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CRITIK

The Last Faith

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Last Faith
Item: The Last Faith
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableNov 15, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperKumi Souls Games

Overview

The Last Faith is an exploration-based Metroidvania, action side-scrolling platformer with dark and gothic horror themes at its core. An ancient religion is ruling for centuries the world left to its fate. The once majestic capital and full of a glorious past, is now decadent and haunted by a fatal disease. Eric will have to subvert the words of the hidden prophecy and discover the truth behind the now corrupted and ravaged world.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of The Last Faith are quite varied. Some critics, such as PlayStation Universe and Noisy Pixel, found the story to be captivating and engaging. They praised the deep lore and the tragic tale that unfolds in the gothic world of the game. These critics appreciated the narrative scenes and the overall journey that the protagonist, Eryk, embarks on. Additionally, Generación Xbox commended the game for successfully combining elements from various genres, making it enjoyable and captivating. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative opinions about the story of The Last Faith. Critics like GamingTrend, Hobby Consolas, and Digital Chumps found the narrative to be lacking or poorly executed. They criticized the cryptic dialogue and item descriptions, which made the story difficult to follow. Game Rant also noted that while the main narrative becomes clear, the writing can be vague and referential, creating a false sense of opaqueness. These critics felt that the story lacked originality and failed to create a compelling narrative. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of the story in The Last Faith. While some critics praised the deep lore, engaging narrative, and captivating conclusion, others found it vague, puzzling, and lacking emotional investment. The narrative's reliance on breadcrumb storytelling and the difficulty in deciphering the plot were also mentioned as drawbacks. However, critics like Nintendo Life and COGconnected appreciated the backdrop and the conflicts with ancient religions and forgotten divinities. Despite the mixed opinions, the gameplay loop and the macabre mood of the game were still enjoyed by some critics, such as Gamer Escape and IGN.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on The Last Faith's story. Some praise the deep lore and tragic tale in the gothic world, while others criticize the vague storytelling and lack of originality. Overall, opinions range from captivating and engaging to puzzling and lacking emotional investment. Some enjoy the gameplay and macabre mood, while others find the narrative difficult to follow.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Last Faith are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics praise the combat in the game, with PlayStation Universe describing it as exceptional and rewarding skill and precision. The combat encounters are said to be punishing but fair, and persistence is rewarded, as mentioned by Nintendo Life. The Games Machine also commends the game for combining the depth of a Metroidvania with the difficulty of a soulslike, offering exploration and combat with various approaches and classes to choose from. The combat is described as engaging and challenging by Multiplayer.it and Noisy Pixel, with well-balanced boss fights and intense battles. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the gameplay. GamingTrend criticizes the combat system, mentioning input delay, incorrectly designed hit boxes, and wonky i-frames. They also criticize the platforming mechanics, describing them as abysmal with frustrating ledge mechanics and lack of coyote time. Similarly, Generación Xbox mentions that the protagonist's movements and combat feel clunky and imprecise, which detracts from the overall gameplay experience. XboxEra points out that some boss hitboxes are broken, affecting the combat experience. PC Gamer highlights problems such as sub-par gun mechanics and poorly telegraphed parry timing. PC Invasion mentions a lack of platforming and a sub-par control scheme. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Last Faith offers challenging combat with a variety of weapons and spells, as well as a non-linear progression system and well-designed zones. The game successfully combines elements from the Metroidvania and soulslike genres, providing a satisfying and engaging experience for players. The combat is generally praised for its depth and variety, with solid boss battles and a blend of melee, firearms, and spells. However, there are some issues with the combat mechanics, including clunky movements, input delay, and broken hitboxes, which detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the gameplay of The Last Faith is generally regarded as compelling and enjoyable, with a good balance of challenge and reward.