Introduction

Welcome to the mechanical wasteland of Steelrising, where the only thing more chipped than the ancient buildings are the gears of the automatons trying to take you down! Set amidst the chaos of an alternate French Revolution, this action RPG is a riveting blend of Souls-like challenges and steampowered mayhem. Prepare your finest French accent and grab a baguette - it's going to be a wild ride!

Gameplay

Steelrising plays like your typical third-person action RPG, where you, as an automat called Aegis, must vault over enemies and wield a veritable buffet of weapons - swords, hammers, and what I can only assume is a mechanical potato peeler (seriously, who comes up with these?). You'll explore a beautifully rendered Paris, collecting Anima Essence, which you can only use to upgrade your skills and weaponry at 'Vestal' checkpoints, because our dear friend Louis XVI obviously didn't leave any convenient game stalls for us to use. These Vestal checkpoints do more than just allow for upgrades; they function as your safe havens. So, picture this - you've just slain a massive tower of metal and clockwork, and it's time for a break. You saunter into the nearest Vestal, feeling confident. However, instead of relaxing, you have to prepare for the next inevitable mechanized onslaught. If that sounds a little too stressful, fear not! The game offers an 'Assist mode,' where you can tweak the gameplay settings to suit your skill level. Now's your chance to lower the difficulty and finally show those ogres who's boss with the perfect block and counterattack combo!

Graphics

Visually, Steelrising is striking. Paris is rendered with a gothic elegance that makes you feel as if you've jumped into an oil painting - a rather dirty, chaotic oil painting populated by clockwork monstrosities. The detailed environments are further enhanced by the PS5's capabilities. Thanks to its power, loading times are nearly non-existent, so forget about scrolling through receipts for the next five minutes while waiting for your game to load. The attention to detail on the automatons is significant as well; you might find yourself marveling at their intricate designs - right before you get squished by one! The character designs, however, can swing from jaw-dropping to unsettling, much like my Aunt Edna's holiday sweater collection. Aegis and the other automatons boast impressive designs, while some NPCs could use a bit more polish (and maybe a few less coffee stains). Let's just say, they look like they wandered off a budget version of Les Misérables. In short, Steelrising has a unique aesthetic that, while not perfect, shines with character.

Conclusion

In summary, Steelrising may not be a flawless gem in the RPG world, but it certainly has its lovable quirks. If you enjoy a game that challenges your reflexes while simultaneously making you feel like you're a part of a twisted version of history, there's plenty to appreciate here. However, like a French croissant left out for too long, it might not be everyone's cup of tea. So, if you're looking for a game to dive into that scratches the itch for intense gameplay, rich lore, and slightly metallic vibes (like a steampunk cover band that only plays the works of Mozart), Steelrising is worth a shot. Just be ready for a couple of potentially frustrating deaths and a soundtrack that makes you feel like you're desperately trying to find the time to eat lunch in the middle of a drama movie! Overall, Steelrising gets a solid 7 out of 10 for its ambitious mechanics and setting - enough to keep you entertained, though not necessarily a masterpiece. Now go forth, brave automat, and may your gears turn smoothly amidst the chaos!

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