Unfortunately, the clumsy and often aggravating combat that has frequently marred the Gothic and Risen series in the past also makes a return. As you would expect from an RPG with very little level scaling or gated content, it begins in frustratingly difficult fashion. That is par for the course with a PB game and I wouldn't have it any other way. Still, this situation persists for a long time simply due to the mechanical difficulty in engaging in combat, especially when multiple foes are involved.

On the other hand, the game allows for dynamic behaviours between the different factions and roaming monsters which you can use to your advantage. Luring a powerful troll into what would otherwise be an overwhelming group of Albs is an enjoyable and legitimate method to gain an advantage over your foes.

ELEX offers three factions that you can join; the nature-loving Berserkers, the technology-worshipping Clerics and the profiteering scavengers, the Outlaws. These act as defacto classes, although you are granted a lot of freedom in determining your character skills and equipment. Quests boil down to the typical archetypes; find something, deliver something, kill something. Despite this, there is a large amount of variation and role-playing opportunities.

What really sets ELEX apart is that the world of Magalan is a joy to explore. The level of meticulous hand-crafting on display is admirable, from the individual layouts and furnishings of buildings to the many written and audio logs that illuminate some of the events surrounding the end of the world. I spent far longer than I needed to rifling through the various locales, looting and making notes of areas to return to when I had the skills necessary to survive.

Ultimately, if you are seeking opportunities for exploration and adventure and can persevere through some initial frustration, then play ELEX now.