Gravelord – Review
Gravelord, in its current Early Access state, delivers a thrilling and satisfying glimpse into what promises to be a fantastic modern boomer shooter.
A Symphony of Speed and Violence:
From the outset, Gravelord embraces the frenetic pace of classic shooters like Quake and Doom. Movement is incredibly fast, encouraging aggressive play and rewarding skillful maneuvering. The “Spectral Shovel,” a unique grappling hook mechanic, adds a layer of verticality and allows for dynamic escapes from overwhelming hordes.
The gunplay is tight and satisfying, with a diverse arsenal of weapons that feel impactful and responsive. Each weapon boasts distinct alternate fire modes, encouraging experimentation and adapting to different combat situations. The enemy variety, while not extensive in the current build, is well-designed, with distinct attack patterns and behaviors that keep encounters engaging.
A Visceral and Stylized Experience:
Gravelord boasts a distinctive visual style, blending high-fidelity graphics with a cartoonish, almost Borderlands-esque aesthetic. This creates a vibrant and visually striking world that perfectly complements the over-the-top action. The sound design is equally impressive, with a metal-infused soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s frenetic energy.
The inclusion of a roguelike-inspired tarot card system adds a layer of replayability and customization. These cards offer a variety of buffs and debuffs, allowing players to tailor their gameplay experience to their preferred playstyle.
Areas for Improvement:
While Gravelord shows immense promise, there are a few areas that could be improved.
- Pacing: Some sections, particularly towards the end of the first episode, can feel slightly drawn out.
- Boss Encounters: The current boss encounters lack the intensity and spectacle that could elevate them to truly memorable moments.
- Visual Clarity: The game’s visual filter, while contributing to the aesthetic, can sometimes make it difficult to clearly distinguish enemies and objects at a distance.
Overall:
Despite these minor shortcomings, Gravelord is a highly enjoyable and promising entry in the modern boomer shooter renaissance. Its fast-paced gameplay, engaging mechanics, and stylish presentation make it a must-play for fans of the genre. With continued development and refinement, Gravelord has the potential to become a true classic.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Key Strengths:
- Fast-paced and fluid movement
- Tight and satisfying gunplay
- Unique and engaging grappling hook mechanic
- Visually striking and stylish presentation
- Engaging roguelike-inspired card system
Key Weaknesses:
- Pacing issues in some sections
- Uninspired boss encounters
- Visual clarity can be an issue at times
I highly recommend Gravelord to fans of classic shooters like Quake and Doom, as well as anyone looking for a fast-paced and exhilarating action experience.
