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MONSTER

GreedFall

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of GreedFall
Item: GreedFall
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableSep 9, 2019

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperSpiders

Overview

Explore a fresh new world as you set foot - alongside many other settlers, mercenaries and treasure hunters - on a remote island seeping with magic, rumored to be filled with riches and lost secrets. GreedFall aims for a very unique visual identity, inspired by Baroque art from 17th Century Europe, depicting grandiose sceneries in muted warm colors and dark undertones. A grand journey filled with mystery follows, as you find yourself in the middle of ever-increasing tensions between the invading settlers and the locals, protected by supernatural beings, manifestation of the island's earthly magic. With a strong focus on its core RPG identity, GreedFall follows Spiders’ experience in building intricate worlds filled with mysteries to discover, weaving deep character interactions, and offering players great freedom to achieve quests and objectives in a multitude of different ways – through combat of course, but also through diplomacy, deception or stealth.

Elsewhere

6.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

GreedFall’s narrative dazzles with its 17th-century colonial fantasy setting, moral complexity, and player-driven choices, earning comparisons to The Witcher and Dragon Age. Yet its ambitious themes stumble under uneven pacing, trivial side quests, and a shallow DLC, leaving some decisions feel simplistic and the plot lagging. While praised for world-building and dialogue, its execution falters, creating a tale that’s rich in ambition but inconsistent in impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of GreedFall receives widespread praise for its richly detailed setting, thematic depth, and narrative ambition. Critics highlight its unique blend of 17th-century European colonialism, fantasy elements, and moral complexity, with many lauding its exploration of themes like power, identity, and diplomacy. GameCritics commends the game’s “refined writing” and “superb world-building,” while IGN Spain emphasizes the “complex political landscape” and the protagonist’s role as a diplomat navigating factional conflicts. The narrative’s branching choices and consequences are frequently praised, with GameGrin noting the “weighty story” and AusGamers comparing it to The Witcher for its depth. Additionally, the game’s focus on moral ambiguity and player agency—such as in RPG Site’s description of “morally grey narrative beats”—is seen as a standout feature, offering a layered experience reminiscent of classic RPGs like Dragon Age and Mass Effect. However, several critics point to significant flaws in execution. The story is often criticized for its uneven pacing, with some calling it “trivial” or “lacking momentum.” Critical Hit and Destructoid highlight how “trivial quests interrupt intense moments,” while GameMAG and Multiplayer.it dismiss the DLC The De Vespe Conspiracy as overly brief and shallow, offering “1-2 hours of gameplay” that feels underdeveloped. Others, like GameSpot and New Game Network, argue the narrative lacks nuance, with “heavy-handed themes” and “generic” exposition failing to fully explore its potential. Additionally, some reviewers note that while the game’s setting is compelling, its story occasionally falters in depth—Riot Pixels points out that “most decisions are straightforward,” and Jeuxvideo.com notes that the plot “loses momentum in later stages.” These critiques suggest a disconnect between the game’s ambitious themes and their realization. Overall, critics agree that GreedFall’s story is its strongest asset, with many praising its unique setting, moral complexity, and player-driven choices. However, there is a split on whether these elements are fully realized. While outlets like GameCrate and XboxAddict celebrate the “rich lore” and “sharp dialogue,” others like GameMAG and Multiplayer.it feel the narrative falls short in execution, particularly in its DLC. The consensus leans toward admiration for the game’s ambition and thematic depth but acknowledges that its storytelling occasionally struggles with pacing, consistency, and meaningful consequences. Despite these flaws, GreedFall is widely regarded as a compelling, thought-provoking experience that stands out in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

