Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

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, Xbox Series X, PC, 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.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last Faith's story sparks mixed reviews: while some praise its mysterious premise and gothic atmosphere, the majority criticize its convoluted execution and lack of coherence. Critics note it often feels poorly narrated, leaving players frustrated and disengaged despite its intriguing setup. Overall, the narrative fails to deliver a compelling experience, overshadowing its initial appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The opinions regarding the story of The Last Faith present a mixed bag of sentiments, with some critics highlighting certain positive aspects. GameSpew notes that the game has a "mysterious premise that grabs your attention," suggesting that the initial setup is intriguing. Additionally, XboxEra describes the game as having a "deep, rich backdrop filled with intrigue," which indicates that there are elements of the story that can captivate players. Noisy Pixel also praises the narrative for being "captivating" within its gothic world, pointing to a tragic tale that converges in a compelling conclusion. These perspectives suggest that while the story may have its flaws, there are moments and themes that resonate positively with certain players. Conversely, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the story's execution. GamingTrend describes the narrative as "serviceable at best," while Hobby Consolas criticizes it for being "poorly narrated" and difficult to follow. RPGamer echoes this sentiment by stating that the narrative is "vaguely established," lacking depth and impact. Many reviewers, including GameOver.gr and Digital Chumps, emphasize the convoluted nature of the plot and the reliance on cryptic dialogue and vague storytelling, which can lead to player confusion. The consensus among critics is that while the game attempts to weave a complex narrative, it often falls short, resulting in a lack of engagement and clarity. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a negative assessment of the story in The Last Faith. While some reviewers appreciate the game's gothic atmosphere and initial intrigue, the majority find the narrative lacking in originality and coherence. Critics like GameMAG and PC Gamer highlight the story's failure to convey a compelling narrative, while others, such as Checkpoint Gaming and KeenGamer, point out its excessive reliance on familiar tropes and poor pacing. Ultimately, while there are elements of potential within the story, the execution leaves many players feeling disconnected and frustrated, overshadowing the intriguing premise that some critics initially recognized.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last Faith impresses with its challenging combat and expansive world, praised for its combat variety and Metroidvania elements. However, criticism abounds over clunky mechanics, sluggish movement, and lack of polish, leading to a mixed reception. While it shows promise, execution issues hinder the overall experience, leaving players cautiously optimistic for improvements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Last Faith has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting its strengths in combat mechanics and exploration. Many reviewers, such as GameSpew, commend the game for its challenging combat and the large, interconnected world that invites players to explore. Hobby Consolas appreciates the non-linear gameplay, which allows for a variety of approaches in combat and exploration, while The Games Machine notes the depth of the Metroidvania elements combined with the difficulty of a soulslike. Critics like Push Square and Generación Xbox have pointed out the variety within the combat system, which includes melee, firearms, and spells, providing players with multiple ways to tackle challenges. The game also features well-designed boss battles, as noted by Gamer Escape, who emphasizes the balance and strategic decision-making required during these encounters. However, the gameplay also faces significant criticism, particularly regarding its execution and mechanics. GamingTrend describes the combat system as clunky and uninspired, highlighting issues like input delay and poorly designed hitboxes that detract from the overall experience. Critics such as Digital Chumps and GameMAG echo these sentiments, pointing out sluggish movement and unbalanced combat mechanics that can frustrate players. The platforming elements have also been criticized, with reviewers like Generación Xbox and GameOver.gr noting that they feel uninspired and hinder exploration. Furthermore, some critics, including PC Gamer and Vgames, mention that certain mechanics, like parrying and gunplay, lack polish and depth, leading to a less satisfying gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Last Faith offers a compelling blend of Metroidvania exploration and soulslike combat, it is marred by execution issues that prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Many reviewers appreciate the game's ambitious design and the variety it offers in combat and exploration, as seen in the opinions of GameSpew and The Games Machine. However, the recurring complaints about clunky mechanics, navigation issues, and a lack of polish—highlighted by critics like GamingTrend and Digital Chumps—suggest that the game may require further refinement to elevate the overall player experience. The promise of engaging gameplay is evident, but the execution leaves room for improvement, indicating a mixed reception that leans towards cautious optimism.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last Faith impresses with its dark, gothic visuals reminiscent of classics like Bloodborne, earning praise for its beautiful pixel art and immersive atmosphere. Critics rave about the fluid animations and detailed environments, creating a captivating experience. However, many argue it lacks originality, borrowing heavily from its inspirations and feeling visually repetitive at times. While the aesthetics are strong, the game's failure to carve out a unique identity may leave players craving more innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Last Faith is largely positive, with many critics praising the game's ability to evoke a dark and gothic atmosphere reminiscent of classics like Bloodborne and Castlevania. Reviewers such as GamingTrend and Push Square highlight the game's successful capture of gothic vibes, with GamingTrend noting the effective blend of pixel art and atmospheric backgrounds. Critics from Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected also commend the fluid pixel art animations and the attention to detail in the environments, which contribute to the immersive experience. The art style is frequently described as beautiful, with RPGamer and The Games Machine emphasizing the impressive execution of unique animations and captivating environments that resonate with fans of the genre. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's originality and distinctiveness. Several reviewers, including Hobby Consolas and KeenGamer, point out that The Last Faith heavily borrows from its inspirations, lacking a unique identity of its own. IGN and Digital Chumps echo this sentiment, suggesting that while the visuals are good, they do not stand out as particularly memorable or unique. Additionally, some critics like Vgames and XboxEra mention that certain areas feel visually repetitive or boring, detracting from the overall impact of the game's aesthetic. In summary, while The Last Faith is praised for its impressive pixel art and atmospheric design, critics are divided on its originality and uniqueness. The consensus suggests that the game successfully creates a captivating gothic ambiance, as noted by critics like SpazioGames and Worth Playing, but it struggles to fully differentiate itself from its influences. As a result, while the visuals are generally well-received, the lack of originality may leave some players wanting more in terms of innovation within the genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last Faith's sound design and music divide critics sharply. Many praise its atmospheric soundtrack and voice acting for enhancing the gothic visuals and immersion, calling it "beautiful and ominous." However, others criticize it for repetitiveness and technical flaws, labeling it forgettable and average. While some reviewers celebrate its emotional depth, others find it lacking, illustrating the subjective nature of audio experiences in games.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

