Stonemachia

Minor rough edges aside, Crossfall Games has managed to craft a product that is impressive and solid in every respect. Stonemachia proves that hitting the mark doesn't necessarily require revolutionizing a genre, and that simplification doesn't mean a loss of depth. After all, just as in chess, even the humblest pawn can make it to the other side and even deliver checkmate to the king.

Stonemachia stands out for its personality, atmosphere, and original ideas. Not technically flawless, yet it delivers a solid, engaging soulslike that leaves a lasting impression.

Stonemachia is one of those games that a lot of soulslike players will try to pick up automatically, as they want more content in this exciting genre. But I felt that it’s very approachable even for a newcomer to this genre. It’s fun to play, it offers a lot of different ways to experiment, and best of all, it’s just a pleasure to plow through enemies, become stronger and tackle the game’s intense bosses. Yes, it does have some quality-of-life issues, like the lack of fast travel. I also encountered some bugs like getting stuck in a pole or the scenery while attacking enemies. But those are not dealbreakers and they certainly don’t deter the overall experience. Stonemachia is a game that brings a unique touch to the genre, with great bosses, an interesting world and exciting lore. And thankfully, it’s also fair difficulty-wise, so it respects your time as well.

Stonemachia is a brutal and visceral dark fantasy that bravely strips away RPG bloat to focus entirely on a masterfully crafted, Sekiro-inspired parry system. Despite some structural missteps - such as the baffling lack of fast travel - its unsettling Italian folklore setting, shape-shifting combat mechanics, and relentless rhythmic swordplay make it an uncompromising and deeply rewarding experience.