VoidGate

It has a lot of potential that I hope is realized in early access. Currently, the combat feels a little weightless. I don't like not being able to pause the game while I level up. Additionally, the skills don't seem to go into the hotbar very well, making them useless. The game could do with some voice acting and a better UI. https://youtu.be/ql0GvIWqb4k

I've gotten to learn about Void Gate through its failed Kickstarter campaign some time ago. Since it's the first version in early access I think it's important to review it as such; a work in progress, and not a complete game. Starting with the strong points: the graphics of VG look amazing and this point made me excited about this game in the first place. There aren't many indie 3D RPGs out there with stunning visuals and VG - with the help of Unreal Engine 5 - is definitely looking amazing as you will appreciate from the screenshots. Beyond this, VG is just very much a work in progress. It's great to see the developer has added most of the core mechanics, such as leveling, item use, healing, armor, weapons, etc, in place and working. It all is still a bit rough around the edges and things really need to come together, but obviously a lot of work has gone in already and it offers very extensive menu options and character and gear development. A big miss for beginning players is a short tutorial, explaining how things work. Initially, I did not know I could use TAB to lock on to enemies for easier combat, making combat quite frustrating. Finding this out through trial and error fixed this issue for me. Similarly, I had to learn how to use torches (grab them from the wall using F and then adding them to quick select and select to light them). Without proper use of torches, you are pretty much doomed, as the dungeons are very underlit and too dark to venture into without additional lighting. I've been fiddling around with this for some time, but I guess most modern gamers would be quite unforgiving if they had to figure this out themselves by dying several times. All in all, I would recommend this game if you're a big fan of the genre and would like to support this (single?) developer to bring this game to the next level. It needs a TON of improvement for it to be called a proper game, but I think the developer has done a lot of ground work already, which will make it relatively easy to improve things such as level design, etc. All in all, there is a strong foundation built to make something really special! The high difficulty level and unforgiving nature of the game have triggered me: I will definitely come back for this one a couple of times, until hopefully a next update soon!