Exanima: A Brutal and Deeply Immersive Medieval RPG Experience!

Prepare to be humbled. “Exanima,” developed by the solo developer Bare Mettle Entertainment, isn’t your typical medieval fantasy romp filled with overpowered heroes slaying dragons left and right. This game is a brutal and unforgiving experience that demands patience, precise timing, and an almost surgical level of control. It’s a dungeon crawler at its core, but don’t expect the usual hand-holding or clear quest markers guiding you through hordes of mindless enemies. Exanima throws you into the deep end, forcing you to learn its intricate systems through trial, error, and (lots of) death.

The game’s story is deliberately minimal. You awaken in a dank dungeon cell with no memory of who you are or how you got there. A gruff voice guides you on your initial escape, but beyond that, the narrative is largely driven by environmental storytelling. Exploring crumbling dungeons and ancient tombs reveals cryptic lore snippets, hinting at a world plagued by forgotten gods and dangerous conspiracies.

Combat: The Heartbeat of Exanima

Exanima’s combat system sets it apart from almost every other RPG on the market. Instead of relying on pre-animated attack sequences or hotkey combos, combat is entirely physics-based. Every swing of your sword, thrust of your spear, and block with your shield is governed by realistic physics interactions. This means that landing a hit depends not only on aiming correctly but also on timing, strength, and the precise angle at which you strike your opponent.

The system initially feels clunky and awkward. It takes time to master the nuanced control scheme, which involves using your mouse to directly control your character’s limbs. But this is precisely where Exanima shines. The challenge and reward of mastering this unique combat system are immense. As you learn to predict enemy movements and exploit weaknesses in their armor, every successful parry or riposte feels like a genuine accomplishment.

Beyond the Dungeon Walls: The World of Exanima

While dungeons form the core of the Exanima experience, the game also features an open world hub town where you can rest, replenish supplies, and interact with other NPCs. The town is sparsely populated, reflecting the game’s overall minimalist approach to storytelling. However, there are intriguing characters to be found – grizzled veterans who offer cryptic advice, merchants selling rare goods, and even a blacksmith willing to craft custom armor and weapons based on your designs.

The open world also presents opportunities for exploration. Scattered throughout the region are hidden ruins, ancient tombs, and forgotten battlefields, each offering its own set of challenges and rewards.

A Game For Patient Adventurers:

Exanima is not for everyone. It’s a deliberately challenging experience that demands dedication and perseverance. The steep learning curve, unforgiving combat system, and minimalist storytelling can be daunting for some players.

However, for those seeking a truly unique and rewarding RPG experience, Exanima offers something truly special. Its combination of brutal realism, intricate combat mechanics, and immersive world-building makes it a hidden gem worth discovering. If you’re tired of hand-holding and predictable gameplay loops, Exanima is the antidote you need - a brutal but ultimately rewarding plunge into the depths of medieval fantasy.