Elex

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 667 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 421 out of 667
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 667
  3. Negative: 218 out of 667
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  1. Timenick
    Mar 28, 2023
    3
    - In the first couple hours the game is straight unplayable

    - Combat is clunky trash - Graphics are from 2007 +/- Some quests are good but most of them arent - The world isnt very interesting - There are N64 games with better cut scenes and presentation + Better graphics and fps on PS5 - Lots of bugs and wonky tech Elex is basically TES IV Oblivion with some Sci-Fi    - In the first couple hours the game is straight unplayable

    - Combat is clunky trash

    - Graphics are from 2007

    +/- Some quests are good but most of them arent

    - The world isnt very interesting

    - There are N64 games with better cut scenes and presentation

    + Better graphics and fps on PS5

    - Lots of bugs and wonky tech

    Elex is basically TES IV Oblivion with some Sci-Fi sprinkled in but worse in every point. Wouldnt recommend. 3/10    … Expand
  2. UsernameX
    Jan 15, 2023
    5
    Open world is nice to explore. Voice acting is good. Some quest lines are good. .... The rest.... is sometimes atrocious. Technical issues galore on PS4 (Pro). Clunky movement. Janky combat. Could not bother finishing last 5% of the story - it all was that tedious in the end. And i already did uninstall the game around the half way point because out of frustration with crashes! The firstOpen world is nice to explore. Voice acting is good. Some quest lines are good. .... The rest.... is sometimes atrocious. Technical issues galore on PS4 (Pro). Clunky movement. Janky combat. Could not bother finishing last 5% of the story - it all was that tedious in the end. And i already did uninstall the game around the half way point because out of frustration with crashes! The first half of the game takes way too long and the last part is just really boring. | Piranha Bytes actually just did re-release Gothic (3) again.... in 2017. If it would have helped the product by cutting 50% content... they should have spent those resources into polish! But maybe the engine is just not capable helping them out enough. I dont know. Again... exploring the hand crafted open world is cool but the game has far too many issues otherwise.… Expand
  3. Krazerack
    Dec 4, 2022
    8
    A mix of Witcher 3 and Bloodborne, has some technikal issues but i like it. Great story
  4. gawster
    Mar 6, 2022
    10
    By far the most interesting RPG released on the PS4, original, fun to explore, the world of Elex is fascinating just make sure you get yourself some good armour.
  5. ZaveG
    Feb 20, 2022
    8
    I'll start by saying that objectively this games doesn't deserve a score higher than 6. Combat is clunky, the skills and character progressions are broken, and the world is a strange combination of classic medieval setting and science-fiction, which sometimes makes you think of fallout, and at other times reminds you of.. mass effect? It's a mess. BUT... as a huge fan or RPGs I don'tI'll start by saying that objectively this games doesn't deserve a score higher than 6. Combat is clunky, the skills and character progressions are broken, and the world is a strange combination of classic medieval setting and science-fiction, which sometimes makes you think of fallout, and at other times reminds you of.. mass effect? It's a mess. BUT... as a huge fan or RPGs I don't remember last time I had so much fun exploring a world, talking to NPCs and completing quests. Even if you have to grit your teeth at times it can be a great experience for some.… Expand
  6. tmlpgm
    Feb 12, 2022
    0
    Полнейший маразм от некогда хороших разработчиков. Я терпел многое: джетпак из задницы главного героя, бесконечную болтовню, тупых ИИ, убогих напарников, опять тех же мобов и т.п. Но когда мне дали квест найти молот, а он лежит под роботом, а мне нападать на него с топором - тут я все. Это самая нелепая игра в моей жизни.Полнейший маразм от некогда хороших разработчиков. Я терпел многое: джетпак из задницы главного героя, бесконечную болтовню, тупых ИИ, убогих напарников, опять тех же мобов и т.п. Но когда мне дали квест найти молот, а он лежит под роботом, а мне нападать на него с топором - тут я все. Это самая нелепая игра в моей жизни.
  7. Nataraja
    Dec 27, 2021
    8
    I believe that this is a case of individuals playing a game for a short period time (Yes I am looking at you T.J. Hafer of IGN who obvious only touched the surface of this game) and then dismissed it. The developer, Piranha Bytes, develops games that places high difficulty at the beginning of it's games and expects players to be smart enough to figure out how to advance to where they willI believe that this is a case of individuals playing a game for a short period time (Yes I am looking at you T.J. Hafer of IGN who obvious only touched the surface of this game) and then dismissed it. The developer, Piranha Bytes, develops games that places high difficulty at the beginning of it's games and expects players to be smart enough to figure out how to advance to where they will be stronger than their companions and it takes time, a lot of exploration, and quest completion to get to that point (about level 12 to 15).

