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Godfall (PS5) Review
Developer: Counterplay Games
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Genre: Action RPG / Looter-Slasher
Release: 2020
Godfall was one of the earliest games revealed for the PS5 and was designed as a showcase for the new console's visual power. Combining third-person melee combat with loot-driven progression, it describes itself as a "looter-slasher" rather than a traditional Soulslike or action RPG.
Its greatest strength is undoubtedly its combat. Heavy weapons feel powerful, attacks have considerable impact, and the different weapon types provide satisfying variety. Unfortunately, repetitive missions, an underdeveloped story and a loot system that doesn't always provide meaningful rewards prevent Godfall from reaching its considerable potential.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Combat is the highlight of Godfall. Players control Orin, a Valorian knight equipped with powerful weapons and interchangeable Valorplates. There are five primary weapon types, including longswords, dual blades, polearms, greatswords and warhammers, with each offering different attack speeds, ranges and combinations.
The Soulshatter system is particularly effective. Light attacks build Soulshatter damage, which can then be detonated with heavy attacks for significant additional damage. This encourages players to alternate between attack types rather than simply repeatedly using the strongest move.
Other mechanics include Breach attacks, weapon techniques, Polarity Attacks and Archon Fury abilities. These systems give combat considerably more depth than the relatively straightforward story structure might suggest.
The DualSense controller also adds some satisfying physical feedback to attacks and abilities, reinforcing the feeling of weight behind the weapons. ()
Strengths:
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Excellent melee combat
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Weapons feel powerful and weighty
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Soulshatter mechanic encourages varied attacks
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Five distinct weapon categories
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Several combat systems work together effectively
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DualSense feedback adds impact
Weaknesses:
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Enemy variety is limited
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Combat becomes repetitive during longer sessions
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Some encounters can feel overly similar
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Certain mechanics aren't explained particularly well
Exploration & World Design
Aperion is divided into several large fantasy environments inspired by different elements and realms. Visually, these areas can be impressive, combining elaborate architecture, glowing energy effects, enormous structures and heavily armoured warriors.
The problem is that the environments aren't used particularly well from a gameplay perspective.
Missions frequently send you through areas you've already visited, with objectives involving defeating enemies, collecting items, activating mechanisms or reaching another location. Backtracking becomes increasingly common, and the environments begin to feel like arenas designed primarily to facilitate combat rather than genuine exploration.
There are secrets and optional areas to discover, but exploration rarely feels as rewarding as the impressive visuals initially suggest.
Story & Themes
The story follows Orin and his brother Macros, two Valorian knights whose conflict becomes the central focus of the campaign.
The premise has the foundations of an entertaining fantasy epic, involving powerful warriors, magical armour, ancient realms and a brotherly rivalry. Unfortunately, the narrative doesn't develop these ideas particularly effectively.
Characters aren't especially memorable, dialogue can feel overly dramatic and the world-building isn't given enough attention. The story ultimately feels more like a reason to move from one combat encounter to another than a compelling narrative in its own right.
This is particularly disappointing because the visual design suggests a much deeper world than the story actually delivers.
Final Verdict
Godfall is a game where the combat is significantly better than the overall experience surrounding it. Counterplay Games created a genuinely enjoyable melee system, with powerful weapons, Soulshatter, Breach attacks and several other mechanics working together to make individual encounters satisfying.
Unfortunately, the repetitive mission design and relatively shallow story prevent that excellent combat from carrying the entire game. The loot system also generates huge quantities of equipment without always making individual rewards feel meaningful.
Visually, however, Godfall remains an impressive PS5 showcase. The Valorplates look fantastic, the environments are attractive and the combat effects demonstrate what the hardware can produce.
As an action RPG, Godfall is ultimately an uneven experience: great combat, impressive presentation, but too much repetition and not enough substance around it.
Score: 7.5/10
