Steelrising Reviews
Steelrising has some lofty ambitions, but poor execution slays this potentially innovative Soulslike.
Steelrising has the necessary gears to offer a solid soulslike experience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Steelrising could and should have been the proof of Spiders' maturity, but unfortunately the French studio did not know how to hit the target even at this turn.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Not just for those that are curious though, even fans of Elden Ring and other Souls games will find a lot to love here in Steelrising. From a genuinely good alternative history story that takes some emotional turns, to the various mechanical enemies that litter the Parisian landscape there is a lot to like about Spider’s latest game. And while Steelrising has some of the trademark ‘jank’ that is in all Spider games, it is that very thing that makes this developer so special. All their games have something that just feels off (but in a good way), but all of their games I loved more than the next and true to form Steelrising is their best game to date.
Steelrising is a new Souls-like twist on the French Revolution that unfortunately doesn't see all of its lofty ambitions grow into accomplishments. While its gameplay is enjoyable once you get far enough to earn some unlocks and get main character Aegis more decked out, it tries to mimic elements of FromSoftware's action RPG classics without always understanding what made said elements work. When Spiders leans less on taking inspiration from other games and more on presenting its own ideas, however, we get an intriguing-and surprisingly deep-alternate take on an important moment in France's history.
Next to Greedfall, SteelRising shows just how much Spiders has come on as a developer. There are some kinks for sure, but Aegis' Parisian adventure is easily Spiders' best game to date.
Overall, Steelrising is a commendable stab at the Soulslike genre by Spiders. It’s visually appealing, and Aegis’ unique abilities eventually make exploration feel more rewarding while also enhancing the combat. Those jumping in should be aware that combat isn’t quite as tight at that found in the likes of Dark Souls though, and Steelrising is a bit rough around the edges in general. Still, there’s a lot to like here for those seeking out a challenge within a new setting.
Though the alternate history setting allows Steelrising to immediately separate itself from the bloated Souls-like genre in an aesthetic sense, its shortcomings prevent it from standing out in a way that truly matters. Some elements work well, and the accessibility options are very welcome; just don't go in expecting Spiders to have reinvented the automaton.
An action rpg that offers a solid combat system and interesting encounters (albeit with a never really demanding challenge), but fails to tell a story that can hold on to the player.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Steelrising had all the potential to be a strong entry into the souls-like canon, but it never manages to exit mediocrity.
Steelrising is sort of an average Soulsborne game. The fascinating aesthetic doesn't hide the fact that it's repeating the same sort of things we've seen in a lot of other games, and it can't manage to carve out its own identity. That doesn't mean it is a bad title; the combat is largely fun, and there are enough little things to discover to keep you moving forward. Steelrising might help to scratch the post-Elden Ring itch, but otherwise, it's best for those who are looking for another Soulsborne to play.
Steelrising makes some welcome changes to the genre formula but its best qualities are blurred by its lacklustre writing and world design.
Steelrising is a familiar game with just enough to really stand on its own two feet. It's not a revolution but it could have been the start of one.
Steelrising is an ambitious game, and its actually good in terms of both gameplay and storytelling, but unfotunately its not as polished as we would've liked.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Spiders didn't only manage to deliver a great Souls-like experience, but also managed to plunge me into a bloody struggle against a tyrant. A struggle aimed at liberating the French people from the grip of a tyrannical ruler who oppresses people and suppresses freedom and dignity. It is an alternate history experience that showcases the events of the French Revolution in a way I never imagined I will ever see. Yes, the game suffers from minor technical problems and some repetition, but overall, it's an experience that I'd recommend to all Souls-like fans.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Steelrising is a more accessible Souls-like which has plenty to appease rookies and veterans of the genre. A stunning visualisation of revolutionary Paris and a more direct story make for an engaging romp and while the combat has some balancing issues, it has the variety to remain interesting through its runtime. A Souls game with delicious French flavour, you’ll want to hear these people singing the song of angry Automats.
Its gameplay is effective, the choreography of its fights is impeccable and the challenge is present. The chosen era and the steampunk aspect also blend surprisingly well and bring a little freshness to a genre that has become accustomed to heroic fantasy or science fiction.
Review in French | Read full review
Steelrising sits right up there with the original Nioh as my favourite example of a Soulslike made outside of From Software. The spectacular alternative history backdrop is a delightful way of getting people interested in the events and people of the French Revolution, and that’s backed with some of the most enjoyable and distinctive level and environment design that we’ve seen from the genre to date. Of course, it’s not Elden Ring, and was never going to hit that level of polish or scope, however, it also wasn’t trying to. It’s very comparable to the likes of Nioh, and the sheer thought that went into making every building block within it relate to its themes and artistic vision makes it a compelling and thoughtful entry into an increasingly over-crowded genre.
Steelrising is a solid Soulslike with well-implement and familiar design and mechanics, but its alternate history clockpunk French Revolution setting is what makes the game shine. Spiders' latest is a game that deserves your attention.
Steelrising never quite feels like a cohesive experience, but its warring halves of Soulslike combat and narrative RPG storytelling are compelling enough in and of themselves.