ELEX Reviews
I was very impressed by ELEX and I'm glad I didn't take the game at face value. If you're willing to put in the few hours it takes to figure out why ELEX is so great, then you'll be rewarded with an awesome and memorable experience -- especially if you're an RPG fan.
Remember Two Worlds? The Xbox 360/PS3-era RPG that made a lot of promises it didn’t quite live up to? That’s exactly where ELEX falls.
There are few worlds more exciting to explore than the one in ELEX. Each location is intelligently crafted and filled with valuables items. The factions are clever and have their own nuances, and working for them is beneficial in a number of ways. Growing from a chump that gets knocked down by a slight breeze to the mightiest warrior takes quite a long time, but it's very fulfilling. However, while players can get accustomed to the combat, it never becomes enjoyable. The glitches, minor as they are, still detract from the experience. That being said, it is impossible to imagine an impeccably polished open world RPG. For this game, Piranha Bytes focused entirely on its strengths, and the results are very impressive.
THQ Nordic and Piranha Games had a really ambitious project in ELEX, and one that surprisingly went under the radar for a lot of people after it was announced back in 2015. For me, it's an incredible surprise, and it's definitely a game that's worth playing if you're an open-world or action RPG fan. It may have a few technical issues here and there, but I can't remember a lot of open-world games in recent years that didn't have any, and it's nothing that should prevent you from appreciating the game – plus there's probably a patch on its way. Don't let this one pass you by, since there's a hidden gem in ELEX.
You need to be patient and committed to get much out of ELEX, but give it a chance, and there's a soul in there that should grow on anyone who enjoys their RPGs.
It is impossible to stay neutral about ELEX. You either love it or hate it. And if you love Gothic series, it will definitely be the first option.
Review in Russian | Read full review
What we are looking here is one hell of a hardcore, post-apocalyptic, larger-than-life, sandbox RPG gem - a gem that's very rough around the edges, but a gem nonetheless. Unfortunately, it's currently inside the bowels of a large, sluggish, and sickeningly smelly beast: its battle system. Therefore, unless ELEX gets an extremely strong patch treatment, think a lot before a purchase.
ELEX is a game that, despite its promising setting and some good story ideas, fails in every single aspect in delivering a good game. Mechanically and technically speaking, it's a terrible game, making it impossible to enjoy whatever good aspects it might present.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Elex's technical issues prevent it from reaching its full potential. But despite those issues, a great world design and a dark and compelling story make it a worthy addition to every RPG fan's shelves. There's surely lots of fun waiting for you in Malagan.
Review in Persian | Read full review
There is a fantastic RPG at the core of Elex with some excellent world and quest design, remarkably diverse factions and environments awaiting those who can get past its slow start, clumsy combat and overall lack of fine polish.
ELEX is a broken, messy game that might have some interesting ideas deep down but they won't save it. Honestly you are better of avoiding or waiting for the developers to maybe save this title.
Elex is not a bad game. Even with all of its issues there is still a vast and beautiful world to explore and a handful of interesting quests to do. Also the way that RPG elements have been added to the game is adorable. But to face the truth there are several other RPGs out in the market which are better than Elex in any way possible. though if you are a fan of Piranha Bytes Games you should definitely try this one as well.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Overall, Elex had a lot of promise, but it's amalgamation of settings and mechanics do nothing positive for the game. With an utter nonsense mix of weapons, enemies, and settings, Elex might have been a decent game...for 2007. Unfortunately, it seems like Piranha Bytes still hasn't learned from their various mistakes with Risen 3. As it is now, there's simply no reason to try it unless you're a diehard Piranha Bytes fan.
I still consider Elex one of the best CRPGs of this decade
All in all, if you’re a fan of open world exploration and complex combat, ELEX may be the game for you, though I would add the caveat that you may want to see how things improve over the coming months. There’s already a plan for a Day 1 patch that may take care of some of the game’s most glaring issues.
ELEX has ambition it lacks focus and refinement to become something more than it is. Technical fumbles, bad writing and robotic animations all bring the game down from any possible greatness, and what's left can only be called mediocre.
With Elex Piranha Bytes bited more than he could chew, unfortunately: the games is huge, and we're sure a great effort went into the storytelling and world building, but the combat system is just too clunky and the difficulty curve is off, too much to recommend it.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Elex is an unfortunate case where it appears to be too ambitious for its own good.
A vast and rich world with a too-thin story and enough bugs to ruin any immersion.
Piranha Bytes has created a legitimately interesting world to explore filled with choices and consequences, though it's technical limitations and budget nature are a hard sell for any gamer who isn't a fan of the Gothic and/or Risen games.