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The Last Faith

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

2023

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

AvailableNov 15, 2023

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

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

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

A gothic masterpiece of atmosphere and gameplay, but its tangled, clichéd story undermines an otherwise stellar experience—beautifully flawed, with more style than substance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The narrative of The Last Faith receives praise for its atmospheric depth, mysterious premise, and immersive world-building, despite its flaws. Critics like GameSpew highlight the game’s “mysterious premise that grabs your attention,” while Push Square and TheXboxHub emphasize the compelling setup of Eryk, a warrior navigating a dark, ravaged world. XboxEra notes the “deep, rich backdrop filled with intrigue and a world of death, decay, and hope,” and Noisy Pixel praises its “captivating narrative in a gothic world” with dense storytelling. The game’s blend of Souls-like mechanics, Castlevania-esque exploration, and Metroidvania-inspired design, as noted by Generación Xbox, also contributes to its appeal, offering an engaging gameplay loop that compensates for narrative shortcomings. However, the story is frequently criticized for being vague, convoluted, and lacking originality. GamingTrend and Hobby Consolas describe the dialogue as “cryptic and difficult to follow,” while RPGamer and GameCritics argue that the plot feels generic, relying on familiar tropes from Bloodborne and Blasphemous. Vandal and COGconnected point out the lack of narrative innovation, with Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Chumps noting the reliance on “breadcrumb storytelling” that fails to create emotional investment. IGN acknowledges the game’s “macabre mood” but admits losing interest in its “puzzling” plot, while Everyeye.it and GameOver.gr criticize the lore as shallow and unengaging. The narrative’s opacity and disjointed structure leave many players frustrated, with Worth Playing calling the storytelling “tiresome” for lore enthusiasts. Overall, critics are divided but lean toward a mixed reception. While the game’s atmosphere, gameplay mechanics, and gothic aesthetic earn praise from outlets like Noisy Pixel and PlayStation Universe, the story’s lack of clarity and originality remains a significant drawback. TheXboxHub and IGN acknowledge that the gameplay compensates for the weak narrative, but many, including Vandal and GameRant, feel it fails to deliver a compelling or cohesive tale. The consensus suggests The Last Faith is a visually striking, mechanically solid experience that struggles to translate its ambitious themes into a memorable story, leaving players torn between admiration for its style and frustration with its narrative execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

A gothic masterpiece of atmosphere and gameplay, but its tangled, clichéd story undermines an otherwise stellar experience—beautifully flawed, with more style than substance.

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

A bold genre-blender with thrilling combat and clever design, but clunky controls, frustrating platforming, and uneven difficulty kill its potential, leaving a promising yet polished mess.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Last Faith receives widespread praise for its engaging blend of Metroidvania exploration and Soulslike combat mechanics. Critics highlight the game’s non-linear progression, with titles like GameSpew noting the “large, interconnected world” and The Games Machine emphasizing its “depth of a Metroidvania with the difficulty of a soulslike.” Combat is frequently lauded for its variety, with Push Square praising the “solid blend of melee, firearms, and spells” and TheXboxHub celebrating the “brutal yet rewarding combat” that includes satisfying execution animations. The game’s boss battles are also a standout feature, with Gamereactor UK calling them “difficult but fair” and Gamer Escape noting their “well-balanced” design. Additionally, the customization of character classes and abilities—mentioned by RPGamer and COGconnected—adds replayability, while Noisy Pixel commends the gradual introduction of mechanics that keep the challenge engaging. However, several critics point to significant flaws in gameplay execution. The combat system faces criticism for clunky controls and inconsistent mechanics, with GamingTrend condemning it as “uninspired and clunky” due to input delays and poor hitboxes, while Generación Xbox and Vgames both describe the movement as “clunky and unpolished.” Platforming elements are another recurring issue, with GamingTrend criticizing “frustrating ledge mechanics” and GameOver.gr calling the platforming “uninspired.” Other drawbacks include unbalanced difficulty curves (Digital Chumps, Oyungezer), repetitive backtracking (RPGamer, IGN), and underdeveloped ranged combat (Game Rant, GameOver.gr). Additionally, some critics note technical issues like broken hitboxes (XboxEra) and a lack of polish in controls (Jeuxvideo.com), which detract from the overall experience despite the game’s ambitious design. Overall, the critical reception of The Last Faith’s gameplay is split between admiration for its genre-blending ambition and frustration with its technical shortcomings. While many praise its challenging combat, non-linear exploration, and boss design—highlighted by Push Square, Gamereactor UK, and Noisy Pixel—others like GamingTrend and Vgames argue that the game’s mechanics feel underdeveloped or inconsistent. The consensus leans toward a positive but imperfect experience: it succeeds as a Soulslike-Metroidvania hybrid with engaging systems, but its flaws in control responsiveness, platforming, and difficulty balance prevent it from reaching its full potential. As IGN and PC Gamer note, the game has “promise” but struggles to deliver a polished execution, leaving players divided between its rewarding core and frustrating technical issues.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

