Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms has officially left early access and launched its full version on Steam. After two years of development in early access, Gamera Interactive’s ambitious isometric RPG promises rich lore, challenging combat, and a return to the roots of classic RPGs. But does it deliver? Let’s dive into what makes this game stand out and where it falls short.
First Impressions
The game has a distinct retro feel. It combines an isometric perspective with vibrant environments and a classic fantasy setting. While the graphics are not groundbreaking, they do their job. Players who grew up with games like Diablo 2 or Pillars of Eternity will feel nostalgic. However, don’t expect the photorealistic textures or cinematic animations of AAA games.
The world design is where the game shines. Each of the four kingdoms has its own distinct lore, characters, and visual identity. It feels alive, even if the technical execution isn’t top-notch.
Gameplay: Love it or Hate it
Combat is at the core of Alaloth. The game mixes real-time action with a dash of tactical decision-making. It’s heavily inspired by soulslike mechanics, demanding precise timing and thoughtful positioning. However, it’s not as polished or fluid as Dark Souls. Some players on Steam describe the combat as “clunky but rewarding.” Others note that the difficulty spikes can be frustrating, especially for newcomers.
You won’t find a grand cinematic story here, but that’s intentional. The focus is on exploration, player choice, and survival. Players must navigate a dangerous world filled with deadly enemies, challenging quests, and countless ways to fail. For fans of unforgiving RPGs, this is a feature, not a bug.
Official Trailer
What Do Players Say?
The Steam reviews from the last few days highlight both strengths and weaknesses. Many applaud the deep lore and expansive world. Long-time early access players note how far the game has come, with over 100 patches improving its systems and balance.
However, there’s criticism too. Some complain about bugs and optimization issues. A few players report crashes or poor performance on lower-end PCs. Others mention that the difficulty can feel unfair, especially in early fights. Despite this, most agree the game is worth its price for the sheer amount of content.
Strengths
- World-Building: The lore is rich and thoughtfully crafted. Each kingdom has unique cultures and stories to uncover.
- Challenge: The game doesn’t hold your hand. If you enjoy mastering tough combat, this is for you.
- Replayability: With multiple kingdoms and character builds, there’s plenty of reason to replay.
Weaknesses
- Graphics: While the art style is charming, the technical graphics feel dated.
- Combat Flow: It’s not as smooth or satisfying as bigger-budget games in the same vein.
- Bugs: Some technical issues remain, which can hurt immersion.
Final Thoughts
Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms is not for everyone. If you love AAA polish and cutting-edge visuals, this game won’t blow you away. But if you’re into challenging, lore-heavy RPGs with a classic feel, it’s worth checking out.
It’s not on the level of Baldur’s Gate 3 or Dark Souls, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it carves out its own space as a niche RPG for fans of old-school adventures. With more patches and updates likely on the horizon, this game has potential to grow even further.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a caveat: you need patience and an appetite for difficulty. If that sounds like your thing, Alaloth might just surprise you.