HoYoverse's upcoming title, Nodusfall, diverges significantly from the studio's typical bright and colorful aesthetic, instead embracing a dark fantasy setting filled with mysterious magic and vicious monsters. While initial impressions may draw comparisons to Elden Ring, early gameplay suggests Nodusfall has the potential to forge its own identity.
Combat and Character Roles
Nodusfall features a cooperative multiplayer experience, with a preview focusing on two boss battles fought in groups of four. Players select from four distinct character archetypes: two melee-focused and two ranged. The demo highlighted an archer with a mechanical arm, whose role involved inflicting damage from a distance while managing threats. The combat system is designed to be accessible, featuring a basic attack that fills a gauge for a more powerful strike, a secondary move with tactical applications, and four unique cooldown-based abilities per character.
The archer's abilities include a dodge maneuver that propels her backward before a charged shot, and the summoning of a spirit wolf for close-quarters damage. Managing stamina is crucial for executing these actions, though the stamina bar is reportedly generous. The archer's ranged capabilities allow for effective battlefield positioning and support for teammates, facilitating a surprisingly satisfying combat rhythm.
Mythological Enemies and Boss Design
Enemy design in Nodusfall draws from various global mythologies. The preview featured encounters with the Qiongqi, a creature from Chinese mythology depicted as a griffin-like beast, and the Maldrake, a more traditional dragon. These encounters are described as impressive and visually striking, even amidst intense combat.
Boss battles are structured with multiple stages and health bars. The Maldrake fight proved particularly memorable due to its dynamic second phase. Initially appearing as a conventional dragon, a knight character emerges from its torso midway through the battle, transforming the encounter into a fight against the Maldrake Knight. This new form is a fast-paced sword and polearm wielder, capable of unleashing hazardous puddles of black goo. This unpredictable shift in enemy behavior requires players to adapt their strategies, a design element the developers aim to replicate in other encounters to encourage experimentation.
Monetization and Future Outlook
As a free-to-play title from HoYoverse, questions regarding monetization are pertinent. The developer has indicated that characters will be unlockable through gameplay rather than a gacha system, with cosmetic purchases being the primary monetization strategy. Further details on the game's business model are expected at a later date.
Based on the preview, Nodusfall offers fast-paced, engaging combat, compelling bosses, and approachable cooperative play. While curiosity remains regarding solo play options, the game shows significant promise in carving out its own niche within the dark fantasy genre. The preview was based on a Gamescom event where HoYoverse covered travel and accommodation expenses.