The Last Faith Review (PS4) – As 2023 served as a year hosting epic gaming experiences, The Last Faith emerges as yet another shining beacon, a testament to the mastery of its craft.
Developed for both PS5 & PS4 by Team Kumi, this gothic masterpiece seamlessly blends the essence of Bloodborne, Castlevania, and Metroid, resulting in an experience that transcends its influences to stand on its own as a dark and compelling journey.
With exceptional combat, fantastic retro visuals, animations, an incredible score, and deep lore The Last Faith is an excellent game that you don’t want to miss
The Last Faith Review (PS4) – A Masterful, Gothic Symphony Of Soulsborne And Metroidvania
Fantastic Fusion of Influences
From the moment you step into the desolate world of The Last Faith, it’s evident that the developers have skillfully woven together the DNA of Bloodborne, Castlevania, and Metroid.
The dark and gothic atmosphere pays homage to the haunting beauty of Bloodborne, while the exploration mechanics and level design draw inspiration from the intricate worlds of Castlevania and Metroid. This amalgamation creates an unparalleled gaming experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.
For fans of Bloodborne, The Last Faith feels like a side-scrolling version of the iconic title. Many features synonymous with Bloodborne, from the weighty combat to the dark aesthetic, find a new home in this haunting world.
The Last Faith successfully captures the essence of its inspiration while introducing innovative elements that set it apart.
Exploration in this game is not a mindless endeavour but a thoughtful process. The inclusion of a marker system allows you to strategically place points of interest on the map, enhancing the overall exploration experience.
This attention to detail ensures that no corner of the dark and atmospheric world goes unexplored, and every secret is within your grasp.
Gothic World With A Soulless Heart
The world of The Last Faith is a hauntingly beautiful testament to the absence of faith and existence. The dark and gothic landscapes, devoid of life, paint a poignant picture of a world on the brink of collapse.
This atmospheric backdrop serves as the perfect canvas for the diverse and unique foes that populate the game, each presenting a different challenge that demands adaptability and skill.
The characters feel alive and carry a sense of value that enhances the overall narrative. The voice acting is exceptional, adding depth to the story and making every interaction a memorable experience. The game’s lore is scattered throughout the world, providing a narrative that is both easy to follow and deeply engaging.
The Last Faith is a testament to the art of exploration. Levels are meticulously designed, and each area rewards players for their curiosity. Whether climbing walls, hooking onto grapple hooks, or manipulating the environment, the game offers multiple ways to traverse its dark landscapes.
The result is a sense of discovery that keeps players engaged for hours on end, with the promise of hidden secrets encouraging replayability.
Resources are limited, and enemies pose a significant challenge. This necessitates a smart and patient approach to combat scenarios, adding a layer of tension to every encounter.
The need to think on your toes and carefully manage items and supplies enhances the overall depth of the gameplay, ensuring that every decision matters.
Brutal Executions: A Visceral Addition To Combat
The combat in The Last Faith is nothing short of spectacular. It’s a symphony of violence that echoes the best elements of Bloodborne.
The visceral and bloody engagements keep you on the edge of your seat, with every swing of your weapon or dodge feeling weighty and impactful. The ability to roll and step back, coupled with immediate counter-attacks, adds a layer of depth to combat that rewards skill and precision.
The game allows players the freedom to customize their playstyle with a variety of combat builds.
Whether you prefer melee weapons, powerful spells, or long-range firearms, the game provides the tools to create a character that suits your preferred approach. This diversity enhances replayability, encouraging players to explore different strategies and discover new ways to overcome challenges.
Boss fights are nothing short of epic, requiring a combination of skill, strategy, and patience. Each encounter feels unique and is a testament to the game’s exceptional design.
Accompanying these battles is a musical score that elevates the experience to new heights, creating an atmospheric backdrop that complements the dark and immersive world.
One noteworthy aspect that elevates the combat experience in The Last Faith is the incorporation of brutal and bloody executions, easily executed with the press of the triangle button.
This visceral addition adds a layer of intensity to the already gripping combat, allowing players to unleash devastating finishing moves that leave a lasting impact.
The executions not only serve as a visual feast for the players but also act as a strategic choice during battles. The decision to execute an enemy becomes a tactical consideration, as the animation time leaves the player vulnerable to other foes.
This thoughtful integration of brutal executions into the combat system not only enhances the visual spectacle but also deepens the overall strategy, providing players with an additional layer of choice in how they approach each encounter.
The animations themselves are a testament to the dark and gothic aesthetic of the game. Each execution is meticulously crafted to fit the tone of the world, further immersing players in the grim atmosphere.
The combination of precise combat mechanics and the option for brutal executions ensures that every engagement in The Last Faith is a memorable and pulse-pounding experience, cementing its status as a true masterpiece in the gaming landscape.
Fluid Animations: A Symphony Of Smoothness
In the grim world of The Last Faith, where every step could be your last, the fluidity and polish of animations become a beacon of excellence. For a game of its genre, where precision in movement and combat is paramount, The Last Faith exceeds expectations with animations that are remarkably smooth and polished.
The combat mechanics are a true highlight, striking a perfect balance between the punishing nature of Soulsborne titles and the strategic depth of Metroidvania games.
The diverse skill set, including special kills, counters, and unique weapon attacks, allows for a multitude of combat approaches. It’s a system that rewards adaptation, forcing players to tailor their strategies to the diverse array of enemies encountered.
Navigating the dark landscapes and engaging in visceral combat feels like a dance of death, thanks to the impeccable animation work.
Every stride, dodge, and attack is executed with a level of finesse that not only enhances the visual appeal but, more importantly, contributes to the tight and pristine control players have over their character.
The responsiveness of the controls is complemented by the seamless transitions between animations. Whether executing a swift dodge to evade a monstrous foe or delivering a bone-crushing blow, the animations contribute to the overall sense of immersion.
This level of attention to detail in animation not only heightens the player’s connection to the character but also serves as a testament to the developers’ commitment to delivering a top-tier gaming experience.
In a genre where precision can be the difference between life and death, The Last Faith stands out as a testament to fluidity in motion. The smooth and polished animations enhance the already stellar gameplay, creating an experience where each movement feels deliberate, and each strike carries weight.
It’s a testament to the dedication of the development team, ensuring that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of players seeking tight, responsive controls in their dark and challenging journey.
A Masterclass Of Its Genre
In conclusion, The Last Faith stands as a masterclass in its genre, improving upon the foundations laid by its predecessors in every conceivable way.
The game’s fusion of Soulsborne and Metroidvania elements, coupled with its dark and atmospheric world, exceptional combat mechanics, and deep narrative, create an experience that transcends the sum of its parts.
The Last Faith is not just a game; it’s a haunting symphony of gameplay, storytelling, and atmosphere that expresses the best of the genre. It’s a journey that demands to be experienced, a masterpiece that will leave an indelible mark on the souls of those who dare to step into its dark embrace.
The Last Faith is now available on PS5 and PS4.
Review code kindly provided by the developer.