I like this game. I want that said at the onset of this review. I might have enjoyed it more on the PS4 because it seems this game was specifically developed for a controller, not a mouse and keyboard. My issues with the game have to do with the controls. Before I get into what is right with the game I have to get this part out of the way, which seems like I’m bashing the game, but I’m not.
The controls are…. irksome at times. Attack with the left mouse button and move with the right seems simple enough but something about this combination just doesn’t work. A dash comes via the Ctrl key and the hook shot (think grappling hook) comes via the Alt key. And that’s it for movement. Why can’t players used the traditional WASD or map out custom controls? Sometimes, often enough to be a bother, after a hook shot to essentially jump a gap, I am unable to simply move to where I am trying to go next. I have to attack which brings with it a small forced movement,which in itself isn’t bad, but having to do this when I just want to move on to the next point is frustrating. Using the hook shot from one point to another should not result in getting “snagged” or stuck.
And why is the Esc key not used with regards to backing out of a menu selection? I thought that was industry standard by now. The camera is fixed and there’s no map as well.
Stories: The Path Of Destinies does not come with save points that players can take advantage of. I mean, yes, the game does save your progress, but in order to do so players need to actually complete the chapter they are on. Quitting the game brings players to the beginning of the chapter the next time the game is started. Yes, there are checkpoints for when a player dies so the chapter does not need to be completely restarted every time. Still, I found myself having to restart a couple of chapters because of this quirk and was not happy about it. Thankfully the chapters are not too long.
Despite these issues I still highly recommend Stories: The Path Of Destinies. What we get is a fantastic action game with a focus on the narrative.
You will die. There are a number of paths and options for players to take and they almost always end in death. Then you reveal a truth and start over. Maybe you need to make completely different decisions. Maybe you need to alter one choice. Whatever your path, know that failure is part of the story which ultimately leads to a far richer story.
Players take on the role of Reynardo, a fox who has, let’s just say a checkered past. He isn’t much for joining causes, but the rebellion is about to fail. The emperor has gone power-mad and maybe even just mad. Does Reynardo save his friend or go after an artifact that could turn the tide of war?
Each chapter is rife with multiple paths, some of which only unlock upon a subsequent playthrough because of an earlier decision. Sometimes crafting a new sword will unlock a path. Yes, there is some crafting, but it’s not a prominent part of the game. There are a few elements to collect through found chests or breakables and after acumulating enough finding a workbench – and it sounds more complicated than it is because I’m not one for crafting in games but this was pretty low key so I almost enjoyed it.
Skills are unlocked as well through experience points and skill points, and again this is an area which might seem daunting but it is all straightforward.
Overall what I like about Story: The Path Of Destinies far outweighs what I don’t. The game has a fantastic story and goes about telling it in a different way than we usually get. Humor is present but not in an overused jokey manner. I think I would recommend trying to get it for the PS4 over the PC.