The Relic: First Guardian

The main pros of the game

• Combat Mechanics: Many players found the combat to be fast-paced and satisfying once they got used to it. The parry system and weapon variety were noted as highlights.
• Atmosphere: The game successfully creates a dark and immersive atmosphere rooted in Korean mythology, with compelling lore and storytelling elements tied to boss encounters.
• Exploration: Players appreciated the exploration aspect, with hidden areas and interesting stories discovered throughout the game.
• Boss Design: Some boss fights were well-received, with unique mechanics and memorable encounters that added depth to the gameplay experience.
• Potential for Improvement: Several reviews expressed optimism that with updates and fixes, the game could evolve into a more polished experience.

The main cons of the game

• Technical Issues: Users reported numerous bugs, performance problems, and poor optimization, including frame drops and lack of graphics settings. The visual quality was often compared unfavorably to older games.
• Lack of Features: The absence of basic options like a jump button, detailed graphics settings, and a reliable save system were major points of frustration.
• AI and Dialogue: Many players criticized the use of AI-generated content for dialogue and visuals, leading to a lack of immersion and coherence in storytelling.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Some described the quests and enemy encounters as dull and repetitive, lacking variety in enemy design and combat mechanics.
• High Price Point: The $49.99 price tag was frequently mentioned as unjustifiable given the current state of the game, with many suggesting it should be priced closer to $20-$30.

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

• Graphics Settings: Players expressed a strong desire for more graphic options, including resolution settings, texture quality adjustments, and the ability to disable motion blur.
• Improved Camera Control: Many reviews pointed out issues with camera angles during combat, particularly in tight spaces.
• Better Save System: A more reliable save system was requested, as the current automatic save mechanism was seen as flawed.
• Enhanced World Design: Suggestions included adding more unique environments and reducing the fog to improve visibility and exploration.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Players called for features like map markers, clearer quest objectives, and the ability to reallocate skill points or change weapon builds more easily.

Summary

• Overall, while "The Relic: First Guardian" shows promise with its combat and atmosphere, it currently suffers from significant technical and design issues that detract from the overall experience. Many players recommend waiting for patches and price drops before purchasing.

Summary generated on: August 17, 2026