A bold genre-blender with thrilling combat and clever design, but clunky controls, frustrating platforming, and uneven difficulty kill its potential, leaving a promising yet polished mess.

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Praise for The Last Faith's gothic visuals and pixel-art mastery create an immersive dark fantasy world, but its derivative design, repetitive environments, and monochromatic palette fail to distinguish it from Castlevania and Bloodborne.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of The Last Faith are widely praised for their evocative gothic atmosphere and meticulous attention to detail. Critics consistently highlight the game’s ability to capture a dark, Victorian-inspired aesthetic reminiscent of Bloodborne and Castlevania, with GamingTrend noting its “dark and gothic vibes” and Push Square praising the “sombre and beautiful” artwork that nails the setting. The pixel-art style is frequently lauded for its fluidity and richness, with RPGamer describing it as an “impressive pixel-art aesthetic” and Checkpoint Gaming applauding the “gorgeously fluid pixel art animations.” Environments like crumbling cathedrals and snow-covered towns are celebrated for their atmospheric depth, while boss designs and execution animations receive particular acclaim—Vandal calls them “unexpected delights,” and Generación Xbox highlights “impressive boss battles.” TheXboxHub also emphasizes how the visual style enhances gameplay clarity, noting that animations help players distinguish between attack and dodge opportunities. However, several critics point to a lack of originality and repetitive design elements. Hobby Consolas criticizes the game for “heavily borrows[ing] elements from its inspirations,” while IGN and PC Invasion note that environments feel “not particularly unique” and that monster designs are “tame and safe.” KeenGamer argues the game “lacks a unique identity, drawing heavy comparisons to Castlevania without standing out,” and Vgames observes that areas “look very similar to each other.” Additionally, some reviewers find the color palette too monochromatic or drab—Nintendo Life mentions a “monochromatic and bleak” tone that can feel “drab in some places”—while Vandal notes that character designs are less appealing than boss art. Digital Chumps also point out that the visuals “aren’t visually distinct from other gothic-inspired games,” suggesting a reliance on familiar tropes rather than innovation. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for The Last Faith’s visual craftsmanship and atmospheric immersion, even as critics acknowledge its derivative nature. The game’s pixel-art style, detailed environments, and gothic ambiance are seen as strong suits by outlets like RPGamer, COGconnected, and TheXboxHub, who praise its ability to evoke nostalgia while delivering a cohesive dark fantasy experience. However, the lack of originality remains a recurring critique, with multiple reviewers—such as Hobby Consolas, IGN, and KeenGamer—arguing that it fails to distinguish itself from its influences. Despite these shortcomings, the visual design is broadly regarded as a key strength, with many critics agreeing that it effectively supports the game’s narrative and gameplay through its meticulous art direction and immersive world-building.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Last Faith's sound design and music masterfully craft a gothic, immersive atmosphere, praised for haunting melodies, satisfying audio cues, and cohesive thematic depth. Yet, repetitive tracks, jarring transitions, and uneven voice work tarnish its impact, leaving mixed reviews on execution despite strong creative vision.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of The Last Faith received widespread praise for their atmospheric depth and thematic cohesion. Critics highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to enhance the game’s gothic and immersive world, with RPGamer noting its "fit[ting] the gothic theme well," while COGconnected described it as "beautiful and ominous" that complements the pixel art visuals. TheXboxHub praised the "very good" sound design, emphasizing satisfying weapon sounds and unique enemy dialogue, such as an enemy “inviting us to come forward.” Noisy Pixel called the soundtrack "simply outstanding," while PC Invasion lauded its "beautiful and haunting" quality. Additionally, SpazioGames and Nintendo Life commended the use of ambient elements like "coughing sounds" and "strings and winds" to amplify tension and immersion, creating a cohesive auditory experience that aligns with the game’s dark, introspective tone. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws. Vandal criticized the "forgettable ambient soundtrack" and "lackluster voice acting," while KeenGamer described the audio as "forgettable" with "lackluster sound effects." GamingTrend noted repetitive background music and "jittery audio noise during area transitions," a technical issue that disrupted immersion. XboxEra mentioned "mix can be off" and jarring transitions, while Generación Xbox pointed out the absence of Spanish voice acting, which could alienate some players. Worth Playing acknowledged excellent music but criticized voicework for lacking "refinement." These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack’s thematic elements were strong, execution issues in sound mixing, repetition, and voice acting consistency detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most praising the soundtrack’s atmospheric contributions and thematic resonance. While some reviewers, like GamingTrend and Vandal, highlighted technical flaws and repetitive elements, the majority emphasized its effectiveness in creating an immersive, gothic environment. TheXboxHub, COGconnected, and PC Invasion all celebrated the music’s ability to elevate the game’s mood, even as others pointed to inconsistencies in voice acting or sound design execution. The mixed reception underscores that The Last Faith’s audio strengths lie in its atmospheric storytelling and thematic cohesion, though technical and repetitive issues prevented it from achieving universal acclaim.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Last Faith's voice acting is a mixed bag: while critics praise its immersive storytelling and standout performances, others cite repetitive voices, sluggish delivery, and flawed translations, leaving its quality uneven but ultimately impactful.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in The Last Faith receives largely positive acclaim from multiple reviewers, with several praising its ability to elevate the game’s narrative and immersion. GamingTrend highlights that “the dialogue is excellently voice acted,” while COGconnected commends the “distinct and charming performances” from the cast, particularly noting Eryk’s “exaggerated growl in cutscenes” as fitting for a gothic horror protagonist. TheXboxHub emphasizes the game’s sound design, praising fully voiced cutscenes and even the “mumbling enemies off-screen,” which adds depth to the atmosphere. Gamereactor UK and Gamer Escape also laud the voice actors for bringing characters to life with “impeccable” and “excellent” performances, respectively. These critiques underscore a strong foundation in vocal delivery, with many critics appreciating how the voice acting enhances storytelling and world-building. However, several reviewers point out notable flaws. Vandal criticizes the English voice acting as “lackluster,” while KeenGamer finds it “disappointing” for lacking enthusiasm and failing to enrich the narrative. RPGamer notes that some characters share the same voice actress, which could detract from individuality, and that the dialogue itself feels “lacking in substance and clarity.” Multiplayer.it further criticizes both English voice acting and Italian translations as subpar, while Generación Xbox points out the absence of Spanish voice options, limiting accessibility. Additionally, Noisy Pixel acknowledges “outstanding” voicework but notes the actors’ “somewhat slow delivery,” and Worth Playing observes that the “delivery lacks refinement.” These critiques highlight inconsistencies in execution, particularly in pacing, originality, and localization efforts. Despite mixed feedback, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for The Last Faith’s voice acting. While some critics like COGconnected and TheXboxHub celebrate its strengths—such as immersive cutscenes and distinct character portrayals—others like RPGamer and KeenGamer raise valid concerns about repetition, pacing, and translation quality. However, the majority of reviews, including those from GamingTrend, Gamereactor UK, and PlayStation Universe, emphasize that the voice acting is a standout element, contributing significantly to the game’s emotional and narrative depth. The critiques, though present, do not overshadow the general praise, suggesting that while there are areas for improvement, the voice work remains a compelling aspect of the experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Last Faith delivers stellar performance on PS5 and Xbox Series X but stumbles on Nintendo Switch with frame drops and lag, while PC remains inconsistent despite updates—technical flaws plague some platforms, yet combat and artistry shine through.