GreedFall: Gold Edition dazzles with deep RPG customization, flexible playstyles, and narrative-driven quests, but its clunky, repetitive combat and underwhelming DLC undermine an otherwise ambitious experience, leaving fans divided between admiration for its ambition and frustration over flawed mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of GreedFall: Gold Edition receives praise for its robust RPG mechanics and player agency. Critics highlight the depth of character customization, with systems allowing players to specialize in skills, talents, and archetypes—such as warrior, technical, or magical roles—as noted by JeuxActu and COGconnected. The game’s quest design is lauded for offering multiple approaches, whether through diplomacy, stealth, or combat, with Cubed3 and Jeuxvideo.com emphasizing the impact of choices on gameplay. Combat mechanics also have their strengths: GameCrate praises the hybrid system blending tactical pause and fast-paced action, while IGN and RPGamer commend its strategic depth and resemblance to games like The Witcher. Additionally, Gameblog.fr and We Got This Covered appreciate the intuitive inventory management and dense RPG systems reminiscent of early BioWare titles. The game’s flexibility in playstyles and progression is a recurring positive, with Worth Playing noting that magic feels more engaging than other skills. However, several critics criticize the gameplay for its combat shortcomings and repetitive design. Multiple reviewers, including USgamer, Twinfinite, and Gameblog.fr, describe the combat as clunky, repetitive, or lacking depth, with some resorting to "button-mashing" due to inconsistent difficulty. Digitally Downloaded and Everyeye.it point out janky mechanics against larger enemies and underdeveloped systems, while Vgames and Destructoid call the combat basic and unengaging. The DLC expansion is also seen as lacking substance, with GamingTrend and Multiplayer.it noting its short length, minimal content, and underwhelming new regions. Technical issues further detract from the experience, such as GameSpace’s complaints about getting stuck in bushes or quests out of order, and GameInformers citing frequent glitches. While some praise the tactical pause feature (Multiplayer.it, Shacknews), others argue it doesn’t fully mitigate the combat’s flaws. Overall, critics present a mixed consensus, with the game’s RPG elements and customization earning widespread acclaim, but its combat systems facing significant criticism. The gameplay’s strength lies in its narrative-driven exploration, character progression, and flexible playstyles, as highlighted by IGN, RPGamer, and GameCrate. However, the repetitive combat mechanics, lack of variety in enemy encounters, and underwhelming DLC expansion create a divisive experience. While some reviewers, like IGN and Worth Playing, find the combat engaging with practice, others, such as The Games Machine and Destructoid, consider it the game’s weakest aspect. The Gold Edition’s additions, while expanding content, fail to address core issues, leaving players divided between appreciating its RPG depth and frustrated by its gameplay limitations. Despite this, the game’s ambition in blending diplomacy, strategy, and exploration ensures it remains a notable entry in the RPG genre for many fans.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

GreedFall dazzles with baroque-inspired 17th-century artistry and autumnal beauty but falters on technical glitches, recycled environments, and clunky animations—its PS5 polish only partially salvages a visually ambitious yet flawed experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of GreedFall received praise for their artistic direction, environmental storytelling, and atmospheric richness. Critics like IGN Spain highlighted the game’s "beautifully designed environments" inspired by 17th-century Flemish society, while TheXboxHub praised its "breathtaking cityscapes" and unique creature designs. The baroque-inspired art direction, noted by MGG, showcased grand, colorful environments that evoked a colonial-era European aesthetic, with GameMAG emphasizing the improved textures and reflections in the PS5 version. Several reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and We Got This Covered, lauded the autumnal visuals, vibrant foliage, and immersive landscapes, such as the "Dickensian" cities and wilds described by Gameplanet. The game’s monster designs also stood out, with Press Start Australia calling them "fantastic" for their blend of natural and magical elements. These positives underscored the game’s ability to create a visually distinct world despite its technical shortcomings. However, the graphics faced significant criticism for technical flaws and repetitive design. Multiple reviewers, including Games.cz and Gaming Age, pointed out "empty environments" and "recycled interiors," with Metro GameCentral citing issues like "uneven frame rates, poor collision detection, and disappearing textures." Vgames and Destructoid criticized the "lazy" details in closed spaces and "rough polygonal human faces," while Gameblog.fr noted "stiff animations" and "unappealing faces." The reuse of assets was a recurring issue, with GamePro Germany and New Game Network highlighting "repetitive buildings" and "muddy" environments. Additionally, DualShockers and Xbox Tavern mentioned frustrating technical bugs like invisible walls and inconsistent character animations. These flaws often undermined the game’s visual appeal, particularly in dialogue scenes and character interactions. Overall, critics acknowledged GreedFall as a visually ambitious title with a strong artistic identity, but its technical limitations and repetitive design dampened the experience. While IGN and Game Informer praised the "beautiful backdrop" of 17th-century-inspired architecture and diverse landscapes, many felt the game’s budget constraints were evident in its "dated character animations" (Worth Playing) and "subpar facial animations" (Softpedia). The PS5 version saw some improvements, with GameMAG noting enhanced textures and Everyeye.it highlighting more defined character faces. Despite these issues, the consensus leaned toward appreciation for the game’s visual ambition, as seen in SomosXbox’s praise for its "impressive visual design" and RPGamer’s acknowledgment of its "well-crafted" environments. While not without flaws, GreedFall’s art direction and world-building left a lasting impression on many reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

