Immortals Fenyx Rising

Alright, hear me out... I'm going to be honest here.

I'm not a fan of the Ubisoft Quebec development studio.

Coming from the 'Assassin's Creed' franchise, having played both of Ubisoft Quebec's entries, I wasn't a fan of AC Syndicate and AC Odyssey. Due to the fact that UbiQue's tone doesn't match the serious grounded sci-fi tones of the 'Assassin's Creed' universe. UbiQue is rather known for their lighthearted, unserious, and often mocking tones. (Unfortunately, too often cringe as well)

That being said, as a standalone independent project, I have to admit that UbiQue truly leaned heavily to what they do best, and 'Immortals Fenyx Rising' is a product of their expected strengths accompanied by their true genuine intent. This game is in itself a mocking parody of Greek mythology and fantasy, breaking the fourth wall often, and keeping all things comedic and goofy. Since that is the very premise that this game is identifying as, the game stands proudly alone, doing what it has promised to do to begin with. Needless to say, I have been enjoying it far more than AC Syndicate and AC Odyssey, since this title is not attempting to sabotage and retcon an existing universe.

It's a mindless fun MMO RPG slasher that is convenient to pick up whenever on my Switch, and randomly hop in to mess around the time. The narrative isn't attempting to be any impressive feat and rather plays it safe as basic as possible. In fact, most of it is rather forgettable, unimportant, and inconsequential. The overall experience is heavily inspired by 'Breath of the Wild' with another heavy blend of AC Odyssey, with many of the latter's features and code returning. The exploration and scenes sometimes even remind me of 'Elder Ring'. Of course bear in mind it isn't nearly as successful or sophisticated as either BOTW or Elden Ring, but the inspiration is definitely felt. This just feels like the typical Ubisoft spin on which trending titles blended into one. The art style is heavily BOTW inspired, hard to deny that, as well as the forge puzzles that grant stamina bolts.

For what it's worth, I've been enjoying this more than BOTW, probably because of the similarities I've already mastered from AC Odyssey. Plenty of gameplay elements, animations, and controls are brought straight from there, including its Photo Mode. In fact, it feels like this is the game UbiQue originally wanted to make, but higher ups sent them the AC task instead, resulting in AC Odyssey.

Anyways, I bought the Gold Edition for only $19.99 on Switch, and have yet to complete the campaign due to the typical expected UbiQue grind, despite being already 25 hours in. (Only 33% completion) There's also 3 expansions included and follow after that, which this rating and review aren't about.

So far, I'd rate 6.5/10.

When I first caught a glimpse of Immortals through trailers, I didn't give it much thought. Ubisoft's recent focus on live-service games had turned me off their titles. However, after seeing some positive reviews and catching it on sale, I decided to take the plunge. To my surprise, this game might just be Ubisoft's best offering since 2013.

Drawing some inspiration from Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Immortals feels like a more accessible version of that epic. While it may not reach the same heights of technical prowess, it delivers an enjoyable experience, akin to discount caviar-perhaps not the top-tier but still a treat. You step into the shoes of Fenyx, exploring a beautifully cartoonish Greek island divided into four distinct regions. Your mission is to free various captured Greek gods by tackling quests, puzzles, and monsters along the way.

Despite its whimsical appearance, this game can be surprisingly challenging. The combat consists of melee and bow-and-arrow mechanics, offering plenty of opportunities to engage with tough enemies or face hordes of mythological creatures. You'll find yourself dying quite a bit, particularly when taking on aerial foes. The puzzles are varied, from fitting the right stones into their slots to solving intricate environmental challenges. Plus, there are numerous hidden caves and portals that offer more puzzles, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. It's a classic Ubisoft endeavor, complete with plenty of collectibles and side activities.

Visually, the game's bright and vibrant graphics shine, creating gorgeous vistas that are a treat for the eyes. The soothing ambiance enhances the experience, especially when you're gliding through the landscape in search of hidden treasures. Although the main story is somewhat underwhelming, the gameplay itself keeps you hooked for hours. I found myself invested in upgrading Fenyx's abilities, participating in various side quests, and enjoying the exploration-despite the occasional grind.

One downside, however, is the humor. It feels forced at times, like a desperate attempt to be funny that misses the mark completely. This often detracted from the overall experience, making me wish they had focused more on solid storytelling than trying to add comic relief.

With around 60 hours of gameplay under my belt and still more to tackle, I can confidently say there's a lot to explore. For fans of Zelda-style games, Immortals Fenyx Rising offers a satisfying adventure without the live service grind.

In conclusion, if you were hesitant about Ubisoft's direction, Immortals Fenyx Rising is a breath of fresh air. While it has its flaws, it's a delightful experience that stands out among its peers.

**8/10**

I really enjoyed playing it felt like a cross between Zelda landscape and kingdoms of amalur combat system will be interesting to see what else they add to the game

Fun and interactive with a deep adventure in the Greek legends world , One of the best Ubisoft games .

This is the most incredible game I've ever seen. It's so interesting, you lose track of the time when you play it. I love it