59%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

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 have garnered a range of opinions from critics, with many praising the atmospheric qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. Notably, critics from COGconnected and Gamereactor UK highlighted the soundtrack's ability to complement the gothic pixel art visuals and contribute to the overall mood, describing it as "beautiful and ominous" and "mournful and subtle," respectively. The Games Machine emphasized how the sound design provokes reflection, while PC Invasion and Noisy Pixel lauded the atmospheric soundtrack and satisfying weapon sounds, indicating a strong connection between sound and immersion. The XboxHub also praised the voice acting, noting that fully voiced cutscenes effectively convey the narrative, and the ambient sounds, such as enemies mumbling off-screen, enhance the tension. However, not all reviews were as favorable, with several critics finding the audio experience lacking in certain areas. GamingTrend pointed out the repetitiveness of the background music and a constant jittery audio noise during area transitions, which detracted from the overall experience. Vandal and Generación Xbox described the soundtrack as forgettable and average, respectively, with Vandal also criticizing the voice acting as lackluster. KeenGamer echoed this sentiment, labeling the audio experience as forgettable and the ambient soundtrack as failing to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, XboxEra noted issues with the mix and jarring transitions between areas, suggesting that technical shortcomings hindered the audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a division in the perception of The Last Faith's sound design and music. While many reviewers, particularly those on PC, praised the atmospheric qualities and effective use of sound to enhance immersion, others criticized the repetitiveness of the music and inconsistencies in voice acting. Critics like COGconnected and Gamereactor UK celebrated the soundtrack's alignment with the game's gothic theme, while others like Vandal and KeenGamer found it lacking in memorability. This dichotomy suggests that while the game succeeds in creating a compelling audio atmosphere for some, it falls short for others, highlighting the subjective nature of sound design in video games.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last Faith features a mix of praised performances and notable flaws in voice acting. Critics commend the strong delivery and engaging character portrayals, but some highlight issues like lack of differentiation among characters and lackluster English performances. Overall, while there's potential, the voice work falls short in emotional depth and variety, leaving a divided reception among players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in The Last Faith has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting several positive aspects of the performances. GamingTrend commends the dialogue as "excellently voice acted," setting a high bar for the overall quality. Similarly, COGconnected appreciates the "distinct and charming performances" from the cast, noting that the voice acting successfully brings the characters to life. Gamereactor UK echoes this sentiment, stating that the voice actors deliver their performances with "poise and confidence." Additionally, TheXboxHub points out the effective use of sound in the game, including fully voiced cutscenes that enhance the narrative experience, indicating that the overall audio design is well-executed. However, the reviews also reveal notable criticisms regarding the voice acting. RPGamer mentions that while the voice acting is generally well done, some characters share the same voice actress, which can lead to a lack of character differentiation. Vandal's opinion is more negative, describing the English voice acting as "lackluster," while KeenGamer expresses disappointment in the English performances, stating they lack enthusiasm and fail to enhance the narrative. Multiplayer.it also shares concerns about the quality of the English voice acting and Italian translations, suggesting a broader issue with localization. This indicates that while some performances shine, there are significant shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a divided reception of the voice acting in The Last Faith. While there are commendable performances that resonate well with players, as noted by critics like Gamereactor UK and COGconnected, there are also substantial criticisms regarding the quality and delivery of the voice work, particularly in English. Critics such as KeenGamer and Vandal highlight these deficiencies, leading to an impression that the voice acting, while having its strong points, ultimately falls short of fully realizing the game's potential. The mixed reviews indicate that while some players may find the voice acting engaging, others may be left wanting more in terms of performance variety and emotional depth.