GreedFall’s sound design and music are praised for their atmospheric depth and immersive orchestral score by Olivier Derivière, with standout boss fight tracks and regional instrumentation. However, voice acting flaws—jarring accents, poor lip sync, and unconvincing delivery—undermine immersion, creating a mixed verdict on audio quality.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The critics generally praise the sound design and music of GreedFall for their atmospheric depth and immersive qualities. RPGamer highlights the "atmospheric and well-done" soundtrack, noting distinct instrumentation in towns (industrial) and open lands (tribal), while Gameblog.fr emphasizes how the orchestral music enhances the adventure’s appeal. Vandal describes the soundtrack as "mainly ambient" but complementary to the game’s tone, and IGN Spain praises the "well-executed" English voice acting that simulates diverse accents for different races. TheXboxHub and SomosXbox specifically commend Olivier Derivière’s score for its epic fantasy vibe, with the latter calling it "spectacular" and noting how it elevates immersion. Additionally, New Game Network acknowledges the "superb music in boss fights," which partially offsets other gameplay frustrations. These reviews collectively underscore a strong foundation in sound design that enriches the game’s world-building. However, several critics point to notable flaws, particularly in voice acting and musical memorability. GameMAG notes that the soundtrack "does not stand out," while Metro GameCentral criticizes facial animation as "below par" despite decent voice acting. RPG Fan mentions native accents as "off-putting," and IGN highlights "artificial and inconsistent" accents for indigenous characters, which detract from immersion. Vgames and PC Gamer both critique subpar lip synchronization, with the latter noting "distracting" movements during dialogue. Meristation points to the protagonist’s "lack of charisma" in voice acting, while Xbox Tavern criticizes poor NPC voice work and unanimated mouths. These issues suggest that while the music is competent, it lacks the distinctiveness or emotional resonance to leave a lasting impression on players. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with most critics agreeing that GreedFall’s sound design and music effectively support its narrative and setting, even if they fall short of exceptionalism. The orchestral score by Olivier Derivière is frequently lauded for its grandeur and thematic cohesion, as noted by RPGamer and TheXboxHub, while the ambient soundscape and voice acting contribute to immersion despite inconsistencies. However, the mixed reception of voice work—particularly accents, lip sync, and character delivery—creates a divide in how the audio elements are perceived. Critics like GameGrin and Wccftech praise the "impressive musical score" and "noteworthy" sound design, but others, such as GameMAG and PC Gamer, find the music unremarkable or overshadowed by technical flaws. This duality reflects a game where the audio strengths are evident but occasionally undermined by execution issues.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

GreedFall's voice acting earns praise for its immersive quality and emotional depth, with critics highlighting AAA-level performances and believability, though inconsistent accents, awkward delivery, and technical flaws like poor lip-sync and uneven acting temper its impact, resulting in a strong but imperfect experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in GreedFall received generally positive feedback from multiple critics, with many praising its quality and immersion. Reviewers like Hobby Consolas highlighted the excellent English voice acting and availability of Spanish subtitles, while PlayStation Universe noted that the "out-of-this-world" performances made characters believable and enhanced world-building. RPGamer commended the emotional range of both male and female voices, stating they brought the story to life, and GamingTrend praised its AAA-level quality. IGN and JeuxActu also appreciated the engaging and believable delivery, with PC Invasion calling it "strong and compelling." Additionally, TheSixthAxis emphasized that performances effectively sold fantasy tropes, and Windows Central and Worth Playing described the voice acting as "great" and "solid," respectively. These critiques underscore a consensus that the voice work was largely effective in supporting the game’s narrative and setting. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws. Gameplanet criticized the "odd word choices and accents" that hindered character engagement, while Vgames called the acting "subpar" with poor lip-sync. Daily Star noted "mildly drab performances" and subtitle errors, and PC Gamer observed uneven quality, with some characters over-acting their lines. GameSpew highlighted awkward pronunciations, such as "I" being mispronounced, while Meristation criticized the protagonist’s lack of charisma despite strong companion voices. IGN Spain and Xbox Tavern also noted issues with native accents, which felt forced or overly theatrical. These critiques suggest that while many performances were commendable, inconsistencies in delivery, accent execution, and character depth occasionally detracted from the experience. Overall, the critical reception of GreedFall’s voice acting leans toward positive, with most reviewers acknowledging its strengths despite some flaws. While Hobby Consolas and RPGamer celebrated its quality, Gameplanet and PC Gamer raised valid concerns about accents and delivery. The consensus seems to be that the voice acting is "above average" (PLAY! Zine) and "not stellar but not terrible" (PlayStation Country), with many praising its contribution to immersion and character depth. Though some critics, like Xbox Tavern, found supporting NPCs lacking, the majority viewed it as a solid, if imperfect, component of the game’s overall design. The mixed reactions reflect a balance between commendable performances and specific technical or stylistic issues that didn’t entirely undermine the experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

