Elex is an open world, action role playing game being developed by Piranha Bytes in collaboration with Nordic Games. Piranha Bytes is most known for their Gothic and Risen series, which have both received mixed reviews but Elex looks to have some promise. Elex mixes Science Fiction and Classic Fantasy and throws players in a post apocalyptic setting where magic meets mechs.
We don’t know too much about Elex but the game puts players in a large, seamless game world full of original characters, mutated creatures, deep moral choices and powerful action. Elex is a limited resource that arrived on a meteor and can power machines, give players magical powers and re-sculpt life into different forms. The story begins on the civilized planet of Magalan, populated by billions with continued advances in technology, until the meteor hit. Survivors must use magic and technology to survive and rebuild the world.
The story begins with the player crashing his glider into the mountains and going through withdrawals from Elex. The player was fed pure Elex to strengthen his body and mind so that he is free from emotion. You lived in a cold world of logic and military discipline but after your crash you find yourself stranded and experiencing emotions for the first time in your life. You are now known as an outcast by your people and you are set on a new course to decide the fate of the world.
There are five regions in the world of Magalan and the can be traversed at any time. Go where you want when you want; an open world game has never been more open. The only thing standing in your way is the mutant creatures that populate Magalan’s polluted landscapes. Choose you battles and you allies, find companions and choose a faction that will influence the world. Every choice you make will influence the future of your game.
There isn’t a traditional class system. Instead the you must earn experience from the teachers you choose to learn skills from. Skills alone won’t keep you alive in this harsh challenge worlds; you need weapons and Elex provides lots of them. From swords to axes, to bows, crossbow and harpoons you will find the widest selection of weapons that you will find in a role playing game. You can pick up shotguns, plasma rifles and even flame throwers. There will be a weapon and combat style that will suit any player.
Elex isn’t looking to hold your hand as all the choices are yours. You will make your own story as you save the world of Magalan and as an RPG fan that gets me excited. Can technology or magic save the world or will this new power destroy all who remain? Find out in early 2017 when Elex releases on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