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last Faith delivers a generally solid technical performance across platforms but is marred by significant issues. The PS5 version impresses with smooth gameplay but suffers from bugs and navigation problems. Xbox Series X players enjoy great style and combat but miss features like Quick Resume and accessibility options. On PC, particularly the Steam Deck, it runs well but has rough edges. Overall, while the game shows potential, critical refinements are needed for a polished experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of The Last Faith across various gaming platforms has elicited a mix of sentiments from critics, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. On the PlayStation 5, reviewers like GamingTrend and RPGamer noted that the game generally runs smoothly, with decent load times and frame rates. The Games Machine echoed this sentiment, stating that the game runs without any issues, suggesting a solid experience for PS5 players. On the Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub praised the game's style and combat mechanics, indicating that while navigation could be improved, the overall performance is commendable. Similarly, on PC, Worth Playing highlighted that the game runs well on the Steam Deck, achieving a locked 60fps without requiring any tweaks, which is a significant positive for portable gaming. Despite these positives, there are notable criticisms regarding technical performance on each platform. For the PS5, GamingTrend pointed out issues such as soft lock bugs in boss arenas and jittery audio noise during loading, while Hobby Consolas mentioned imprecise controls and questionable design choices that could impact gameplay. RPGamer raised concerns about navigation and map issues that could lead to frustration. On the Xbox Series X, XboxEra noted the lack of Quick Resume functionality and the absence of accessibility settings, which could hinder the experience for some players. On PC, GameMAG mentioned rough edges and unfinished systems, indicating that the technical performance may not be fully polished, although Oyungezer acknowledged improvements made in a recent update. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Last Faith offers a generally solid technical performance across platforms, it is marred by various issues that detract from the experience. The PS5 version is mostly praised for its smoothness, yet plagued by bugs and navigation problems. The Xbox Series X version is lauded for its gameplay but criticized for missing features like Quick Resume. Meanwhile, the PC version shows promise, especially on the Steam Deck, but still has rough edges that need addressing. Collectively, these reviews indicate that while The Last Faith has the potential to shine, it requires further refinements to reach its full potential across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics generally praise The Last Faith for its strong replay value, highlighting multiple endings, diverse weapon builds, and extensive exploration. However, the absence of a New Game+ feature and mixed reviews on side quests raise concerns about long-term engagement. While Metroidvania fans may find it rewarding, some players might feel the game lacks enough replay incentives to keep them hooked.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of The Last Faith is largely positive among critics. Many reviewers highlight the game's multiple endings, hidden secrets, and extensive exploration opportunities as key factors that enhance replayability. For instance, GameSpew mentions the allure of discovering multiple endings and secrets, while Hobby Consolas emphasizes the variety of weapons and builds available, which encourages players to experiment with different playstyles. Push Square also notes that the game offers a comprehensive playthrough lasting between 15-20 hours, with ample room for repeats due to the diverse arsenal and build options. Critics like Vandal and Generación Xbox further support this sentiment by pointing out the optional side missions and the extensive map filled with hidden content, which contribute to a rewarding exploration experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the replay value of The Last Faith. Some reviewers express disappointment over the absence of a New Game+ feature, which Generación Xbox specifically mentions as a missed opportunity that could have enhanced replayability. GameCritics points out that while there are collectibles and sidequests, they do not significantly impact the narrative, suggesting limited replay value. Additionally, Worth Playing criticizes the side-quests as unnecessary fluff, which may detract from the overall experience for some players. This sentiment is echoed by GameOver.gr, which suggests that while the exploration and level design may appeal to fans, there is a lingering sense of disappointment that could affect the game's replay value. In summary, the consensus among critics is that The Last Faith offers a solid foundation for replayability through its exploration, multiple endings, and diverse build options. However, the lack of a New Game+ feature and the mixed reception of sidequests and collectibles introduce some concerns about the game's long-term engagement. While many reviewers, such as RPGamer and God is a Geek, appreciate the hidden secrets and build diversity, others like GameCritics and Worth Playing caution that these elements may not be enough to sustain interest for all players. Overall, The Last Faith seems to cater well to fans of the Metroidvania genre, but it may leave some players wanting more in terms of replay incentives.