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of The Last Faith varies significantly across platforms, with some systems receiving more favorable remarks than others. On PS5, critics like GamingTrend noted smooth frame rates and decent load times, while The Games Machine praised the game’s seamless performance without issues. For Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub highlighted the game’s visual style and combat as strong points, despite navigation challenges, and XboxEra acknowledged minimal major problems. On PC, Oyungezer pointed to recent updates improving stability, and Worth Playing commended the Steam Deck’s smooth 60fps performance. Meanwhile, Nintendo Life noted that while a patch addressed some issues on Nintendo Switch, frame hiccups and input lag remained problematic. However, technical shortcomings were more pronounced on certain platforms. On PS5, GamingTrend cited soft lock bugs in boss arenas, jittery audio during loading, and a glitched playtime timer, while Hobby Consolas criticized imprecise controls and un-replenished healing items. RPGamer also mentioned navigation and map issues that could frustrate players. For Xbox Series X, XboxEra pointed out the absence of Quick Resume and accessibility settings, which detracted from the experience. On PC, GameMAG noted "unfinished systems" despite no explicit technical discussion, while Oyungezer acknowledged improvements but not complete resolution. The Nintendo Switch faced the most significant hurdles, with Nintendo Life describing frame hiccups and late inputs as particularly frustrating, even after a patch. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Last Faith is technically sound on some platforms but plagued by bugs and design flaws on others. While PS5 and Xbox Series X received mixed reviews—highlighting smooth performance alongside specific glitches—the Nintendo Switch emerged as the most problematic due to persistent frame rate issues and input lag. PC users experienced a more variable experience, with updates addressing some problems but leaving rough edges unresolved. Despite these challenges, many critics acknowledged the game’s strengths in combat and art style, indicating that technical flaws, while notable, do not entirely overshadow its appeal. The disparity in performance across platforms underscores the need for further optimization, particularly on Switch and PC, to fully realize the game’s potential.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Last Faith delivers robust replay value through immersive exploration, hidden secrets, and metroidvania-style experimentation, but its lack of New Game+ and underdeveloped side content dampen long-term appeal for some. Fans of depth and discovery will thrive, while others find missed opportunities in design and replay mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics highlight strong positives regarding The Last Faith’s replay value, emphasizing its emphasis on exploration, hidden content, and varied gameplay mechanics. GameSpew and Vandal both praise the game’s multiple endings and secrets, while Hobby Consolas and Push Square note the metroidvania-style design that encourages players to experiment with weapons, builds, and traversal methods. TheXboxHub and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the immersive exploration of vast maps, with players constantly seeking hidden areas, chests, and secret paths. RPGamer and Generación Xbox also commend the game’s lengthy experience and extensive map, which cater to Metroidvania fans eager to uncover every detail. Additionally, GameMAG and God is a Geek point out that returning to earlier areas with new abilities enhances replayability, while Jeuxvideo.com and KeenGamer acknowledge the appeal of diverse playstyles and multiple endings for dedicated players. However, several critics express concerns about the game’s replay value. GameCritics argues that sidequests and collectibles have minimal narrative impact, reducing their incentive for repeat playthroughs, while Worth Playing criticizes the lack of class re-spec options and obtuse level design as missed opportunities. Generación Xbox and Jeuxvideo.com specifically mention the absence of a New Game+ feature, which