Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth is anything but subtle or cautious. At first glance, it might appear cute, but don’t be deceived. This tower defense game is teeming with unrelenting action and unexpectedly eerie bird creatures. The first thing that grabs my attention in any game is its visual design. As soon as I landed on the main screen of Cult of the Elizabeth, I was captivated. Initially, I feared it might be a mere imitation of Don’t Starve, a personal favorite, due to its similar art direction and music. However, those concerns faded quickly as I delved deeper into the gameplay and discovered the unique elements that set this bizarre world apart.
Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth offers both solo and co-op modes, presenting a challenge where Amelia and her classmates must find a way out of their nightmarish predicament. During my time playing solo, I found it a bit lacking due to the extended time required for resource gathering and tower upgrading. Normally, I enjoy the relaxing shift from battling enemies to activities like mining rocks or chopping wood. Yet, here it felt like an endless grind just to collect and construct, leaving me struggling to defend my base effectively. Admittedly, combat isn’t my forte, but even on the easiest setting, the bird-like enemies overwhelmed me, and my sidekick didn’t help much. Managing him seemed necessary to ensure we had sufficient resources, but frankly, micromanaging is the last thing I want in a game. I already juggle enough responsibilities in real life, both at work and at home!
Resource gathering aside, the gameplay holds up well. The combat mechanics are intuitive; however, you can’t just spray bullets at foes and expect them to drop. Precision and timing are crucial to fend off the relentless avian monstrosities and safeguard your towers as well as yourself. Strategic tower placement becomes vital as the resource pool dwindles and more enemies converge. Though the attacks are mostly predictable and not excessively challenging, the pace escalates rapidly when a horde of turkeys dressed like Tudor royals comes marching toward your encampment.
On another note, Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth is a PC game where a controller is recommended, typical of such titles. However, I managed just fine with my keyboard, so it’s not absolutely necessary—at least at the start. That might change as I tackle advanced levels, but I’ll get back to you on that!
All in all, I’m quite impressed with Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth and what it brings to the table now. While it feels somewhat basic, the potential for the developers to expand on the story and fine-tune some mechanics to add dynamism is evident. With a few tweaks, it could have great replay value. You can sample the prologue for free on Steam if this quirky adventure piques your interest.
Assessment
Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth
Gameplay: 7.5/10
Plot / Writing: 6.5/10
Design / Visuals: 9/10
Overall: 7.7/10
Summary: An intriguing genre mash-up
Pros:
- Whimsical, gothic art style that complements the story
- Unique soundtrack that balances light-hearted tones with a sinister edge
- Well-integrated combat and exploration in an atmospheric setting
Cons:
– Resource collection feels tedious
– Enemies are predictable and not particularly challenging
