Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth isn’t your typical tower defense game—it’s a lively blend of charm and eerie bird-like adversaries that keeps you on your toes. Right from the first glance, the game’s visual flair demanded my attention, captivating me instantly with its distinct aesthetic. Initially, I worried it might borrow too heavily from Don’t Starve, especially considering its art and musical similarities. Yet, a few moments into the gameplay, those concerns vanished. It soon became clear that this game is far from an imitation, introducing its own unique elements to the bizarre world it presents.
The game offers both solo and cooperative experiences, challenging Amelia and her classmates to escape their nightmare. Playing solo, however, can feel a bit dragging due to the time-intensive nature of gathering resources for tower upgrades. Personally, I enjoy these activities as brief respites from enemy onslaughts, but here, collecting essentials felt excessively time-consuming. Despite my struggles in combat—as it’s not my forte—even in the easiest mode, I found myself overwhelmed by the game’s avian foes. I ended up overly managing my sidekick to maintain adequate supplies, which detracted from the enjoyment. After all, gaming shouldn’t feel like juggling real-life demands!
Despite these challenges, the core gameplay mechanics are solid. While the combat system might be straightforward, precision is key; aimless shooting won’t bring you victory. Success depends on timing and strategy, like knowing when to strike at the monstrous birds before they cut down your defenses. Resource management becomes crucial as you figure out the optimal locations to position your towers. While the monsters’ attack patterns are fairly predictable, and initially not too challenging, a rush of turkey-like creatures dressed in regal attire can turn the tide—and quick.
Interestingly, Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth is one of those PC games recommended for controller use. However, I didn’t find it particularly necessary; the keyboard worked just fine for me. That said, I might change my tune as the game introduces more complex challenges.
Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised by what Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth delivers. While it currently appears a bit simplistic, I hope the developers will build upon its narrative and refine the mechanics for a more dynamic experience. With a few adjustments, its replay value could be impressive. For now, you can explore this quirky world through its free prologue available on Steam—it’s worth a try if you’re in the market for something a bit offbeat.
Here’s a quick recap:
– Gameplay: 7.5/10
– Storyline: 6.5/10
– Design/Visuals: 9/10
Overall score: 7.7/10
This game is an intriguing blend of genres with both strengths and areas for growth. You’ll love its whimsical yet gothic design and unique soundtrack, perfectly complementing its atmosphere. On the downside, resource gathering can feel tedious, and enemy behavior might not keep you guessing for long.