    This is a well conceived game, with great world building and atmosphere, decent graphics and decent voice acting. The quest construction is amazingly well developed in that you can complete a quest if you happen upon it and can instantly complete it when you speak to the quest giver. In addition, your actions really have an impact on the world and what happens and how you are treated in future. It also has the world change at the end of the campaign and you can continue on in that altered reality - something most games don't do. When it tells you that a character will remember something or that you have changed the story, you really have and often it's not small.

    This game has few bugs (I had some loading issues when playing on PS5 via backward compatibility) but are not game breaking and yes the combat can be a bit wonky. One thing to note is that effectiveness of your companions is based on your relationship status to them - the better the relationship, the more effective the companion. It has some minor issues, but they really are minor.

    The economy is hard and forces you to make a lot of choices and forces you to refine your character so that you can afford the best gear once you join a faction.

    All in all, this is a great action adventure RPG but may not be for everyone. It sure is a hell of a lot better than the 4.9 IGN gave it. For me it's a solid 8 of 10. Looking forward to PB's Elex II this spring.    … Expand
  8. rvp
    Nov 10, 2021
    10
    Loved the game! The open world is great, exploration is so much fun! And there are almost no markers on the map (unlike e.g. Ubisoft games) which makes much fun to explore the world by myself instead of running from one map marker to another. The dialogues are great, the faction mechanics are great. The side quests are better than the main quest, but the main quest is still fun. TheLoved the game! The open world is great, exploration is so much fun! And there are almost no markers on the map (unlike e.g. Ubisoft games) which makes much fun to explore the world by myself instead of running from one map marker to another. The dialogues are great, the faction mechanics are great. The side quests are better than the main quest, but the main quest is still fun. The fighting mechanics are clunky but I could live with it as everything else was fun! Really looking forward to Elex 2!… Expand
  9. Julinitot
    Sep 28, 2021
    7
    After trying assassin's creed odissey, I was more than happy to play this old school rpg with NO level scaling.

    The strong point is definitely the quest & faction system. Almost every quest give you multiple choices and decisions may alter your possible alliance with a faction. eg. I was denied access to the berserker faction because I stole and betray too many npc. I never got caught but    After trying assassin's creed odissey, I was more than happy to play this old school rpg with NO level scaling.

    The strong point is definitely the quest & faction system. Almost every quest give you multiple choices and decisions may alter your possible alliance with a faction. eg. I was denied access to the berserker faction because I stole and betray too many npc. I never got caught but the raise of the crime rate juste after my arrival in the city did not go unnoticed. This is what I called a real rpg. World design is really good imo with a lot of variety, hand placed rewarding loots and some vertical exploration thanks to the jet pack.

    Combat is really average with bad hit boxes. Progression is too hard due to a lack of mission for low levels players. You have to spend 10 hours hiding behind a friend npc who will do all the fighting for you in order to level up. Graphic is last Gen. Music is average. But despite all this, it is still a better game than a triple A assassin's creed... Looking forward for the sequel.    … Expand
  10. LazyWolf0
    Sep 2, 2021
    8
    It’s a great RPG, one of the best I played in years.

    The world and exploration are absolutely great. Quests are varied, interesting and player’s decisions have real consequences. It’s so great to actually feel like your actions matter in the game. I could no longer enjoy Skyrim after playing it, so pale and shallow it seems compared to Elex. Combat is an acquired taste, thanks to    It’s a great RPG, one of the best I played in years.