could have significantly boosted replayability despite the game’s existing content. GameOver.gr notes a sense of disappointment among fans, suggesting that while exploration is rewarding, it may not be enough to justify multiple playthroughs for all players. Additionally, some critics feel that the game’s side content feels optional or underdeveloped compared to its core mechanics. Overall, the consensus leans toward The Last Faith offering a decent amount of replay value, particularly for fans of metroidvania and exploration-driven games. While many praise its secrets, multiple endings, and build diversity (as noted by Hobby Consolas, TheXboxHub, and GameMAG), others like GameCritics and Worth Playing feel the game falls short in fully capitalizing on its potential. The lack of a New Game+ feature, as highlighted by Generación Xbox and Jeuxvideo.com, is a notable drawback, but the combination of hidden content, varied playstyles, and lengthy exploration keeps the game engaging for those who prioritize these elements. Critics like Push Square and RPGamer emphasize that the game’s strengths in replayability are sufficient to appeal to its target audience, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy all players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall verdict of The Last Faith is largely positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay, atmospheric design, and genre-blending mechanics. Reviewers like Push Square highlight the game’s successful fusion of Souls-like and Metroidvania elements, noting its compelling gothic Victorian aesthetic inspired by Bloodborne. RPGamer commends the smooth gameplay and beautiful visuals, while The Games Machine calls it an “engaging and polished” experience that leaves a lasting impression. GameCritics acknowledges its solid genre foundation, and Gamereactor UK praises its gameplay, graphics, and sound design, calling it a strong entry for fans of Castlevania and Bloodborne. The game’s combat is frequently lauded as thrilling and varied, with Checkpoint Gaming noting impressive boss fights and enemy designs. These positives suggest that The Last Faith effectively delivers on core gameplay and aesthetic appeal, even if it leans heavily on genre tropes. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. GamingTrend criticizes the game’s “poor and frustrating mechanics,” technical issues, and lack of accessibility options, calling it a major disappointment. PC Gamer describes it as a “mediocre 2D copy of Bloodborne” with repetitive gameplay and unpolished design, while Jeuxvideo.com highlights punishing difficulty and a lack of polish. GameOver.gr and Multiplayer.it note the game’s lack of originality and depth, with GameRant stating it “lacks a unique identity.” Issues like clunky controls (Generación Xbox), unbalanced gameplay (GameMAG), and forced backtracking (SpazioGames) further undermine its potential. The narrative and world-building are also frequently criticized, with RPGamer and God is a Geek pointing to weak storytelling as a key shortcoming. These critiques reveal that while the game has technical and design strengths, it struggles to overcome its reliance on familiar mechanics and execution flaws. Despite mixed reviews, the consensus among critics leans toward a generally positive but unremarkable assessment. Many acknowledge The Last Faith as a competent entry in the Souls-like/Metroidvania hybrid, with IGN calling it “reliable entertainment” and XboxEra noting its beauty and worth for back catalogs. However, GameCritics gives it a 6.5/10, reflecting its status as a decent but unoriginal title in a competitive year. While Nintendo Life praises its “haunting symphony of gameplay and atmosphere,” others like TheXboxHub suggest it’s best suited for genre enthusiasts seeking a familiar experience. The game’s ability to balance challenge with exploration and its gothic aesthetic resonate strongly, but its lack of innovation and technical polish prevent it from standing out. Ultimately, The Last Faith is seen as a solid, if unspectacular, offering for fans of the genre who prioritize gameplay over originality.

TL;DR

Praised for its gothic atmosphere and genre-blending gameplay, The Last Faith dazzles with combat and visuals but falters under clunky mechanics, repetition, and a lack of innovation, leaving it as a polished yet unremarkable entry in the Souls-like/Metroidvania hybrid.

MONSTER

Reviews

54 reviews found

100

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Nov 19, 2023