Open World RPG!
It's that time again for a new episode of Chichuki Plays, the show where I go hands-on with upcoming games and show them off. Usually, it's about an hour or so but I don't want to spoil too much of the game for you. This time we're looking at Ardenfall on Steam. Fans of open world RPGs will want to check this one out.
This version of Ardenfall is a demo and it will have its share of hiccups. Right at the start of the video, you can see that when the game loads, the background/border has a little trouble. Just know going into these early demo builds, things like this will happen. I really liked the customization in the game. You have to pick your race, sex, and age at the start of the game. For science, of course, I went with a female Karu Elf. The other aces were cool looking as well so pick one you like if you play. Another interesting feature is that you get to set starting abilities/skills. If you have played Darck Souls, think of the beginning in that game where you pick starting skills and items. In Ardenfall you get to set attributes at the start where you get to assign points to different skills. Strength and Carisma are just two of the skills you can level up. You can also pick three major skills at the start such as speech, Light Armor, and more. These skills could be just what you need to get through a certain area.
By the feel of things, Ardenfall wants you to be aware of your surroundings, picking up everything you come across. That being said, you can become weighed down very quickly so be careful. You will be able to sell items/stuff as well as drop things you think you won't' need. You'll be able to find new clothes, armor, weapons and more so make sure you explore. You'll also want to talk to most people you come across as that could be the only way to progress the story. It could also be the only way you get yourself some juicy information.
Like most of these games, you feel helpless until you find a weapon. That's another reason to look around as I found my first weapon sticking out of some brush. There is a "skill wheel" that allows you to fast equip/use items/weapons and such. I found it to be very annoying to use. It took me awhile to figure it out but eventually I got the hang of it. You don't really need to use it until you get more than one weapon. While playing, I didn't see a lock-on feature and that would make combat much easier. I found myself missing attacks a lot because I was having a tough time aiming my sword/axe. I didn't have that issue with the bow and arrow, but I digress.
Being able to find certain locations that will heal you from time to time is a nice feature. I think I feel that way because almost everything you come across can hurt/kill you. Different items have different attributes so be aware of that. You might find one piece of clothing that is good and then find something better. Combat is pretty straight forward as you can use your weapon to attack with light at heavy attacks. You can also parry/block with said weapon. I found blocking the better option because it leaves enemies wide open for counters. You'll also find treasure chests but if you don't have the right equipment, like a lockpick, you won't be able to open them. I also would like to see the game maybe add a compass or map so you can set what direction/area you want to go because I don't believe I saw one in the demo.
Open world games are all the rage right now and Ardenfall is an interesting take on the genre. It will be cool to see what this game looks like later in development.
Make sure you check out the hands-on video below!