1348 Previous Vote Analysis |

The studio Sedleo starts with a work that gave rise to hope, although the result ended in disappointment due to the adaptation.

An analysis of 1348 Ex Voto - A Transcendental Journey does not have

Butcher's sword.

It is very difficult to make a game look good in a medium like video games where there are hundreds of published titles.It's even more valuable when it comes from an indie developer, as big-budget games and popular franchises usually monopolize media attention.This is the case with 1348 Ex Voto, a game that has been able to gain attention due to its interesting gameplay and the attractive nature of its environment.But unfortunately, it must be said that after the end of the adventure, the final result is far from what was expected, and the dust that rises with the sound of metal hitting the ground smells of disappointment.

Context is important, because it avoids falling into simplicity.1348 Ex Voto is a title created by Sedleo, a new studio in Italy, with 15 people with previous experience in the language, as indicated on the official website of the title.Despite the small nature of the project, its appearance is a triple A, with colorful and exciting visual elements that immediately attract attention from the first sight.In terms of concept and character, the game is similar to works like A Plague Tale or Hellblade.Although exciting, the site is still close to those titles, despite their obvious limitations, and has tried to include unique elements to stand out, using various features, whether playable or interactive.This is Ex Voto's biggest problem and worst flaw. That is, it doesn't really show up and doesn't seem like it's trying to do so.However, there is nothing more than a visual aspect, and behind that beautiful frame there is a very disturbing feeling that I cannot find an explanation for.

Already smelling the cake, Ex Voto's plot was the burning nail I clung to to save it from burning.The premise places us in medieval Italy in the 14th century, specifically the year that gives the game its name.And his story makes us follow the path of Aeta, a young gentleman who embarks on a desperate journey to find Bianca, his best friend, who travels to the country to do so.Sometimes the action seems to try to start and be powerful in that sense, because it reflects some of the typical conditions of the time, such as religious fanaticism or the devastation caused by the plague, facts that clearly reveal the selfishness of the people.An interesting background where there's really more depth and emotional development to be had from the struggles of being a female gentleman, because something very compelling and inspiring can be built around it.But by the time we're less than halfway through the game, we're already realizing that it's not going to tell anything interesting, and apart from a few small snippets at very specific moments, the plot is taking more predictable and far less daring paths, leaving a taste of lost opportunity.

The rest felt very similar and I was negatively impressed with the development in general, and the level design in particular.The visual part of the game is amazing, using the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, it clearly left us a beautiful image thanks to the wonderful vacations and fields of Italy at the time, landscapes with the Apennine mountains in the background, castles, and especially amazing lighting work.A beautiful facade that does not allow too many compromises, moving in a linear rather limited way, does not affect the proposal much.Different within the game.This wouldn't be a problem if tools and triggers were offered, but they aren't.

The path through Ex Voto's nine levels remains essentially the same throughout the adventure.The only thing we have to do is walk with Aeta from point to point, which goes through a good scenario, yes, but it's also very empty and devoid of variety.There's no challenge but to walk until we meet the next group of enemy armies that seem to be patiently waiting for us, with no options other than another straight fight.Get out of this restriction only at a certain point in time to win a situation that was resolved by moving a box or activating a lever forward, or to reach a collection or a tool to improve the main character's characteristics ... in a very easy way and first in a video game, anyway.The ode to simplicity, which seems to me the most serious point of view, begins to leave a feeling of alarming carelessness that does not seem like a lack of others, but a lack of ambition in planning or not planning different situations that change the rhythm of the work, resulting in a very steady rhythm that remains within seven hours or does not change in the game.

All of this would be reversed if the combat was fun, but for now you can imagine where the shots are going: while it's not a complete disaster, it's not particularly fun or rewarding.Aeta can attack with one or two hands, which will depend on the type of enemy we are facing and we will need it a little when continuing with each attack, as well as a classic button to block and another to dodge.It does not innovate or develop much.It does, although if we find the relevant items, we can unlock some new moves as well as passive skills that make the job a little easier.We can equip the character with different sword options, as well as amulets and new moves in the skill trees, but the effect of these improvements is minimal.

When it comes to drawing the sword, we're usually faced with one-on-one combat, but don't expect anything as technical as in Kingdom Come to the Rescue, because thankfully, it's much simpler and tolerable here, though not without friction.The impressiveness on a visual level and the overall cinematic style help the spectacle, but it all quickly falls victim to the aforementioned repetitiveness.The combat and controls feel odd, perhaps on purpose, and while it takes some getting used to at first, it makes sense.Gives.Outside of, again, the simplicity of the section, which can be overlooked, there are serious problems in the skirmishes that cloud their execution.For example, defensive moves like dodges aren't as responsive as they should be, and it makes us take more hits because the timing isn't comfortable.Another serious problem, which is especially hidden in the final stages of the game, is the targeting of enemies, which is semi-automatic and in many cases the target changes because we have practically eliminated the enemy, causing obvious frustration due to an inexplicable loss of control.It cannot be justified in any way.

In short, 1348 Ex Voto has turned out to be a huge disappointment.And the worst part is that it's not because of the expectations I had of him;The game, like everything in the world, can be better or worse, nothing happens.The only thing that doesn't matter is the lack of imagination: I haven't felt such a lack of heart and passion in a video game in a long time.I'm not saying there's a lack of resources, because other projects of the same size have been influential to provide variety, options, and motivation.Here we move forward to work flat, without variation and not stand in any category or try to offer something different or different.I say without a doubt that the promise is broken.