    The world and exploration are absolutely great. Quests are varied, interesting and player’s decisions have real consequences. It’s so great to actually feel like your actions matter in the game.

    I could no longer enjoy Skyrim after playing it, so pale and shallow it seems compared to Elex.

    Combat is an acquired taste, thanks to weird hitbox issues, but mostly enjoyable and serviceable. I’m not a pro gamer, but finished both of my playthroughs (ranged cleric and melee barbarian) on Medium difficulty.

    Generally speaking I love Piranha Bytes games since Gothic, and this one is definitely among their best.

    My biggest problem with it is terrible performance on original PS4, FPS is not great to begin with, and suffers even more after about 1h of play, soI had to restart it once an hour.

    If not for this I’d happily give it a 9, but such technical problems really detract from the enjoyment.    … Expand
  11. FreeRPGer
    Jan 2, 2021
    10
    Elex was a tricky one to score.
    I actually wanted to give it a 9.5, not a perfect 10, but since I can't, I'll go with a 10 ... after debating 'tween 9 & 10, that is.
    Anyhow, there's more of a story to this. I would've given this a 6 back when I first tried it in 2018, but that changed a few years later, now having over 20 hours into it. Indeed. I'm finally taking this off my backlog in    Elex was a tricky one to score.
    I actually wanted to give it a 9.5, not a perfect 10, but since I can't, I'll go with a 10 ... after debating 'tween 9 & 10, that is.
    Anyhow, there's more of a story to this. I would've given this a 6 back when I first tried it in 2018, but that changed a few years later, now having over 20 hours into it. Indeed. I'm finally taking this off my backlog in 2020, which is rather large, and I'm glad I gave it a 2nd chance and stuck with it this time.

    Short story: I tampered with this a few years back, but died almost anywhere I went, so I got fed up & rage quit, put it aside with no plans to pick it back up. Then, sometime later, I remembered what Piranha Bytes games are like -- going from wimpy fragile boy to almost god-like – and that gamers either love PB or hate 'em for this, so I picked it back up with a better prepared, more opened mind, and now I can't put it down.

    So, at 1st I'll be a weakling. Then I'll endure. And then I'll "more" than endure.
    (but can still die easily with some of the bigger baddies).

    Yes, once I figured out that a Piranha Bytes protagonist is "supposed" to start off as a tin foil weakling, with no armor and a practical stick for a weapon, and then grow stronger gradually, the "like" hit me all at once. Now I LOVE "some" of PB's games, especially this one (this is the most polished one I've played yet, on home console, anyways). Moreover, after the later patches, fighting feels a bit tighter -- I like the weighty feel of Jax’s attacks with a heavier 1-handed axe, and the quicker ones with lighter 1-handed swords. Plus, AFTER you start a game, there are many more options in settings, for difficulty & otherwise (difficulty for enemies, difficulty for player, etc.).

    One thing I do like (that some say they don't), is the b-grade voice acting. I'm also drawn into how the story's unfolding, based on the differences between factions, feeding only bits of the story at a time. And I find exploration in this game amazing. The jet pack opens up MANY options & secrets.

    In closing, I'll only say that if you found this game too hard & frustrating in its opening hours, all I can say is stick with it & give it a try, because Piranha Bytes games are “supposed" to be a growing experience, so you just might end up loving it once you FINALLY earn armor. The fragile weakling character I started controlling at the beginning of the game is no longer fragile, and I could feel his strength growing gradually, and, thankfully, I still have many hours left to later take on the bigger, badder enemies. I find this more rewarding than most RPG's progression, in fact.

