PC REVIEW | Coridden

Coridden was not a game that was anywhere near my radar when I was given the key to review, but once I began to play, I found it difficult to put down. I know there will be the obvious comparisons to the likes of Diablo and old-school RPG hack-and-slash games, but Coridden stands on its own two feet (sometimes more) and should establish itself in the future as one of those classics that people will reference for years to come.

The setting of Coridden kind of reminds me of the TTRPG Pathfinder in that it is set in a distant future where humans seem to have regressed to a less technologically advanced state but have access to super-advanced relics of the past that allow them to prosper in a world filled with danger. The world itself is rich and varied, filled with abundant quests and hidden details for you to discover. And for those of you who love the technical aspect of RPGs, there is plenty of armour, weapons, level distribution, and oh so much more to keep your character in the best condition to take on the beasts of Aasha.

Talking of the beasts, one of the unique aspects of Coridden is your ability to become the beasts you have slain and even grant them their own powers and abilities as you progress through the game, allowing you to reach new places and fight enemies that you might normally never have a chance of defeating. I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of the game as it made for an interesting take on the druid classes from the world of D&D but with science over magic. Learning the beasts’ unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses also adds to the overall enjoyment of Coridden.

Coridden can be played in multiplayer or as a solo adventure. I personally played solo as I wanted to experience Coridden firsthand without help from more experienced testers and reviewers. Yes, I know I’m a glutton for punishment, but it never felt unfair or too difficult. In fact, I would say it had a really decent learning curve. I’m going back to play more once I have finished writing this review.

Things I liked!

• Story building | The world of Heera is filled with places to explore and fantastic lore to learn about as you progress through Coridden. The beasts, the technology, and even your characters have secrets to be discovered, and thanks to the imagination of the developers, you will not be left wanting for new things to find that might surprise you along the way.

• Combat | The combat might feel a little simple to begin with, but as you progress through Coridden, unlocking beast powers and new weapons, you will find yourself having to use a lot more strategy to defeat your enemies. The great thing about Coridden is that it eases you into the combat in a way that is gentle enough for newcomers to action RPG games but still provides enough of a challenge for seasoned gamers to enjoy as well. The balance feels just right, in my opinion.
  
  
• Sound design | The sound design in Coridden is amazing. The sounds of the beasts, the satisfying effects of your weaponry, and the music all create a fantastic soundscape that really pulls you into the world the developers have created. The game’s voice acting is also really good; the characters all have personalities of their own, thanks to the voice actors and the direction of the developers.

Mixed & disliked!

• Lack of custom character | This is a small issue, but as the game is an RPG, I would have liked to be able to create my own adventurer to explore the world of Heera. Granted, the four playable characters you have access to at the start Coridden all have their charm, and with the beast mastery aspect, you have a lot of options to progress with those base characters. It just feels like something is missing.

CONCLUSION

Score: 85/100 – A fantastic addition to the greats of action RPGs, Coridden is sure to keep you coming back for more as you learn to unlock your potential and claim the power of the beasts of Heera. I really enjoyed playing Coridden solo, and once I have checked out more of the awesome weaponry and beast powers, I might jump into a co-op game and see how differently it plays. I would recommend Coridden to fans of the likes of Diablo, Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2, and also to people looking for something a little different. Go into the game and just let the lore sink in and take your time exploring every nook and cranny—you won’t be disappointed.