HoYoverse's Nodusfall might look like Elden Ring, but there's a promising dark fantasy action game here
Aesthetically, Nodusfall is about as far from a typical HoYoverse game as you can get. Gone are the bright colors, cute creatures, and bountiful anime women. In their place, we get the familiar trappings of dark fantasy: mysterious magics, vicious monsters, and a dingier realism that feels a little bit like Elden Ring. But from what was played at Gamescom, Nodusfall has the potential to shake off those FromSoftware comparisons and establish its own identity.
Combat and Co-op Mechanics
The demo presented at the event focuses on boss battles fought in groups of four. While the co-op format might seem daunting to some, the combat system in Nodusfall is surprisingly easy to grasp and satisfying to play. The core loop involves basic attacks that fill a gauge for powerful strikes, supplemented by secondary moves and unique abilities on cooldowns.
Taking the archer with a mechanical arm as an example, the gameplay offers a mix of long-range pressure and tactical movement. Abilities include bomb arrows that deal extra damage upon impact and a spirit wolf that requires close-quarters engagement. The stamina bar is generous, allowing players to weave in and out of combat—using the archer's range to stay safe while providing support or revival to teammates. This creates a rhythmic, engaging flow to the fights.
Enemy Design and Narrative Surprises
The enemy design in Nodusfall draws inspiration from various global mythologies. The demo featured encounters with Qiongqi, a griffin-like creature from Chinese mythology, and Maldrake, a traditional dragon. These boss fights are structured in multiple stages, each marked by a new health bar.
One of the most striking moments occurred during the Maldrake fight. Mid-way through the encounter, a knight rips itself out of the dragon's torso, transforming the battle from a predictable fight against a dragon into a high-speed duel against a fast-paced sword and polearm wielder. This ability to shift the combat dynamic mid-fight makes the encounters feel unpredictable and rewarding.
Monetization and Outlook
As a free-to-play title from a studio famous for gacha games, questions regarding monetization remain. However, miHoYo has indicated that characters will be unlockable through continuous play rather than the banner system used in Genshin Impact. Instead, the developers are considering cosmetic-based monetization.
Ultimately, Nodusfall presents itself as a promising action game with compelling bosses and engaging co-op. While the depth of the solo play experience remains to be seen, the project is certainly one to watch over the coming year.
Дурик