GreedFall's technical performance was a mixed bag: PC and PS5 offered smoother experiences with notable visuals, while PS4 and Xbox One struggled with bugs, frame drops, and clunky mechanics. Patches improved matters, but older hardware bore the brunt of its polish issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The technical performance of GreedFall varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On PC, several reviewers praised its visual appeal and smooth gameplay despite minor issues. For instance, GameCrate noted the game runs smoothly with no bugs or technical issues, while Jeuxvideo.com highlighted its "visually appealing" presentation. The PS4 version saw praise for stable frame rates and short load times, as mentioned by Push Square and GamePro Germany, though some critics like Hobby Consolas appreciated the elegant environments created with the Silk Engine. On PS5, improvements were evident: Eurogamer Italy noted a 25–30% faster loading time compared to PS4, while Multiplayer.it praised the "improved performance and visual enhancements." For Xbox One, IGN Spain and TheXboxHub reported smooth gameplay without major issues, though Generación Xbox acknowledged some annoying bugs. Overall, the PS5 and PC versions received more balanced feedback, with fewer critical flaws compared to older consoles. However, technical shortcomings were widespread across platforms. On PC, critics like Cultured Vultures and GameSpot criticized rough gameplay mechanics, control issues, and "primitive systems," while Jeuxvideo.com (PC) noted invisible walls and rigid controls. The PS4 version faced significant challenges: Metro GameCentral called it a "technical mess" with frame rate drops and texture glitches, and PlaySense highlighted frequent bugs like late-loading characters and erratic clothing animations. GameGrin mentioned stutter issues on PC when using ultra textures, though this was resolved by adjusting settings. On PS5, while performance improved, GameMAG reported occasional freezes during loading, and Everyeye.it noted frame rate drops during autosaves. Xbox One had its own issues: Generación Xbox cited NPC interaction bugs, and God is a Geek (Xbox One) pointed to "AI glitches" and janky cutscenes. These flaws often detracted from the experience, particularly on older hardware. The overall consensus among critics suggests that GreedFall’s technical performance was inconsistent but improved over time, especially on newer platforms. While PC and PS5 versions showed better optimization—with GameCrate (PC) and Multiplayer.it (PS5) highlighting smoother experiences—the PS4 version struggled with persistent bugs like texture issues (PlaySense) and collision problems (Metro GameCentral). Despite these challenges, many reviewers acknowledged that post-launch patches likely addressed some flaws. For example, God is a Geek (PS5) noted that "technical issues from the original release are mostly gone," though character animations remained subpar. The game’s technical shortcomings were more pronounced on older consoles, but its core mechanics and world-building kept it playable for many. Ultimately, while GreedFall had significant polish issues, its performance varied by platform, with newer hardware offering a more refined experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