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on The Last Faith gameplay. Positive points include exceptional combat praised for skill and precision, punishing yet fair encounters, and a blend of Metroidvania depth with soulslike difficulty. However, negatives like input delay, wonky hitboxes, and clunky mechanics are criticized. Overall, the game offers challenging combat with varied weapons and spells, non-linear progression, and well-designed zones, though some issues like broken hitboxes and sub-par mechanics detract from the overall experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Last Faith are generally positive. Many critics praise the game's gothic and dark atmosphere, with several mentioning the influence of Bloodborne and Castlevania. PlayStation Universe describes the visuals as "fantastic retro visuals" that create a nostalgic yet fresh experience. Nintendo Life commends the detailed spritework, especially in the character and boss designs, as well as the visual flair in the animations. Push Square mentions the sombre and beautiful artwork, particularly highlighting the attention to detail in the numerous unique execution animations. The Games Machine and COGconnected also appreciate the dark and gothic art design, with captivating environments and spectacularly creepy boss designs. These positive opinions indicate that the game successfully creates a visually appealing and immersive atmosphere, drawing inspiration from beloved gothic titles. However, there are some mixed opinions among the critics regarding the originality and distinctiveness of the visuals. Hobby Consolas criticizes the lack of originality and heavy borrowing of elements from its inspirations. Digital Chumps mentions that while the visuals are gorgeous and highly detailed, they do not stand out from other gothic-inspired games. IGN finds the environments to be good but not particularly unique or memorable, while Vgames states that the game's world design and art style create areas that look very similar to each other. These criticisms suggest that The Last Faith may not offer a completely fresh visual experience, relying heavily on established gothic aesthetics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Last Faith delivers visually appealing graphics and visual design. The gothic and dark atmosphere, reminiscent of Bloodborne and Castlevania, receives praise from multiple critics, including GamingTrend, Generación Xbox, and SpazioGames. The pixel art is widely commended for its beauty, attention to detail, and ability to create a melancholy and creepy ambiance. The environments, character designs, and boss battles are particularly highlighted as strong points of the game's visuals. While there are some criticisms regarding originality and distinctiveness, the overall sentiment leans towards positive, with the visuals being a strong aspect of The Last Faith's appeal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praise The Last Faith for its fantastic retro visuals and gothic atmosphere inspired by Bloodborne and Castlevania. The detailed spritework, character designs, and boss battles are commended for creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience. Some critics feel the visuals lack originality and distinctiveness, resembling other gothic games. Despite mixed opinions, the game's dark and immersive art design captivates with its captivating environments and creepy boss designs. Overall, The Last Faith delivers visually appealing graphics that draw inspiration from beloved gothic titles, making it a visually strong aspect of the game.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Last Faith are quite varied. Several critics, such as PlayStation Universe, COGconnected, and PC Invasion, have praised the game's soundtrack and sound design. They highlight the atmospheric and immersive qualities of the music, with PlayStation Universe specifically mentioning that the score elevates the experience to new heights. COGconnected also commends the beautiful and ominous soundtrack, which fits perfectly with the gothic pixel art visuals. PC Invasion adds that the atmospheric soundtrack and satisfying weapon sounds contribute to the overall experience. These positive opinions indicate that the music and sound design successfully enhance the gameplay and create a captivating atmosphere. However, there are also critics who express some negative views. GamingTrend mentions that the background music becomes repetitive and there is a constant jittery audio noise when loading between areas. Vandal describes the ambient soundtrack as forgettable and the voice acting as lackluster. Generación Xbox notes that the soundtrack is average and doesn't stand out, also mentioning the absence of Spanish voice acting. XboxEra points out that while the music is great, the mix can be off and the transition between areas is jarring. These criticisms suggest that there are areas for improvement in terms of variety in the soundtrack, audio quality, and localization. