Wild River Games and Schleich bring us an exciting new release with ELDRADOR CREATURES Shadowfall, a game of tactics and strategy rooted in their classic figurine line. Now available on PS5, this installment pulls players into the intricate world of Eldrador, dominated by four distinct realms. From the formidable Stone World, helmed by the Stone Dragon, to the icy expanse of Ice World under the command of the Ice Dragon, each realm is uniquely challenging. There’s also the vibrant Jungle World, ruled by the Jungle Dragon, and the fiery domain of the Lava Dragon in the Lava World, where you’ll encounter the shadowy creatures under the rule of the menacing Shadow Dragon.
The journey through Eldrador offers a range of difficulty levels to test your mettle. Whether you’re a newcomer opting for the Easy setting—where enemy stats are dialed down for a more forgiving experience—or a seasoned tactician ready to tackle the Very Hard mode, which cranks up enemy damage and health to 160%, the choice is yours. How bold will your strategy be?
As you engage in turn-based battles, tactical prowess is key. You’ll maneuver your characters across the board, carefully positioning them for effective assaults. Each creature can act once per turn, choosing to either move or attack unless a status effect, like being frozen, impedes them. Execute skills with precision: for instance, the Lava Smasher’s Smash ability can be lethal, sending opponents careening into hazardous terrain for extra damage.
Perhaps you’ll harness the power of Mana—collected from the battlefield to fuel potent abilities. The Lava Smasher, for instance, can unleash Comet Smash, devastating all nearby foes and igniting the ground upon landing, while the Lava Hyena scorches through enemies with its Firewall skill. Plan your moves carefully; the shared Mana pool among your creatures adds a strategic layer to battles.
Gold isn’t just for show; it’s pivotal for enhancing your team. Investing in upgrades boosts overall health, skill damage, Mana reserves, and team size. Every victory grants experience points, leveling up your creatures for stat boosts and unlocking new skills as they progress.
Gamers seeking to bolster their trophy collection will find plenty to achieve here. ELDRADOR CREATURES Shadowfall is a Cross-Buy release, meaning you can enjoy it on both PS4 and PS5 with individual trophy lists per version. The thrill of chasing a Platinum trophy is palpable, with various challenges outlined, from slaying enemies to mastering specific battle conditions.
With a lusciously voice-acted adventure set in the bustling world of Eldrador, you’ll be thoroughly engaged as you experiment with different creature combinations and strategies. Available as a Cross-Buy for just $19.99, the package offers both PS4 and PS5 versions.
In summary, ELDRADOR CREATURES Shadowfall combines strategic depth with narrative flair, set in a beloved universe that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy. A note of thanks to Wild River Games for providing a PS5 copy for this review.
