This is an honest review of Immortals Fenyx Rising. Legend Of Zelda meets Assassin’s Creed in Ubisoft’s next-gen power showcase Immortals Fenyx Rising – but how does it fare?
Although it’s available on all formats, Immortals Fenyx Rising was one of the most anticipated launch titles for the next generation of consoles.
And with good reason.
Footage of the game in the lead up to its launch was breathtaking. And, with Ubisoft Quebec behind it, hopes were high.
Immortals Fenyx Rising review
For those who may not have had the pleasure, Immortals is an action-adventure played from the third-person perspective.
As touched on above, Ubisoft has been undeniably influenced by the brilliant, genre-leading Zelda Breath Of The Wild (BOTW). There’s clear crossover between that inspiration and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series.
Players start off by customising the gender, voice and appearance of their titular character Fenyx using Aphrodite’s Beauty Chair. But the cool thing is you can come back at any point and mix things up to your heart’s content.
As with Zelda and Assassin’s Creed, Immortals is set in a large open world consisting of seven regions. Each is inspired by the Greek gods.
You’re accompanied on your journey by a bird named Phosphor, who helps you identify locations of interest on the map – sound familiar Assassin’s Creed fans?
Wings of Daedalus
You traverse the world quickly by climbing cliffs, riding on a mount, and flying using the wings of Daedalus. The difference here is the the full open world is accessible from the start of the game.
As you explore, you encounter rifts that teleport you to the Vaults Of Tartaros. These are a series of platforming challenges that require players to use Fenyx’s combat and traversal abilities – sound familiar Zelda fans?
There are the usual side missions and optional puzzles you’d expect from an open-world game. The action is jaw-droppingly beautiful. There’s no denying this is best enjoyed on the next-gen consoles.
The enemies you encounter along the way are inspired by Greek mythology with everything from minotaurs to cyclopes.
Methods of attack
You are armed with two methods of melee attack – light attacks with a sword, which are fast but don’t deal as much damage – and heavy attacks with a hammer that are, you guessed it, slow but deal more damage.
You can also use bows and arrows. However, the key to your success and survival is your in-game management of stamina – much like in BOTW.
Progression is fun and rewarding as you unlock powerful god-like abilities such as Ares’ spears, which catapult enemies into the air. Weapons and armour can also be upgraded through crafting items found while exploring.
Hiding to nothing
The big problem for Fenyx Rising is that by borrowing so heavily from two industry-leading games, it’s in many ways on a hiding to nothing.
However, it does a very good job of living up to both in many respects. The side missions and collectible elements are fantastic and richly rewarding – and addictive.
The Vaults (think Shrines, Zelda fans) are great puzzles in their own right. Meanwhile the combat mechanics are set at such a level they are easy to pick up and not too difficult to master.
The script goes for a comedic element that doesn’t quite land for me. I don’t feel it sits well with the overall story arc.
For those who like a tough challenge, there’s an argument to say Immortals is a touch easy, from vanquishing enemies to finding secrets and completing missions.
If combat in Zelda and Assassin’s Creed is a challenge, this is anything but. Your foes are dispatched with consummate ease after every upgrade and advancement in special abilities.
Nintendo-like charm
All in all, though, Immortals Fenyx Rising provides a stunning world to explore – preferably on the new generation of console. It’s awash with the kind of charm usually reserved for Nintendo titles.
The mythological beasts, powers and satisfying battles coupled with plentiful customisation options make for an enthralling – if shorter and easier than expected – journey through the Golden Isles.
While the comedic tone wasn’t to my taste, some of the commentary from Zeus, Prometheus and other gods is amusing.
Some elements feel like an opportunity missed and there’s not a great deal in terms of originality in the game’s constructs. But, as far as first efforts go, Immortals Fenyx Rising is right up there in terms of potential for a thriving series.
Available on all formats (version reviewed: PS5)
Rating: 7.5/10
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