Once you have the basic combat figured out, there just isn’t much left to learn as all weapons play out pretty much the same. The combat mechanics have some variation, but by around halfway through the game, you will have seen most enemy types outside the core bosses. Here, it is all too easy to race past the enemies and take what loot is desired before pushing on to the next area. Unlike most classic ‘soulslikes’, pushing through and rushing past enemies is often punished. Combat is sadly clunky, and easily avoided. More often, this would result in me having to reset my character back to the last spawn point because I had become trapped in a pit of supercilious design, my arrogant exploration leading to my own downfall. Sometimes this led to entertaining looks at the world, like standing on top of a mountain to see the whole map below. While it is great that the game rewards you for exploration, too often, I was able to put myself in areas I was clearly not meant to be. More important issues abound in the overworld and terrain. It’s a minor note but considering the game has been in development for so long, one worth addressing. All of your arsenal makes the exact same metallic slapping sound no matter what surface it hits, or enemy it collides with. Unfortunately, the audio falls flat when it comes to weapons. Lastly, the musical score is extremely atmospheric and relaxing, pairing well as it changes from environment to environment. I would find myself pushing to find far off places and was frequently rewarded with items and secrets. Once you get past the initial linear corridors, the overworld is huge and sprawling and allows for interesting terrain traversal (on the aforementioned skateboard). The world design is excellent and shows clear inspiration from Shadow of the Colossus. These familiar elements are blended well into the world of Shattered and help create a rich, engaging experience.
And you drive across the map using an energy jet-powered skateboard All classic souls like tropes. The narrative is told through items picked up in the game as well as unlocking shards of information with ‘eibon fragments’ if you so choose. Killing the enemy that killed you gets your essence back, but interestingly merely dealing damage gives you portions of the essence you lost in return.
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