![[First Look] The Relic: First Guardian](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhET91IJ0_qnlMbQIDXz9Q0aunhs_38BQZjs1B14G1hLUMbndVrOWvcErzx0CwDlOkvQ3EhcYgvV-Yqve83puW_IuKC0VN5d8F6BWneXoVtilquMiOyoJImxeXFSVCLBCK4VkTFS0ETXkYUawa98k0FDtsw-ntEAP1RiLGdYk1IycOJgd7nR5seS_NbHdk=w640-h358-rw "[First Look] The Relic: First Guardian")
A Deep Dive into the Next Soulslike Contender!
The gaming landscape, particularly the action-RPG corner, seems to be perpetually peppered with titles eager to claim the "Soulslike" throne. Is the genre reaching a saturation point, a monotonous echo chamber of dodge rolls and punishing bosses? Or is there still room for innovation, a spark of originality waiting to ignite? Enter "The Relic: First Guardian," a dark action-RPG hailing from the South Korean studio, Project Cloud Games. This isn't just another grimdark fantasy; it's a plunge into a world of intense combat, steeped in mysterious lore, and practically begging to be explored – and, let's be honest, to repeatedly die in.
Mark your calendars for May 26, 2026, when "The Relic: First Guardian" arrives on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. Prepare to test your patience, hone your parrying skills, and brace yourself for an experience that could either redefine the genre or become another forgotten soul in its sprawling graveyard.
Forget your typical "once upon a time." The world of Arsiltus wasn't built on fairytale foundations. It was once a flourishing civilization until a cataclysmic event – a "great relic" going spectacularly kaboom – ripped a hole in reality, creating a terrifying void. What remains is a "land of death," a haunting testament to a past glory.
You step into this shattered world as the "last guardian," burdened with the unenviable task of piecing together this cosmic catastrophe. Your mission: collect the scattered relic shards and somehow seal the void before it consumes everything. No pressure, of course.
What sets Arsiltus apart is its deep roots in Korean folklore. This isn't your typical Western-centric fantasy narrative. The game promises a fresh, non-traditional take on themes of heroism, love, and tragedy. Even the formidable bosses – over 70 in number, each dubbed a "Brutal" – are said to possess their own tragic backstories, hinting at a depth of narrative often missing in the genre. The ruins themselves will whisper fragmented tales of the past. Pay close attention, because the world itself is a fragmented history lesson.
From "Project Relic" to "First Guardian": A Game's Evolution
The journey of "The Relic: First Guardian" hasn't been a straight line. We first caught a glimpse of it as "Project Relic" at Gamescom 2021. Back then, it was envisioned as a multiplayer experience.
However, as often happens with ambitious projects, a pivot occurred. "Project Relic" evolved, shedding its multiplayer skin and embracing a dedicated single-player adventure. Some might see this as a step back, but perhaps it's a necessary refinement, allowing for a more focused and cohesive vision. This is Project Cloud Games' first major release. Can they successfully deliver a truly unique and polished experience?
Gearing Up for Battle: Gameplay & Progression Breakdown
At its core, "The Relic: First Guardian" embraces its Soulslike DNA. Expect challenging combat encounters that demand strategic dodging, precise parrying, and a willingness to learn from your inevitable deaths. It's a genre hallmark.
Variety appears to be a key design principle. You'll be able to choose from five distinct weapon types, each boasting its own unique skill set and combat style. Furthermore, the game features a staggering twelve skill trees, offering a considerable degree of customization and build diversity.
However, the game deviates from the norm with its approach to character progression. Forget traditional leveling systems. In "The Relic: First Guardian," your strength stems from runes, items, and crafting. This suggests a dynamic system where you can adapt your build on the fly, tailoring your character to the specific challenges you face.
And speaking of challenges, over 70 "Brutals" await you in the dark corners of Arsiltus. Each defeated boss not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also rewards you with powerful items and upgrades.
The world itself is semi-open, a devastated landscape ripe for exploration and discovery.
What's Got People Excited?
- The game's visual flair has garnered praise, with many lauding its "stylish combat," "impressive animations," and "excellent graphics."
- The Asian folklore inspiration is a major draw, promising a refreshing aesthetic and narrative.
- Early glimpses of the parry system suggest a satisfying and responsive mechanic.
- The no-leveling system is seen by some as a stroke of genius, offering unparalleled build flexibility.
But What Are We Worried About?
- Concerns have been raised about the camera, which appears to be positioned too closely to the character, coupled with "excessive screen shake."
- Some have described the combat as "floaty," "not smooth," and even "clunky."
- The sound design has also come under scrutiny, with complaints about "comical 'tink tink' noises" and unbalanced audio mixing.
- A few critics feel the game's overall aesthetic is somewhat generic.
- The no-leveling system, while intriguing, has drawn comparisons to other games where similar systems were poorly implemented.
- And as always, there are concerns about technical issues, such as "janky" movement and framerate drops.
"The Relic: First Guardian" hasn't been immune to controversy. The decision to shift from a multiplayer to a single-player experience has sparked debate within the community. Was it a necessary compromise, or a missed opportunity to carve out a unique multiplayer Soulslike niche?
The game's unconventional progression system – the reliance on runes and items rather than traditional leveling – is another point of contention. Will this prove to be a revolutionary step forward, or a frustrating exercise in inventory management?
And then there's the question of pre-release polish. Can Project Cloud Games address the concerns surrounding the camera, combat fluidity, and sound design before the game's launch?
Finally, in a genre already saturated with titles vying for attention, can "The Relic: First Guardian" truly distinguish itself?
The Road Ahead: What's Next for The Relic?
Right now, all eyes are fixed on the imminent launch of "The Relic: First Guardian" on May 26, 2026.
As for post-launch content, the future remains uncertain. There's no official word on any DLC, expansions, or sequels.
Will The Relic Find Its Guardian Angels?
"The Relic: First Guardian" is an ambitious debut, brimming with unique ideas and a striking visual style. However, it also faces some pre-release challenges.
The game possesses all the ingredients necessary to become a memorable Soulslike experience, particularly its infusion of Korean folklore. However, the ultimate success hinges on the execution of its core mechanics.
Will you answer the call of the Last Guardian and venture into the shattered world of Arsiltus? Only time will tell.
About the Writer
Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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