Immortals Fenyx Rising Preview

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Fast Facts

Immortals Fenyx Rising

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
Publisher: Ubisoft
Website: https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/immortals-fenyx-rising
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Platform: Stadia (will also available for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 & PC)
Age Rating: PEGI 12
Release Date: 03/12/20
Price: £49.99 – £54.99

This preview is based off a demo

Ubisoft recently graced the gaming public with a new demo for Immortal Fenyx Rising that was playable on the Google Stadia between October 22nd and 29th. Join us as we take a quick peek at this brand new title from the studio behind the critically acclaimed Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (check out our thoughts on it here). Remember, this preview is based on the demo and not the final product.  

A Tale of Gods and Monsters

During E3 2019, Ubisoft announced a game known only as “Gods and Monsters”. This trailer showed very little about the game, aside from its Ancient Greek setting, and gave an ambitious release date of February 2020. A few details were spoken about, such as how the player would confront ancient beasts, use the powers of the gods and explore a vast open world with a unique art style. Roll on September 2020, the original name is gone (due to a trademark dispute with Monster Energy) and the final title of this game became Immortals Fenyx Rising.  

If Ancient Greek mythology is your thing, then Immortals Fenyx Rising is going to be perfect for you. Narrated by Zeus and Prometheus, the two deliver important story points in cutscenes as well as over the top of gameplay (similar to how Bastion did it). The writers have done an amazing job of conveying a deep plot that engages the player but will never fail to make them laugh, the comedy included here is just right. Players control Fenyx as they battle to save the gods that have fallen at the hands of the titan Typhon. Little is given away in this demo, however, what is shown is that the developers are tapping into every aspect of the mythology as they can. From Cerberus to Minotaurs and even the Cyclopes (this demo’s final boss), this title is shaping up to be as true as possible to its source material.

As If Made by Aphrodite Herself

Immortals Fenyx Rising has a distinct art style that you cannot help find gorgeous. The developers and designers have been able to capture the mysticism of Ancient Greece, as well as make all the fast-paced combat and world traversal pop out of the screen.

The same can be said for the sound design: the composers have captured a distinct mythological feeling with the music used in Immortals. What little that is available in the demo, is certainly a treat to listen to. Dialogue is delivered brilliantly too, with both the jokey and serious moments hitting the spot perfectly each time.

When in Greece Do as the Greeks Do

It’s hard to not compare this game to The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, but is that such a bad thing? What Zelda did for the open-world adventure game genre cannot be discounted and the team behind Immortals have embraced each aspect and added their distinct differences. Players will find themselves running, jumping, climbing, swimming, gliding and even riding a mount around this expansive world. A stamina bar will dictate how long players can perform certain activities, but also this can be replenished by consuming the appropriate potions/ingredients. Ingredients are dotted around the world that players can collect to place into strategically placed pots to combine them to make the corresponding potions. There’s not much depth to this, but it certainly keeps your eyes open and causes players to think about if they actually will make it up that cliff face. 

Ares and Coeus Combined

Greek mythology is full of combat and Immortals Fenyx Rising is no exception here. The fighting in this game does feel a little more hack-and-slash than usual action-adventure games, but the number of special moves available does help players feel like they’re using the powers of the gods in battle. Sword, axes and bows are at your disposal to take down enemies but there are also special skills that can be unlocked and equipped to provide much more devastating damage. Everything you use can be upgraded too, from weapons to armour and even your wings/mount. A great unique take on this is that the game lets you have the stats of one weapon without it being tied to a certain skin, you’re free to choose from any you’ve unlocked. This means that players won’t find themselves sacrificing looks for stats (or visa versa).  

Immortals Fenyx Rising rewards players for thinking outside the box too. Be it with the many puzzles that litter the lands, to going off the beaten path. Taking your time to explore an area and not just proceed to the next story checkpoint can often pay off with upgrades and new items.

Ubisoft appears to have a game here with a lot of charm and potential that utilises a great theme, amazing gameplay and a unique presentation style. Immortals Fenyx Rising is shaping up to be a game that shouldn’t be ignored. We’ll have to wait until the full release to see if the game is going to be as good as this demo makes out. However, all signs point to yes.