Review of ELDRADOR CREATURES: Shadowfall for PlayStation 5

Wild River Games and Schleich have teamed up to bring us “ELDRADOR CREATURES Shadowfall,” a turn-based strategy game now available on PS5. This intriguing game draws its inspiration from the popular figurine line, offering fans an exciting new experience. Let’s delve into what makes “Eldrador Creatures Shadowfall” a noteworthy addition to the gaming world.

Following the footsteps of the original “ELDRADOR CREATURES” on PS4, which debuted back in 2020, Shadowfall takes you on an adventure among the divided lands of Eldrador, split into four unique realms. Players get to explore the Stone World, overseen by the formidable Stone Dragon, the icy terrains ruled by the Ice Dragon, the lush Jungle World with its commanding Jungle Dragon, and the fiery Lava World, where our journey begins amidst the shadow creatures led by the malevolent Shadow Dragon.

In terms of gameplay, Shadowfall offers players a choice of four difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, Hard, and Very Hard. For those opting for the Easy setting, expect enemy damage and health to be significantly lower, whereas the Very Hard setting will push your strategic skills to the limit with enemies dealing and withstanding much more damage. Naturally, the experience points you earn adjust in tandem with the challenges faced, adding another layer of strategy as you decide your own path.

As a turn-based strategy game, “ELDRADOR CREATURES Shadowfall” requires careful planning. You control your characters using the left analog stick, plotting their movements and orchestrating attacks. Each creature on your team has its distinct capabilities, which are crucial to mastering the battlefield dynamics, especially when they become subject to varied status effects, like freezing. Timing your moves and attacks becomes vital, as does making full use of the battlefield’s strategic elements.

The uniqueness of each creature is displayed in their skill set. Take the Lava Smasher, for instance. This character can execute a punch knocking foes backward, capitalizing on environmental challenges like casting an enemy into the damaging lava. Such tactics enrich the gameplay, encouraging creative uses of skills. Blue Mana orbs scattered across the battlefield are essential resources to fuel these special abilities, necessitating careful management to outmaneuver opponents.

Your strategy will only be as effective as your creatures’ evolution. Gather gold throughout your quests to unlock upgrades, impacting all members in your team. Upgrades may heighten health, damage capabilities, or even expand your roster, offering more tactical flexibility. As your creatures gain experience and level up, they receive substantial boosts to health and damage, and unlock new abilities that could change the tide of battle.

Trophy hunters will find plenty to engage with in Shadowfall. The game is a Cross-Buy release, meaning you receive both the PS4 and PS5 versions with separate trophy lists. Achievements range from defeating a set number of enemies to tactical feats like setting opponents ablaze multiple times within a single battle. It’s a comprehensive list that demands dedication from trophy collectors.

With the strategic depth and engaging design brought from its figurine inspiration, “ELDRADOR CREATURES Shadowfall” offers a well-rounded experience with voice acting that breathes life into the characters. Available for $19.99 as a Cross-Buy title, it’s an accessible adventure that will exhilarate fans both old and new. Choose your creatures wisely, manage resources carefully, and lead your team to victory across the challenging and diverse realms of Eldrador.

Note: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Wild River Games.