Enotria: The Last Song brings a fresh twist to the soulslike genre, immersing players in a world steeped in Italian folklore. With its unique mask-swapping mechanic and the mystical power of Ardore, this game offers a compelling experience that both entices and challenges players. As you traverse the vibrant landscapes of Enotria, you’ll find yourself caught between the allure of its rich cultural tapestry and the demanding combat that lies at its core.

Story and Setting: A Tale of Two Worlds

The game’s narrative unfolds in a captivating Italian-inspired setting, where bustling villages teem with life (or rather, enemies) engaged in dance and performance. This lively exterior, however, belies a darker undercurrent. Beneath the sun-drenched streets lies an eerie, plant-filled underworld, creating a stark contrast that adds depth to the game’s atmosphere.

While the story is rich with potential, its delivery may prove challenging for some players. Much of the lore is conveyed through in-game texts, requiring careful attention to fully grasp the narrative threads. Side quests and optional bosses, such as the formidable Giangurgolo, Champion of Veltha, offer additional layers to the overarching tale.

For players unfamiliar with Italian folklore, the storytelling might feel disjointed at times. However, the developers’ efforts to bring this unique cultural backdrop to life are evident throughout the game.

Expansive World Design

Enotria boasts a sprawling map that captures the essence of Italy with remarkable fidelity. From picturesque villages to the iconic Colosseum and Aegean Sea-inspired coastlines, the game world is a visual feast. The sheer size of the map offers ample opportunity for exploration, with optional bosses and hidden areas rewarding curious players.

The attention to detail in the environment design is commendable. Each area feels distinct, with its own architectural style, color palette, and atmosphere. The Italian village serves as a central hub, bustling with activity and cultural references. In contrast, the underground areas offer a darker, more mysterious ambiance, filled with twisting plant life and ancient secrets. The inclusion of landmarks like the Colosseum adds authenticity to the world, grounding the fantastical elements in a recognizable Italian context.

The game’s artistic direction shines in its environmental storytelling. Players can glean much about the world and its history simply by observing their surroundings. From crumbling statues to ornate frescoes, every element of the world design contributes to the overall narrative and atmosphere.

However, the vastness of the world, combined with the sometimes unclear storytelling, can lead to confusion. Players may find themselves unsure of their main objectives, potentially getting sidetracked by optional content. While this freedom is appreciated, it may leave some players feeling adrift in the expansive landscape. The game’s guidance system, or lack thereof, might frustrate those accustomed to more directed experiences. Finding the balance between open-world exploration and narrative progression proves to be one of Enotria’s ongoing challenges.

Gameplay: Mastering the Art of the Parry

At its core, Enotria’s gameplay revolves around three key elements: masks, spells, and weapons. The mask system, in particular, stands out as a unique feature, allowing players to switch between different loadouts on the fly. Each mask offers distinct advantages, encouraging experimentation with various builds.

The mask system adds a layer of strategy to combat encounters. Players can customize up to three loadouts, each with its own main core and skills. This flexibility allows for adaptation to different combat situations and enemy types. One mask might focus on aggressive, close-quarters combat, while another could emphasize ranged spellcasting. The ability to switch between these loadouts mid-battle adds a dynamic element to fights, rewarding players who can think on their feet and utilize their entire arsenal effectively.

Spells and weapons further augment the player’s options, offering a wide range of combat styles. From traditional swords and shields to more exotic weaponry, the game provides plenty of tools for players to experiment with. Similarly, the spell system allows for both offensive and defensive magical abilities, adding another dimension to combat strategy.

However, the game’s combat ultimately hinges on one crucial mechanic: parrying. While initially satisfying, the heavy reliance on parrying can lead to a sense of repetition. As players progress, they may find that mastering the parry becomes not just advantageous, but necessary for success, particularly in boss encounters. This focus on a single mechanic may limit the perceived utility of the diverse arsenal at the player’s disposal.

Bosses: Challenging Encounters Spoiled by Inconsistency

Boss battles in Enotria: The Last Song offer a mix of humanoid and monstrous foes, each presenting unique challenges. The diversity in boss types keeps players on their toes, requiring adaptation of strategies and loadouts. Humanoid bosses like knights test the player’s ability to read and counter attack patterns, while more monstrous foes like the giant crab present unique challenges in terms of positioning and target prioritization. Optional bosses like Giangurgolo, Champion of Veltha, add extra depth to the game, offering tough but rewarding fights for players seeking additional challenges.

However, some bosses suffer from unpredictable attack patterns, which can lead to frustration. Players may find themselves relying more on quick reactions than strategic planning in these fights. Additionally, the presence of bugs during boss encounters, such as disappearing health bars or bosses becoming stuck, detracts from the overall experience.

Technical Issues: A Thorn in Enotria’s Side

While Enotria: The Last Song shows great promise, it is currently plagued by technical issues that impact the player experience. Bugs ranging from minor graphical glitches to more severe problems like players getting stuck when entering boss rooms are unfortunately common. These technical hiccups significantly detract from the game’s otherwise immersive atmosphere and engaging gameplay.

The frequency and variety of bugs encountered suggest that the game may have benefited from additional polish before release. Issues like disappearing boss health bars not only create confusion but can also lead to unfair deaths, potentially souring players on the experience. More severe bugs, such as bosses becoming unresponsive or players getting trapped in level geometry, can bring progress to a halt, forcing restarts and lost progress. These technical problems are particularly disappointing given the obvious care and attention put into the game’s world design and narrative elements.

Conclusion: A Flawed Gem with Potential

Enotria: The Last Song presents a unique vision within the soulslike genre, offering a rich, Italian folklore-inspired world and innovative gameplay concepts. Its stunning art direction, atmospheric music, and ambitious scope are praiseworthy. The mask system and the integration of Italian cultural elements set it apart from other games in the genre, providing a fresh experience for players tired of the usual medieval or dark fantasy settings.

The storytelling, while rich in potential, may prove challenging for players unfamiliar with Italian folklore or those who prefer more direct narrative delivery. The reliance on in-game texts and optional content to convey important lore can lead to a disjointed narrative experience for some players. Most critically, the technical issues present at launch significantly impact the overall quality of the experience. These bugs and glitches disrupt the flow of gameplay and can turn otherwise exciting moments into frustrating ordeals.

For players willing to overlook its flaws, Enotria: The Last Song offers a challenging and visually striking journey through a fascinating cultural landscape. The unique setting, innovative mask system, and ambitious world design provide plenty of reasons for soulslike fans to give the game a chance. With some refinement and bug fixes, it could evolve into a standout title in the soulslike genre.

Reviewed on PC via Steam, Provided by SEGA Asia

Enotria: The Last Song

Publisher: Jyamma Games

Developer: Jyamma Games

Release Date: 2024-09-19

Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Steam, Xbox Series X|S

Set in a beautiful sun-lit world inspired by Italian folklore where the brightest sun casts the darkest shadow, become the Mask of Change and free a world of unwilling actors, stuck in an eternal script not of their making.