Review / Insights: The Cult of Elizabeth (PC)

There’s nothing subtle or serene about "Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth." While it might come off as slightly cute at first glance, don’t let that trick you. This tower defense game is brimming with action and features some unusually creepy bird monsters. For me, the visual design of a game is crucial, so when I first launched "Cult of the Elizabeth," the main screen alone drew me right in. At first, I was a tad concerned that it might feel too much like a knock-off version of "Don’t Starve," which happens to be one of my all-time favorites. The art and music do mimic that wilderness survival classic. But, just a few minutes into this wild venture, it became clear that this game boasts its own peculiar flair.

"Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth" provides both solo and cooperative gaming modes, as we join Amelia and her classmates on their quest to escape this nightmare. Now, playing solo might not be as thrilling since gathering resources for tower upgrades can drag on pretty long. Generally, I enjoy taking a break from combat to gather resources like rocks and timber, but this game tests patience a bit too much! Even on the ‘easy’ setting, I found myself overpowered by the birdlike enemies while my sidekick seemed more of a hindrance than a help. With so much else to juggle both in-game and in real life, micromanaging a digital partner isn’t my idea of fun!

Despite those challenges with resource gathering, the rest of the gameplay holds up pretty well. The combat is straightforward but still requires a knack for precision. Randomly firing at foes will only lead to frustration. You need to be strategic, timing your shots right to fend off the beasts and protect your towers. As resources dwindle, choosing the right spots for your towers becomes even more critical—especially when you’re suddenly faced with an army of turkeys dressed straight out of the Tudor era charging towards your base!

Here’s an interesting note: "Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth" suggests using a controller for a more seamless experience, something that’s more common with PC titles lately. However, I had no trouble sticking to my keyboard. Perhaps as the game advances and more complex hurdles are introduced, a controller might prove more beneficial, but we’ll see about that.

All in all, "Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth" shows a lot of promise with its current offering. While it might still have some rough edges, there’s plenty of room for the developers to add depth to the story and refine its mechanics, potentially unlocking more replay value. You can currently dive into the prologue for free on Steam, and if you’re in the mood for a quirky escapade, it’s definitely worth a try.

Review

• Gameplay: 7.5/10
• Plot / Writing: 6.5/10
• Design / Visuals: 9/10
• Overall: 7.7/10

Summary: A captivating blend of genres with a gothic twist.
Pros:

• Whimsical, gothic art style enhances the storytelling.
• A distinctive soundtrack with a mood-swinging mix of light and dark melodies.
• Well-balanced blend of combat and exploration.

Cons:

• Resource gathering can feel monotonous.
• Enemies, although intriguing, lack the challenge factor.