Summary

• Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn blends soulslite elements with a vibrant world, fun firearm gameplay, and a mystical companion.
• Combat is fast-paced and rhythmic, integrating Dark Souls elements with unique special moves and gunplay.
• The game's vast fantasy landscape offers immersive exploration, skill progression, and an engaging storyline.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn bills itself as a soulslite, drawing inspiration from the titles of FromSoftware while not being quite as punishing as a typical Dark Souls game. The title comes from A44 Games, which previously released the well-received RPG Ashen in 2018. Hands-on time with the game following Summer Game Fest's Xbox Showcase gave a better idea of what players can expect from the title, though there's clearly still a lot left to learn.

While it borrows elements from these releases, Flintlock also sets itself apart with a much more vibrant world, fun firearm gameplay, and a mystical companion. The game stars Nor, a soldier on a quest to defeat the undead and evil gods that have taken over the land of Kian. The half hour or so spent with the title did a great job of showing off its fluid combat systems, the potential of fox-like god Enki - Nor's partner on her journey - and a fantasy land full of lore.

Combat In Flintlock

Fast-Paced, Mixed-Weapon Battles Are Immensely Satisfying

The biggest way in which Flintlock integrates Dark Souls elements is through its combat system, but instead of players collecting souls, each enemy gives them reputation. As hits land, a multiplier for the total amount of reputation earned at the end will increase - however, if players are struck, this will reset to the baseline level. Dodging and parrying are essential for earning maximum rep, as is the use of Nor's firearms, which are the only things that can disrupt some otherwise-unblockable attacks.

Combat isn't quite as punishing as a typical soulslike, however, feeling more rhythmic and fluid than a typical battle fans of the genre will be familiar with. Alongside reputation, players will build up reserves of black powder used for guns and grenades, as well as a withering meter, which when full can unleash one of Enki's special moves, which are things like freezing enemies and suspending them midair. Both these moves and the game's gunplay feel very satisfying interspersed with melee combat, and keeps things from ever feeling stale.

The World Of Flintlock

Making Progress In A Vast Fantasy Landscape

My time with Flintlock centered around journeying to the village of Sibyl, which has been terrorized by a miniboss called The Scribe. The game's world almost feels more reminiscent of titles like Forspoken than the somber lands of FromSoftware games, blending elements of a more ancient society with brighter hues that paint the picture of a once-thriving world wrought by the wrath of unruly gods. The ways in which Enki interacts with the world are adorable, like independently wading into water, which helps the anthropomorphic god retain some of their animal-like qualities.

The soulslite elements of the game continue in campsites, which are similar to bonfires in FromSoftware titles. It's here that players can spend reputation to progress in three different skill trees - magic, powder, and steel - as well as heal, though the latter can also be accomplished through potions which are refilled at cafés scattered across the world. My limited time with the title didn't allow for much exploration of the open world, but it was clear that there are many side quests to embark on and fun new gear to find.

Final Thoughts On Flintlock

A Blend Of Genres Serves The Game Well

The addition of firearms into a fantasy setting is one of several ways Flintlock has hybridized its gameplay in a very promising manner, somehow making it feel organic alongside Nor and Enki's magical moves. It's a shame the hands-on time with the title wasn't longer, as the world itself is one that feels impressively immersive. The few conversations Nor had - both with Enki and characters like the multi-armed café owner - were engaging, and left me wanting to know more about Flintlock's overall storyline.

Both Nor and Enki's overall powers clearly have room to grow through the game's skill trees, and it will be interesting to see how players are able to customize their fighting style through this progression. Even with only partially-upgraded prowess, the game's combat was extremely fluid and satisfying, often feeling borderline dance-like, leaving lots of room to grow. Players won't have to wait too much longer to venture into Kian for themselves, with Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn slated to release this July.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn will be available on Xbox Game day one.