Elderand

 PC
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Gaming Nexus
    Feb 16, 2023
    95
    If you’re into Metroidvanias, Elderand is a fantastic entry for the genre. The game looks and sounds great, the controls and mechanics and tight and responsive, and the challenge is fair with tough boss fights that are very learnable. With multiple weapon types to swap between and some optional things you can do that might change the game’s outcome, there’s no doubt that I’ll be playing through Elderand again. This is definitely one I’d recommend checking out.
  2. GameGrin
    Feb 16, 2023
    90
    Elderand is a game full of mystery, monsters, exploration, and gore. With so much to see this title is sure to keep you busy for a long time. I just wish you were able to make spots on the map so you knew specific locations to come back to once you get new abilities.
  3. The Games Machine
    Mar 7, 2023
    81
    Elderand is a successful metroidvania take which adds nothing to the genre, but enhances what we are used to see in these games. The only drawback is a lack of action in the first minutes, but then the game starts to get interesting.
  5. PLAY! Zine
    Mar 9, 2023
    80
    Elderand is an excellent mix of Metroidvania and hack 'n' slash gameplay. It feels like a dark fantasy medieval Mega Man with some fresh touches. If you are a genre fan, you will surely have a blast playing it.
  6. God is a Geek
    Feb 16, 2023
    80
    Elderand is an enjoyable, old-fashioned hack ‘n’ slash adventure that will challenge you without punishing you.
  7. PC Invasion
    Feb 16, 2023
    75
    It lacks ambition and doesn't have much to differentiate it from its peers, but the design is so solid and the world is fun enough to explore that there's certainly a good time to be had in Elderand.
  8. CGMagazine
    Feb 16, 2023
    75
    The world of Elderand tickled my fancy from the beginning to the end, and kept me coming back to pick it up with its fairly standard battle mechanics and replayability factors.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Zeneko90
    Jun 8, 2023
    7
    Grund solides Metroidvania. Mit unterschiedlichen Enden. Allerdings empfand ich das Kampfsystem als relativ eintönig. Für einen geringenGrund solides Metroidvania. Mit unterschiedlichen Enden. Allerdings empfand ich das Kampfsystem als relativ eintönig. Für einen geringen "Taler" immer mal wert reinzuschnuppern.

    7/10    … Full Review »
  2. ylnylmn
    Feb 26, 2023
    6
    Metroidvania features are nice. But gameplay needs to be much better. Movement is not good. And the same with fighting. It should be more fluid.
  3. Zquaranteneuf
    Feb 22, 2023
    8
    Feels like a very classic metroidvania; relatively simple and even a bit clunky, but in a good way, and so is very reminiscent of oldschoolFeels like a very classic metroidvania; relatively simple and even a bit clunky, but in a good way, and so is very reminiscent of oldschool Castlevania games. Despite not reinventing the wheel in that genre, pretty much everything this game sets out to do, it does well.

    Great variety of weapons, magic, bows, armors, shields, items, etc. Everything feels super useful and varied aside maybe from a few consumables that are forgetable. The sense of exploration is great and intuitive, the unlockable abilities are super fun, so is the platforming, the combat is engaging (especially the fast bosses), there are tons of secrets to uncover, and the music is also quite amazing!

    The visuals leave a bit to be desired (some areas do stand out however!), but maybe that's only because I'm a huge fan of Blasphemous which set the bar VERY HIGH for pixel art and metroidvanias. Also it's a bit baffling that most of the text displayed is straight up in Times New Roman, making the dialogue and hints prompts feel unfinished when they're actually.. not.

    The story is also kinda meh. Cryptic and fine to ignore, but it does lead to great visual moments both in terms of areas to explore and boss designs.

    All and all, great little indie game for sure.
    A joy to 100% complete on my first playthrough, and will definitely play again    … Full Review »
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