Elin

Release Date: November 1, 2024 Early Access

RPG, fantasy, roguelike, sandbox, isometric view, 2D, crowdfunding, life sim, indie games, crafting, singleplayer

94%

Steam

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An isometric sandbox RPG, with additional roguelike and life simulator mechanics. In Elin we end up in the fantasy contintent of Tyris. Our character can become a hero, a bandit or even a farmer. NPCs, dungeons and quests from the game are procedurally generated.

Plot
Gameplay
Graphics

Elin is a large RPG with roguelike mechanics, enriched with elements taken from life simulators. The game is a prequel to Elona released in 2006, and was created by the independent Japanese studio Lafrontier. The creation of this project was made possible partially thanks to an extremely successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.

Plot

Elin takes us to a fantasy universe created for the needs of Elona game. We travel to the continent of Tyris in the world of Ylva, inhabited by humans and an older race known as the Elei. During the game we take on the role of an adventurer, and what their life will look like depends largely on our actions and the choices we make. The protagonist can become both a hero celebrated by bards, and a wanted criminal.

Gameplay

In Elin we view the action in an isometric view. The game offers a vast world made up of various locations - from picturesque open air places, through a city of mages or a charming village, to gloomy dungeons. Its inhabitants can not only give us quests or trade with our character, but also join our team or even move into our house.

There is nothing stopping us from playing Elin like other roguelike RPGs, focusing on exploration, completing missions and fighting enemies, but we can just as easily put down roots in a place of our choice and build various objects. This allows us to gradually transform our base into a real city, full of houses, museums and shops.

In addition to this, the game offers us a range of other activities that we can fill our schedule with. A complex crafting system has been implemented, allowing for the production of various items. Additionally, we can engage in farming, animal husbandry or fishing, and even start acting above the law, engaging in theft and attacking the inhabitants of Tyris. However, we must remember that how we treat characters can backfire on us... or quite the opposite - be returned to us with interest.

NPCs, quests, and dungeons that we encounter along the way are procedurally generated, which makes each playthrough look different from the previous ones.

Graphics

The graphic design of Elin was created in pixel art technique and is maintained in manga style.

Videos and Screens

[4:00] Elin Trailer #2

[1:00] Elin Trailer #1

94%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (5,562)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Depth and Complexity: Users praise the game for its intricate systems that allow for a variety of playstyles, including crafting, base-building, and dungeon exploration. The game encourages experimentation and offers a high level of player freedom.
Quality of Life Improvements: Compared to its predecessor, Elona, Elin features a more user-friendly interface, better graphics, and a smoother control scheme, making it more accessible to new players.
Engaging Gameplay: Players find the game addictively fun, with many activities to engage in, from farming to combat, and the quirky humor adds charm to the experience.
Community Support: The community is noted as being helpful, with resources like wikis and Discord channels available for players seeking guidance.
Frequent Updates: The developer is actively updating the game, addressing bugs, and adding new content, which keeps the player base engaged.

The main cons of the game

Steep Learning Curve: Many players mention that the game can be overwhelming at first, with complex mechanics that are not immediately intuitive. New players may struggle without extensive guidance.
Forced Mechanics: Some users express frustration with the mandatory story and base-building elements, feeling that they detract from the freedom that the game promises.
Resource Management Issues: Players have noted that the survival mechanics, such as food and stamina management, can feel tedious and punishing, especially in the early game.
Control and UI Issues: There are complaints about the mouse-centric controls and some clunky aspects of the user interface, making navigation and interaction less smooth than desired.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Better Tutorials: Many reviews highlight the need for clearer tutorials and in-game explanations of mechanics, as the current system can leave players confused.
More Customization Options: Some players wish for additional character customization features, particularly regarding appearance and gear visuals.
Optional Story Elements: Players desire the ability to bypass the main story quests entirely, allowing for a more sandbox experience without being forced into specific narratives or tasks.
Automation Features: Suggestions were made for more automation in crafting and resource management, as the current system can be labor-intensive and tedious.

Summary

Overall, while "Elin" has been well-received for its depth, charm, and improvements over "Elona," it also faces criticism for its steep learning curve and some forced mechanics that may deter new players.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024