GreedFall’s replayability thrives on branching narratives, classless customization, and multiple endings, but repetitive quests, underwhelming DLC, and shallow systems drag it down—a promising foundation marred by uneven execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of reviewers highlight positive aspects of GreedFall’s replayability, emphasizing its branching narratives, player choices, and diverse gameplay mechanics. Critics like COGconnected and GamePro Germany praise the game’s classless customization, multiple mission resolutions, and varied combat options, which encourage repeated playthroughs. RPGamer and We Got This Covered commend the intricate companion quests, relationship-building systems, and quest design that allow players to shape the story differently each time. Additionally, IGN Italia and TheXboxHub note the reputation system and faction dynamics as key factors in replayability, while Wccftech and Windows Central highlight the game’s potential for multiple endings and character specialization. The ability to explore alternate paths, such as through Meristation’s “different mission completions” or RPG Site’s talent-based progression, further reinforces this appeal. However, several critics point out limitations that detract from the game’s replay value. GameMAG and God is a Geek criticize the DLC as short and underwhelming, with Multiplayer.it calling it “forgettable.” Cubed3 and JeuxActu note repetitive quests, poorly designed side content, and excessive backtracking, which can diminish engagement on subsequent playthroughs. SpazioGames points to small skill trees as a barrier to replayability, while IGN Spain laments an overabundance of fetch quests. Additionally, Xbox Tavern and God is a Geek (XBOX ONE) suggest that the game’s side content feels like “padding,” and the lack of depth in some systems, such as the companion AI mentioned by RPGamer, may leave players uninterested in revisiting the world. These critiques highlight inconsistencies in how replayability is executed across different aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a balanced view: while GreedFall offers substantial replay value through its choices, multiple endings, and exploration-driven design, it also faces challenges in sustaining long-term engagement. Reviewers like GameGrin and Shacknews acknowledge the game’s engaging content and customization options, but others, such as Cubed3 and JeuxActu, argue that repetitive elements and underdeveloped systems temper its appeal. The game’s replayability is often framed as a “double-edged sword”—with Worth Playing praising its “fully featured RPG” feel reminiscent of classic Bioware titles, while XboxAddict and SomosXbox note that the sheer volume of content (30–60 hours) may not justify multiple playthroughs for all players. Ultimately, GreedFall is seen as a game with strong foundational replayability but one that struggles to fully capitalize on its potential due to uneven execution in key areas.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment toward GreedFall: Gold Edition is largely positive, with critics praising its immersive world-building, compelling narrative, and ambitious design. Many highlight the game’s unique colonial setting and intricate political/social storytelling, with IGN noting it “comes close to the winning formula of a mid-2000s BioWare game” due to its “exciting combat and excellent quest writing.” GameWatcher and RPG Fan both commend its engaging story and choice-driven mechanics, while GameCrate calls it a “brilliant return to form for fans of BioWare-style RPGs.” The game’s focus on player agency, diverse characters, and replayable quests—such as the multiple solutions to stories and companion perspectives mentioned by GameStar—is frequently lauded. Critics like 3DJuegos and MondoXbox also note its success in filling a void left by classic RPGs, emphasizing its nostalgic appeal and strong narrative foundation. However, several critics point out significant flaws that hinder the experience. The combat system is often criticized as clunky or repetitive, with Twinfinite calling it “inconsistent” and “clunky,” while GamePro Germany notes its “outdated graphics” and limited technical performance. The DLC, particularly in the Gold Edition, faces criticism for being underwhelming—Multiplayer.it calls it “forgettable,” and GamingTrend finds the expansion “disappointing.” Technical issues, such as poor optimization on PC and PS4, are recurring complaints, with GameCritics describing it as a “Eurojank title” and Press Start Australia citing racial sensitivity concerns. Additionally, some critics, like TheSixthAxis and Eurogamer Italy, argue that the gameplay lacks inspiration, and the world feels hollow in places, with “empty towns” and repetitive combat mechanics detracting from immersion. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is that GreedFall: Gold Edition is a worthwhile experience for RPG fans, even if it falls short of perfection. While some critics, like Wccftech and GameCrate, call it Spiders’ best work yet, others acknowledge its potential to evolve further. The game’s strengths—its rich storytelling, unique setting, and deep choices—often outweigh its flaws, as noted by Cultured Vultures, who argue that “the story and characters make up for the weak gameplay.” While not a flawless title, it is seen as a solid entry in the genre with room for growth. Critics like Push Square and LaPS4 emphasize its charm and ambition, even if it doesn’t fully realize its goals, making it a recommended purchase for those seeking an immersive RPG experience despite its shortcomings.

TL;DR

GreedFall: Gold Edition dazzles with immersive storytelling, colonial depth, and BioWare-style choices, but clunky combat, dated graphics, and underwhelming DLC drag it down. A solid RPG for fans, despite technical flaws and repetitive gameplay.

MONSTER

Reviews

112 reviews found

100

Daily Star

Sep 15, 2019