    EDIT 2 weeks later:

    Now having finished this game, I can say that the story kept me captivated, and at the end left off at a good spot. NOW I'm intrigued for the sequel.
    I can also say that this is the best game P.B. have done thus far. There's only a couple of things that irked me during battles till I changed the settings. One thing that makes life easier during battles is to TURN OFF FOCUS (lock on) in settings, and switch it to Manual. Then you'll just have to remember to face the enemy you want to attack. Makes life easier. And if you hit the attack button 3 times, he won't stop attacking till after the 3 times are over. Once gotten used to, it's awesome.
    I'll easily give this game a 9.5. Can't wait for Elex 2.    … Expand
  12. OldAndCynical
    Dec 5, 2020
    8
    The very best thing about this game is the beautiful and atmospheric map that is so much fun to explore. So many intriguing ruins and locations, full of little details and jokes. I had just as much fun exploring in this game, as I had with Fallout 4.
    The game is painfully challenging, but in a good way. Games like Witcher 3 are ridic easy to beat for a veteran gamer, so having something    The very best thing about this game is the beautiful and atmospheric map that is so much fun to explore. So many intriguing ruins and locations, full of little details and jokes. I had just as much fun exploring in this game, as I had with Fallout 4.
    The game is painfully challenging, but in a good way. Games like Witcher 3 are ridic easy to beat for a veteran gamer, so having something genuinely challenging was a joy. In Elex, you need to think before you do anything, and you need to always be on a lookout of safe spots in case you get chased by something you cannot kill or outrun. But with those in you mind, you CAN explore lot of the map even early on, so as to find quests to up your skills and stats.
    And its only by the very risky exploration that you can find all those, often cunningly hidden, villages and other spots that have quests for you to do...
    Luckily there is fast travel, so once you do find such locations, you can fast travel back and forth via teleports.
    Grinding is something you wont be doing much, as monsters do not yield much in the way of XP. Its mostly for resources that you hunt monsters, and for XP, you do missions. Although later on, when you are tougher, you can get more XP from killing some really nasty critters.
    Skill trees are a challenge. You pick wrong skill sets, you are in trouble. For in this game, with limited ammo and resources, you really, really need to focus on close combat and strong armor to survive. So, spending your skill points on lockpick, mining, hacking or whatever, will only leave you too weak to survive what is to come. So care must be taken there.
    Combat is not all that good, especially shooting. Limited ammo, so you really do not want to miss all the time! So, again, one more reason to focus on close combat, as then you will always hit something!
    But anyways, enough ranting from me. I give this 8/10 for the beautiful and atmospheric game world, and for the challenge. And for all the laughs. Solid game, but not for sunday gamers. Only true, hardened RPG fans need apply.    … Expand
  13. Goferson
    Nov 16, 2020
    8
    I love This game, propably becouse i’ve played gothic a lot. But that fps on PS4 Pro... Using map is very painfull (10 fps (literally)).
  14. qwerm
    Oct 31, 2020
    5
    Most dicisions wont do anything.
    Best weapon is bow/gun - they give only 1 skill for it. But for melee weapons - 5(five!!) skills!! that you'll never use (since shooting is best choice)
    Worst platinum ever - 40 hours of standing and doing nothing!
  15. hyun8801
    Aug 23, 2020
    0
    How do these **** working in piranha bytes always get enough investments and funds to make another game? All of their games are **** beyond redemption and Elex is no exception.
  16. xHARKYNx
    Jul 3, 2020
    8
    This game requires a bit of patience to begin with. This is a truly hand crafted world that rewards you for exploring. The story isn't ground breaking but keeps things moving. Combat system can be clunky but once mastered is acceptable. Great game, especially if you can pick it up on sale!
  17. v3nomro
    May 27, 2020
    8
    Another great Piranha Bites game ! The story and the quests are great ! It s not borring at all. The only problem is the beginning, its too hard ! Until level 15 you end up just running and evading mobs etc dont know what quest to make, they are unbalanced ! You get some quests at the begining wich you can only make at lvl 20 25 maybe ! Quests should have a recommended lvl hint, as otherAnother great Piranha Bites game ! The story and the quests are great ! It s not borring at all. The only problem is the beginning, its too hard ! Until level 15 you end up just running and evading mobs etc dont know what quest to make, they are unbalanced ! You get some quests at the begining wich you can only make at lvl 20 25 maybe ! Quests should have a recommended lvl hint, as other rpg s have ! Overall the game is great !… Expand
  18. Galladhor
    May 18, 2020
    8
    Good game with a pretty good story, but the game have a few Technical issues. Cant wait for Elex 2
  19. CoreGamer1408
    Apr 9, 2020
    5
    Another game that had interesting concepts with poor execution. This game has got to have the most jarring spam rolling around like a idiot mechanic I have ever played in a game. The combat lock-on is the worst and when turned off the combat is still pretty jank. The first 10-15 hours was a very slow paced tough grind. I would say initially Fallout 4 on very hard is easier than Elex onAnother game that had interesting concepts with poor execution. This game has got to have the most jarring spam rolling around like a idiot mechanic I have ever played in a game. The combat lock-on is the worst and when turned off the combat is still pretty jank. The first 10-15 hours was a very slow paced tough grind. I would say initially Fallout 4 on very hard is easier than Elex on easy mode. The starting character is a action hero built out of wet paper that can't even wipe his own arse without dying.