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, like Nintendo Life, Gamer Escape, and Gamereactor UK, appreciate the moody and atmospheric soundtrack, the use of sound cues, and the quality of the voice acting, others have reservations about certain aspects. The positive opinions highlight the successful integration of music and sound design in enhancing the immersive experience and setting the mood. However, the negative opinions raise concerns about repetition, lackluster voice acting, and technical issues. It is clear that the Sound Design and Music of The Last Faith have received both praise and criticism, indicating that there is room for improvement in certain areas while acknowledging the strengths of the overall audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on The Last Faith's Sound Design and Music. Some praise its immersive soundtrack and atmospheric qualities, while others criticize repetitive background music and lackluster voice acting. Positive feedback highlights how the music enhances gameplay, but negative comments point out areas for improvement like variety and audio quality. Overall, opinions vary, with some critics appreciating the moody soundtrack and sound cues, while others raise concerns about technical issues and lack of localization. The game's audio experience has both strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for enhancement.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in The Last Faith is largely positive, with several critics praising the performances and the impact they have on the overall experience. PlayStation Universe describes the voice acting as exceptional, adding depth to the story and making every interaction a memorable experience. GamingTrend also commends the excellently voice-acted dialogue, while COGconnected mentions solid voice acting with distinct and charming performances from the cast. Gamereactor UK goes as far as saying that the voice actors do an impeccable job of bringing the characters to life with poise and confidence. These positive opinions highlight the effectiveness of the voice acting in enhancing the immersion and engagement of the players. However, there are a few critics who express some negative views on the voice acting in The Last Faith. Vandal describes it as lackluster in English, and Multiplayer.it mentions that both the English voice acting and Italian translations are lacking in quality. Worth Playing also notes that while the voicework is good, the delivery lacks refinement. These criticisms suggest that there may be inconsistencies or flaws in certain aspects of the voice acting, such as the quality of translations or the execution of delivery. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Last Faith is generally positive. The majority of reviewers appreciate the performances and the impact they have on the game. The voice acting is praised for bringing the characters to life, adding depth to the story, and enhancing the overall immersion. While there are a few criticisms regarding specific aspects of the voice acting, they do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of the critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics generally praise the voice acting in The Last Faith, highlighting exceptional performances that bring characters to life and enhance immersion. Some critics note flaws like lackluster delivery or translation issues, but overall, positive opinions outweigh the negatives, making the voice acting a standout feature of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on different gaming platforms, The Last Faith received mixed reviews from critics. On the positive side, the game was reported to run smoothly without any issues on the PlayStation 5, according to The Games Machine. Additionally, GamingTrend mentioned that the game played mostly well on the PS5, with decent load times and smooth frame rates. Worth Playing also praised the game's performance on the PC, stating that it ran well on the Steam Deck with a locked 60fps and no need for tweaking settings. These positive aspects indicate that the game was optimized well for these platforms, providing a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on certain platforms. Nintendo Life encountered performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, such as frame hiccups and late inputs, which made the already difficult game even harder and more frustrating to play. Hobby Consolas criticized the imprecise controls on the PS5, which could affect the overall gameplay experience. XboxEra mentioned that Quick Resume didn't work and there were no accessibility settings on the Xbox Series X, which could be disappointing for players who value these features. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the technical performance of The Last Faith is somewhat mixed. While the game was praised for its smooth performance on the PlayStation 5 and PC, there were notable issues on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X platforms. The negative aspects mentioned by critics, such as performance issues, imprecise controls, and the lack of certain features, may impact the overall experience for players. However, it is worth noting that some critics, like TheXboxHub, still found the game enjoyable despite these technical shortcomings, emphasizing the engaging combat and unique style. Overall, players should consider their preferred gaming platform and their tolerance for potential technical issues before diving into The Last Faith.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Last Faith gets mixed reviews for technical performance. Smooth on PS5 and PC, but Switch and Xbox face issues like frame hiccups and imprecise controls. Some critics still enjoy the game for its combat and style, but players should choose platform wisely due to potential technical glitches.