purchased. But that requires having your unit gauge fully filled and successfully completing the combo. Who asked for proper eradication?
Moreover, many skills are present, but also the level of mastery which increases the damage of secondary weapons, as well as the display of their strength and weakness. A good thing as it is that will allow you to decide what to use and when, especially when you see the new enemies that have appeared. Funny little thought: some use a beam that reminded me of the azure comet of the famous Elden Ring mage build, strangely it takes quite a lot if you cash it. Besides, I was able to test a new weapon: the hand of punishment. A weapon that breaks armor and allows powerful chains and devastating blows against armor, but which has, as a weakness, ferocious monsters. The synergies of each weapon and armor always take us further and exterminate enemies in creative ways.
Regarding the pace of the game, one thing disturbs me. The action and exploration phases are certainly interesting, but sometimes cut the pace a little and will require an effort not to drop out at the start. The ensuing fights are still tough, especially with the many difficulty modes that have been implemented. You can either make a story without too much difficulty, or prepare to grind dry on many passages.
Summary
This new version always promises us more interesting things than ever. Once again, a demo is not equivalent to a final game, but already authorizes me to say that I like this game on the current elements that are offered to us. It remains to be seen whether the sequel will be as good on the length. But the dark story, the general design and the atmosphere as bloody as it is successful lead me to say that it could be a very good surprise. Let's wait to see the final version which should offer more than a few hours cut into chapters. This time, I will give you as factual and unbiased a summary as possible. In the meantime, I leave you with this impression which seems really good to me.