    The mix of very diverse factions like the high tech clerics, old world looking battle mages and post-apocalyptic junkers was very cool. The general story made sense and was engaging enough. A big fun huge map to explore with many a interesting local really helped.

    The VA and the general writing is bad. Combat and animations feels Gothic/Risen bad. The overall dated game play holds this experience back. Old school gaming ARPG with a semi-modern face lift. This is a game I really want to like, but really have a really hard time doing so. The amount of times I have stopped and started this game is unreal. Performance is not that great and the frame rate badly dips the more stuff is going on the screen.    … Expand
  20. Leonard365
    Apr 5, 2020
    8
    It is a very God game. I love it so much. Pro. Con
    Good story gameplay Nice characters. Graphics Good open world
  21. KayVen17
    Apr 4, 2020
    7
    ### Deutsche Review ###
    Ich liebe Gothic 1-3 und Risen 1 und ich war echt froh wieder ein Game von Piranha Bytes zu zocken. Ich würde lügen, wenn ich sagen würde, dass das Game gut lief. Trotzdem gab es einige Sachen an dem Spiel, die ich mir heutzutage nicht mehr geben kann.
    1. KAMPFSYSTEM Ich weiß nicht wer sich bei Piranha Bytes dafür entschieden hat. Es ist so... unbefriedigend.    ### Deutsche Review ###
    Ich liebe Gothic 1-3 und Risen 1 und ich war echt froh wieder ein Game von Piranha Bytes zu zocken. Ich würde lügen, wenn ich sagen würde, dass das Game gut lief. Trotzdem gab es einige Sachen an dem Spiel, die ich mir heutzutage nicht mehr geben kann.
    1. KAMPFSYSTEM
    Ich weiß nicht wer sich bei Piranha Bytes dafür entschieden hat. Es ist so... unbefriedigend. Ich mache erst nach ein paar Schlägen brauchbare Treffer. Dazu kommt die Ausdauer, die danach ausgeht und man erstmal auf Abstand gehen muss. Funktioniert in Dark Souls besser (obwohl ich eigentlich Elex in keinem Fall mit Dark Souls vergleichen will). Mein Lieblingskampf-System der PB-Spiele war übrigens für mich in Risen 1.
    2. DIE KAMERA
    Diese macht einfach was sie will manchmal. Zu oft bin ich gestorben, weil ein Fokus auf einen Gegner nicht wegging.
    Und 3. BALANCING
    Dieses Problem hatte ich bis jetzt noch in keinen PB-Spiel. In einem Gothic 2 wusste ich immer spürbar wo die zu schweren Gebiete und die leichteren Gebiete sind. In Elex ist alles vermischt. Da ist einfach zum Beispiel ein Level 1 Vieh neben einem Level 50 Monster (übertrieben).

