Elderborn

The main pros of the game

• Engaging Combat: Players appreciate the visceral, fast-paced melee combat that feels satisfying and rewarding once mastered. The parry system is particularly praised.
• Atmosphere and Soundtrack: The game boasts a dark, immersive atmosphere with a heavy metal soundtrack that enhances the combat experience.
• Weapon Variety: There's a decent selection of melee weapons, allowing players to experiment with different fighting styles.
• Level Design: Many reviews highlight the well-designed levels that encourage exploration and feature shortcuts, traps, and secrets.
• Minimalist Storytelling: The minimalist and cryptic storytelling style resonates with players who enjoy leaving some narrative elements to their imagination.
• New Game Plus: The presence of a New Game Plus mode adds replayability, allowing players to start over with their acquired weapons and skills.

The main cons of the game

• Short Playtime: Many users note that the game is relatively short, typically lasting around 4-7 hours, which may not justify its price for some players.
• Repetitive Combat: Some players find the combat becomes monotonous over time, especially due to the limited variety of enemy types and attack patterns.
• Graphical Limitations: The graphics are described as being slightly dated, which may detract from the overall experience for some players.
• Difficulty Balance: While some find the combat challenging but fair, others feel that certain sections can be frustratingly difficult or poorly designed, especially in the later stages.
• Minimal Character Progression: The character progression system is seen as limited, with only three stats to upgrade and minimal impactful choices.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Ranged Combat: Several players express a desire for ranged weapons or magic to diversify combat options beyond melee.
• More Enemy Variety: Users suggest that the game could benefit from a greater variety of enemy types to keep encounters fresh and engaging.
• Improved Level Design: Some reviews mention that certain levels, especially the final chapter, feel rushed or lack cohesion, leading to a less satisfying conclusion.
• Enhanced Story Elements: While the minimalist approach has its fans, others feel that a deeper narrative or more character interactions could enhance the game.
• Polished Mechanics: Some players report issues with hit detection, animations, and overall polish, suggesting a need for refinement to improve the gameplay experience.

Summary

• Overall, ELDERBORN is appreciated for its engaging combat and heavy metal aesthetic, but it faces criticism for its brevity, repetitiveness, and some design choices that could be improved.

Summary generated on: February 2, 2026