There’s nothing between AAA and indie, they say. A or B tier games struggle to get any kind of attention, especially on consoles, we often hear. However, those presenting this argument are overlooking some truly engaging experiences. Last year we had Evil Dead: The Game, which certainly fits into this category, and this year we have Achilles: Legends Untold. This is a game worth your time, despite the lack of AAA status. And this Achilles: Legends Untold review will explain precisely why that is.
Developed by Dark Point Games, Achilles: Legends Untold had some time in Early Access on PC before coming fully stacked on consoles. And it’s clear from the outset that this time has been well spent. Player feedback has been addressed, production values are of a high standard and bugs or other issues are rare to be seen. Achilles: Legends Untold is clearly a labour of love. And for that, anyone with a passion for mid-tier combat games will find something of value in this title.
The combat system is first-and-foremost the most important aspect of the game. Taking its cues fro the oft-forgotten Spartan: Total Warrior, the player has light and heavy attacks as standard. This is accompanied by dodge and block manouvres, plus a kick stun and shield throw. The perspective is reminiscent of the original God of War, while the combat is as often as brutal as a soulslike. This is a game that’s as much about positioning as it is nailing the right combos. While initially going in full pelt and hammering the attack buttons may be all you need, it won’t be long until you’re facing half-a-dozen enemies with different movesets, forcing you to think tactically.
As you progress further abilities are unlocked through a simple levelling-up system. New weapons and shields can be found which will also improve your stats. This encourages you to explore the maps and find secrets which wouldn’t normally present themselves should you follow the indicated route, and also leads to the discussion on the variety of map design.
There are two types of maps in Achilles: Legends Untold. The first is a linear structure, taking you from a starting point to a climactic boss fight. Pretty standard stuff. The second are more exploratory, free reign areas in which the player has far greater agency. Here, you can wander freely. Engage or avoid enemies along your chosen path at will, smash chests for loot and find hidden areas.
When in action the visual design is of a well presented natures. Backgrounds are well detailed and the character animations are of a high quality. Less so when zoomed in for cutscenes, but Achilles: Legends Untold is definitely a product that is pushing for gameplay over story development. Perhaps that’s why our protagonist – a hero from Greek mythology – at first has an oddly forced English accent. Even more odd however, is how it changed dramatically twice during our time with the game. And not in a story progressing, character growth kind of way; more a bizarre ‘why’s he suddenly sound gruff now?’ way.
Dark Point Games’ debut is not a AAA title. It’s never going to go head-to-head with the likes of God of War Ragnarok. But as this Achilles: Legends Untold review will attest, it’s a perfectly enjoyable A tier release. Hopefully it can find an audience, and Dark Point Games get to bring us more of what the studio is clearly passionate about developing.
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