    Alles in allem liebe ich nach wie vor PB für ihre Spiele. Bringt mir in Elex 2 ein optimiertes Kampfsystem, dann habe ich schon weitaus mehr Spaß. Den Rest verzeih ich, weil es eine gewisse Art von Nostalgie bringt.    … Expand
  22. Andreark
    Mar 23, 2020
    10
    Nice game
    Sehr stimmig, keine Ladezeiten, tolle Ideen, durchschnittliche Grafik, extreme Geschichte
  23. Nunomagalhaes
    Mar 2, 2020
    8
    Very good game,i don t give a better Score like 9 because have some little problems,but the story ia good, environment is great,music is good, character are some very good other not, Gameplay is good id you play in a custom dificulty, Enemy ar good to,very good RPG, difrent from usual.
  24. Kreuzoong
    Feb 3, 2020
    8
    Ok, it's glitchy, buggy, somehow even ugly... But i had a TON of fun with it. Played more than 50 hours. Got like 92% done till Platinium. And I'M NOT A GOTHIC FANBOY. never pleyed them. This was my first game from those guys.
  25. panoszafas
    Dec 25, 2019
    10
    Piranha Bytes rpg, I love them keep them coming!!
    This is like an old shop in your neighbourhood that you love since you were a child, but probably will seem outdated to your children. It is a classic PB Rpg with it's deep atmosphere, challenging and addictive gameplay and share of faults and glitches.
    Fans of PB games will love it, and it is an authentic experience that you can't find    Piranha Bytes rpg, I love them keep them coming!!
    This is like an old shop in your neighbourhood that you love since you were a child, but probably will seem outdated to your children. It is a classic PB Rpg with it's deep atmosphere, challenging and addictive gameplay and share of faults and glitches.
    Fans of PB games will love it, and it is an authentic experience that you can't find anymore, even in rebooted old games.
    Other gamers will find it much less appealing, like watching a good 80's action flick.
    For me it is an oasis, pure 10    … Expand
  26. AmbientFear
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Спасибо пираньям за их элекс, игра чума!!
    Любители готики не проходите мимо!    … Expand
  27. Zav80
    Jul 3, 2019
    4
    Lore,story and world would deserve a good 8...but battling is pure **** on ps4...really it has no sense, it looks like an Amiga game, it is frustrating to do again and again the same battle cause animations suck so badly...
    I tried to play this game like 5 times, cause the story looks awsome and interesting...
    but and action rpg where the action sucks,it's like an horror movie with no fear...
  28. danyadolotov
    Dec 10, 2018
    10
    LOVE everything about consuming (playing) Elex :) apart from searching for new items in inventory. It would be much better if they appear at the top and after viewing were sorted alphabetically. The BEST Piranha game for now.
  29. ScienceAdvisor
    Oct 8, 2018
    0
    So many 10/10 shill reviews tells you everything you need to know. At least they paid for multi-language fake reviews. Too bad Metacritic turns a blind eye to such behaviour.
  30. Snyx
    Aug 3, 2018
    7
    Elex has glimpses of greatness, but sadly those become overshadowed by bugs and technical flaws. It has the stuff I want to see in an RPG, a lot of quests with different options and outcomes, a big and beautiful map to explore as well as interesting characters and lore. But performance issues, clunky combat, bad balancing and a strange leveling system keep it from reaching its fullElex has glimpses of greatness, but sadly those become overshadowed by bugs and technical flaws. It has the stuff I want to see in an RPG, a lot of quests with different options and outcomes, a big and beautiful map to explore as well as interesting characters and lore. But performance issues, clunky combat, bad balancing and a strange leveling system keep it from reaching its full potential. The fact that there are major bugs in the game that havent been patched 9 months after its release is inexcusable.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 19
  3. Negative: 5 out of 19
  1. IGN Italia
    Nov 12, 2017
    70
    Elex is a raw diamond full of flaws but with too much value to consider it as an ugly and wrong game. Give it time, be patient and it will capture you.
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  2. GameOver.gr
    Nov 11, 2017
    70
    Elex is the RPG game of the old era, made by the old guard for the old guard. It has a lot of charm and magic hidden inside its massive world but its clunky elements will probably prove to be a dealbreaker for newer gamers that didn’t grew up with the same issues that persist Piranha Bytes games since Gothic.
    Read full review
  3. Critical Hit
    Nov 9, 2017
    60
    Elex is far from perfect. It can be a frustrating experience and the horrible combat system could be a deal breaker, but it’s undeniably an ambitious title with a promising future.
    Read full review
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