Valkyrie Elysium

The gameplay of Valkyrie Elysium has received mixed reviews, with some players enjoying its fast-paced combat and unique mechanics like the soul chain and elemental stagger, while others criticize it for being repetitive, bland, and lacking depth. Many noted that the game feels dated compared to its predecessors and other action RPGs, with clunky controls and a lack of enemy variety detracting from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, some players found the gameplay enjoyable enough to keep them engaged, especially when focusing on the story and character design.

The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the art style and character design as appealing, while others criticize the visuals as dated and lacking polish. Many users note performance issues, such as frame drops and microstutters, which detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the graphics are considered decent by some, they do not meet the expectations set by modern standards or the franchise's legacy.

The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising its quality and nostalgic ties to previous titles in the series, particularly highlighting the work of composer Motoi Sakuraba. However, some players find the music repetitive and lacking in impact, leading to a sense of boredom over time. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated for its beauty and atmosphere, it does not consistently meet the high expectations set by earlier entries in the franchise.

The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, particularly during high-particle scenes and close-ups. While some users experienced smooth gameplay without significant problems, others noted that the game's optimization could be significantly improved, especially regarding DLSS support and the handling of graphical details. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game has potential, its current optimization leaves much to be desired.

Character development in the game is largely criticized for being minimal and rushed, with characters transitioning from strangers to close friends without sufficient buildup. While the character designs are praised for their uniqueness and aesthetic appeal, the overall narrative and character growth are seen as lacking depth, leaving players wanting more from the story and character arcs. Despite some positive notes on individual characters, particularly the valkyrie, the consensus is that the game falls short in delivering meaningful character development.

Overall, players find the grinding in the game to be less tedious than in similar titles, with side quests focused on combat rather than fetch tasks, and a streamlined skill tree that minimizes the need for excessive grinding. However, some users note that achieving 100% completion can require significant weapon grinding and multiple playthroughs, which may detract from the experience. While combat is generally praised for its speed and fluidity, it can become repetitive over time, especially for completionists.

The atmosphere of the game is praised for its immersive graphics and top-notch music, creating a beautiful yet predominantly somber mood. While some players feel it lacks the depth of storytelling found in earlier titles, the overall ambiance is enhanced by environmental details and lore, contributing to a compelling experience.

The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while some players find moments of heartwarming storytelling and emotional engagement, others criticize the overall narrative as boring and lacking depth. The game offers entertaining gameplay but fails to deliver a consistently impactful emotional experience, leaving some players feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

The monetization strategy of Elysium has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, leveraging nostalgia for the Valkyrie series without delivering substantial content or innovation. Reviewers feel that the game exploits long-time fans through its superficial connections to past titles, likening it to other companies that prioritize profit over quality. Overall, the sentiment is that Elysium fails to justify its existence beyond financial motives.

The game generally runs well on high settings, but players have reported performance issues, particularly during the final boss fight, which includes occasional freezes. Additionally, there are notable glitches, such as characters getting stuck in walls and enemies becoming unresponsive, especially on the Steam Deck where prerendered cutscenes fail to function. Overall, while stability is mostly solid, these issues detract from the experience.

The humor in the game is highlighted as genuinely funny, with players enjoying the comedic elements such as the hilarious "bad" ending and the absurdity of resolving situations by chugging. Additionally, there are amusing comparisons made to other media, like Bleach's soul reaper, which adds to the overall comedic experience.

The game's replayability is generally considered low, with a score of 6/10, indicating some limited value but overall a lack of compelling reasons to revisit the experience. Many users express disappointment, stating that the game offers little to no incentive for repeated playthroughs.