Let’s be honest, prior to playing this instalment I was quite oblivious to the existence of this franchise, but now that I have played it, I have to question myself, how did I not know that something this awesome was out there? Maybe if I hadn’t have known, I wouldn’t have gripped a lot of frustration. Now, do note that I haven’t managed to play the first one, so I can’t say exactly how the game has evolved.
If you are familiar with games like Diablo (the console version) or Helldivers, the game pretty much works like that. Where you are given an isometric view of the gameplay, move with one stick, aim with another, then use the right trigger on your controller to attack. However, where it gets more complicated and intelligent is in its elemental system. You see, after a well laid out tutorial, narrated by Vlad (who is completely not a vampire by the way); you are given control of several elemental powers, ranging from Earth, to Fire to Water. Yet, your ability to productively use them in different combinations is what will give you a chance in the game’s arduous world.
The way this mechanic works is that you can either apply just a single element at the press of a button or combine multiple to create an attack queue. After doing this, you can either cast your spell outwards or apply it to yourself. Different combinations will result in different effects. For example combining some elements and then using it on yourself can give you a rock armour, while if you were to use it externally would cause you to form a barrier around you.
Another example is using a specific set of elements to create projectiles that explode on impact, now if you were to cast it on yourself, you would obviously take damage. Interestingly, if you were to take out the damaging factor in this spell and replace it with a healing one you would basically be shooting projectiles, that when exploded, give vitality points rather than take them away. Sometimes you will have to cast an offensive spell on yourself to counteract something. Let’s say you are soaked, and if you were to utilise the electricity element, you would shock yourself. So before doing that, it would be wise to cast fire on yourself to dry off. There are several other counter-measures you will have to take, and they are all interesting.
The combinations are overall really interesting, and you can spend a good amount of time just mastering and getting comfortable with them. Unfortunately, the game does seem to be quite off balanced in regards to the enemies you face. Thing is, when you mix the complicated elemental system with the strenuous nature of the enemies, the gameplay becomes rather frustrating. In fact, I have just come to realise that co-op is a crucial aspect of the game, as playing solo will more than likely end with your demise, as the enemies are just that difficult to face.
Still however, if you have a good group of friends to play with, the gameplay becomes much more manageable, and mixed with the wonderful elemental system, the game really shines. The networking seems fine too, and I have never faced any connectivity problems while playing it. Furthermore, the overall story and tone of the game is quite humorous and charming, so actually getting to enjoy the game isn’t a difficult feat, and the overall experience is definitely not an adamant one.
Combining different elements during the heat of the battle truly makes you feel like you are casting spells and practicing magic. A lot of different games in my opinion can learn something from this. It really is seamless creating different spells with the press of a few buttons. Just get ready to face an exceptional amount of challenges, but once you do get comfortable with that, the game will be more than worth it. Co-op is definitely how the game is meant to be played!