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Last Faith are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's hidden secrets, multiple endings, and optional side missions as factors that encourage replayability. PlayStation Universe mentions that the game encourages replayability with hidden secrets and multiple ways to traverse the dark landscapes. GameSpew also mentions the presence of multiple endings and secrets to discover. Vandal and Checkpoint Gaming both emphasize the game's multiple endings and features that encourage replayability. These positive aspects contribute to the overall replay value of the game. However, there are some critics who mention certain limitations or missed opportunities regarding the replay value. Worth Playing states that side quests feel like unnecessary fluff, suggesting that they may not add much to the overall replayability of the game. Generación Xbox mentions that there is no new game+ feature available after completing the game, which may be disappointing for players looking for additional replay value. The lack of class re-spec and obtuseness in various areas are also mentioned as missed opportunities by Worth Playing. These criticisms highlight potential areas where the game could have improved its replay value. Overall, the majority of critics agree that The Last Faith offers a good amount of replay value. Hobby Consolas describes the game as highly replayable, allowing players to try different weapons and builds. Push Square mentions that there is scope for repeats thanks to the arsenal on offer and nominal room for build variety. God is a Geek also states that the game offers a decent amount of build diversity and secrets to find. The positive aspects mentioned by these critics, along with the overall positive sentiment expressed by most reviewers, indicate that The Last Faith provides a satisfying level of replay value for players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise The Last Faith for its hidden secrets, multiple endings, and optional side missions that enhance replayability. While some mention limitations like unnecessary side quests and the lack of a new game+ feature, the majority agree that the game offers a good amount of replay value with build diversity and secrets to discover. Overall, The Last Faith provides a satisfying level of replay value for players.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Last Faith has received a mix of positive and negative opinions from critics. In terms of positives, many critics praise the game's engaging gameplay, challenging boss battles, and addictive combat. PlayStation Universe describes it as a "masterclass in its genre" that improves upon its predecessors, while Gamer Escape highlights the game's addictive boss fights and engaging gameplay. The Last Faith is also commended for its atmospheric and gothic Victorian aesthetic, drawing inspiration from games like Bloodborne. Critics like Push Square and Gamereactor UK appreciate the game's successful emulation of its inspirations, with the latter recommending it to fans of Castlevania and Bloodborne. Additionally, the game's visuals and sound design are praised by critics such as God is a Geek and Digital Chumps. On the other hand, there are several criticisms raised by reviewers. One common critique is the lack of originality and innovation in The Last Faith. GameSpew mentions the game's lack of originality, while PC Invasion criticizes it for lacking innovation. Some critics also point out technical performance issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch platform. Nintendo Life recommends investigating other platforms for better performance, as performance drops can negatively impact the experience. The Last Faith is also criticized for its lack of accessibility options, frustrating game mechanics, and clunky character controls. GamingTrend expresses disappointment in the game's poor game mechanics and design choices, as well as its technical performance issues and lack of accessibility options. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Last Faith is a solid and enjoyable game, particularly for genre enthusiasts. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Meristation recommend it to fans of the metroidvania genre, praising its solid gameplay experience and classic metroidvania elements. However, there is a general agreement that the game falls short in terms of originality and innovation. Critics such as Game Rant and PC Gamer highlight its lack of a unique identity and its resemblance to other games in the genre. Despite its flaws, The Last Faith is still considered a worthwhile experience, with critics acknowledging its captivating gameplay, engaging boss battles, and impressive visuals. It is recommended for players who enjoy the familiar loop of a Soulslike Metroidvania, as mentioned by PC Invasion.

TL;DR

Critics are split on The Last Faith: praised for engaging gameplay, challenging boss battles, and gothic aesthetic reminiscent of Bloodborne, but criticized for lack of originality, technical issues, and frustrating mechanics. While some recommend it for genre enthusiasts, others feel it falls short in innovation and accessibility. Overall, it offers a solid experience with captivating gameplay and visuals but lacks a unique identity, making it more suited for fans of the Soulslike Metroidvania genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

52 reviews found

100

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Nov 19, 2023