Lunacid is out of early access so I am giving it a shot. Spoilers probably below.
It begins by letting you know how much respect it has for its inspirations. It is a dark fantasy RPG inspired by well known and respected dark fantasy RPGs. It isn't pretending to be anything else. An earnest entry into the genre it belongs to.
The vibes are immaculate, the combat is interesting, and it does a good job of making a first impression.
The first few areas come one after another, tight corridors and caves. Not too linear, but not too labyrinthine. The enemies yield to the might of my sword without too much difficulty at the start, but then I begin to rub against areas that I am not prepared for. Suddenly enemies that can make half my health disappear let me know perhaps I should spend some time elsewhere and come back once I've gained a few more levels and items.
The game opens up a bit into a large area that I meticulously begin to scout out. I only find two other exits and some areas, one has enemies whose cursing spell gives me some pause before I decide to retreat and prod elsewhere. Another seems to require an item I have yet to find. As I travel the edge of the open area I see a light in the distance that turns out to be a skeleton enemy. I begin cutting them down and pushing into the area they guard. Surely there is some reward waiting for me there. For a brief moment I spot a strange glowing shape and I think perhaps this is a door. But the skeletons draw my attention away as they attack and surround me.
After disposing of the calcium enriched cretins I turn and that glowing shape is right next to me and it's angry. A headless demon that takes a large chunk of my health bar. I hit the bricks but it relentlessly follows. It chases me for what seems like forever as I head to a light in the distance that I know marks my escape. I get to this exit, my health low and potion supply exhausted. I activate the door and while the screen fades I see my health bar go down. I don't know if I made it.
I do think perhaps a bug happened, I turn around and head back through the door, I am curious if the enemy has reset to its original position. But I find myself somewhere else. I am not where I should be. I am at the entrance of the area I retreated to, not the exit like I logically should be. I've since resupplied myself and gained a few levels, but the only area I seem to be able to progress in is unyielding. A good stopping point for my first time with the game I think.