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 sentiment regarding The Last Faith reveals a mixture of appreciation for its aesthetic and gameplay, while also highlighting its shortcomings. Critics such as Push Square and RPGamer commend the game for its engaging blend of Souls-like and Metroidvania elements, praising its compelling gothic Victorian aesthetic and smooth gameplay. The visuals receive consistent accolades, with reviewers from GameSpew and The Games Machine noting the game's captivating art direction. Many critics, including Generación Xbox and Gamer Escape, find the combat mechanics to be enjoyable, with challenging boss battles and strategic enemy encounters contributing to an overall positive experience for genre enthusiasts. However, the critiques of The Last Faith are equally pronounced, with several reviewers pointing out significant flaws. GamingTrend stands out with a particularly harsh assessment, describing the game as a major disappointment due to its frustrating mechanics and technical issues. Critics like Everyeye.it and GameOver.gr emphasize the lack of originality and depth, suggesting that the game fails to carve out its identity amidst a crowded genre. Additionally, PC Gamer and PC Invasion criticize the game for repetitive gameplay and a mediocre execution of its inspirations, which detracts from the overall experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while The Last Faith offers an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre, it ultimately struggles to stand out due to its lack of innovation and depth. Many reviewers, including IGN and GameCritics, describe it as a solid but unremarkable title that may appeal to those familiar with the Metroidvania and Souls-like genres, yet fails to push any boundaries. Overall, the game is seen as a decent addition to the genre, but one that may not leave a lasting impression in a year filled with more distinctive offerings.

TL;DR

The Last Faith impresses with its gothic visuals and engaging gameplay, blending Souls-like and Metroidvania elements. Critics praise its art direction and enjoyable combat, but many highlight serious flaws like frustrating mechanics, lack of originality, and repetitive gameplay. While it's a decent experience for genre fans, it ultimately fails to stand out or innovate, leaving it as just another solid yet forgettable title in a crowded field.

MONSTER

Reviews

54 reviews found

100

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Nov 19, 2023