Who doesn’t love Greek mythology right?
Despite the numerous television shows, book, comics and games all mining the sorrow of the Olympians, we just can’t seem to get enough of the Olympian drama and all the suffering they plague mankind with.
Neither, does it seem, can Ubisoft. Having just given us the 100+ hour drama that was Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey – and seemingly born from a glitch in that animus – they’re now regaling us with another Greek myth odyssey with Immortals Fenyx Rising for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch and PC on December 3rd, 2020.
Now while it seems that Fenyx Rising may be running on a modified AC engine and is a massive open-world game, it seems to be the sort of game that we all have forgotten that Ubisoft was capable of making. With its cartoony stylized visuals displaying a beautiful version of mythological Greece, Fenyx Rising seems like it may just scratch that itch for Hydra smashing that I’ve had since the God of War series spoiled us with its legendary depiction of Ancient Greece and Olympian myth.
After some character customizing in which you can choose your gender, hairstyle and features with more customization via different armour coming later – you’ll take on the role of Fenyx, a soldier who has suddenly become the Olympians only chance of defeating the dreaded Typhon, scariest of all the Titans. You’ll need to find four of the Olympians scattered across the land and restore their powers while Zeus and Prometheus occasionally narrate your journey with banter and mythology lessons given a humorous twist.
Fenyx Rising definitely seems like a big mix between AC and BoTW. There’s the massive open world and questing system of AC, along with BoTW’s go anywhere, climb anything ethos. You’ll also be able to glide around using the Wings of Daedalus and delve into Tartaros dungeons which seem very similar to BoTW’s shrines. In here gameplay will be a mix between puzzles and platforming that will require you to use your combat abilities in conjunction with your special skills and movement just to make it through. The gift? A lightning bolt from Zeus that will upgrade your stamina. As in BoTW you’ll be able to gather items from the world around you and use them to create potions.
Combat is far more hack and slash than the AC series and seems to be leaving BoTW’s souls-like sensibilities at the door. You’ll have three weapons at your disposal: a sword, axe and bow, along with a variety of special abilities that will let you air juggle opponents, amongst other combat options. It’s looking already to be a far step away from the recent AC games seeming far faster and closer to something you’d encounter in DMC, which is a good thing. The AC-ness of it all isn’t entirely gone though, perfect dodges will grant a temporary slowing down of time for you to counter-attack in. And if you deal enough damage to an enemy you can stagger them for a window to unleash some serious pain.
Your special abilities will also help you out with the game’s puzzles, both in the dungeons and in the open world. Initially, your character may struggle, for instance, to roll a giant pearl to the sea, but once you’ve levelled up some and gained new abilities and weapons, you could smack that pearl around with your giant hammer.
That you’re allowed to approach both the game’s puzzles, and its quests in an open manner is great. It may seem overwhelming at first, but that open-ended freedom will let you play your way, and at your pace. Depending on the sort of gamer you are, that will either be a curse or a blessing.
December 3rd isn’t that far away and I, for one, am extremely excited to take my time exploring the Golden Isle, where Fenyx is set.
You can Pre-Order Immortals Fenyx Rising here on PlayStation, Xbox, PC Switch and Stadia.
Did you enjoy reading our preview of a game before the game gets its final release and its final version? if yes, click here to find more early previews.
