Perennial Order – Review from Two Perspectives

• DEVELOPER: Gardenfiend Games
• PUBLISHER: SODESCO
• PLATFORMS: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
• GENRE: Soulslike / Boss Rush
• RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2024
• INITIAL PRICE: 19.99€
• REVIEWED ON: PC

Perennial Order breathes new life into the Soulslike genre. You’ll face grotesque, nature-infused eldritch horrors as bosses, but the game’s focus and narrative rely more on its world than on the knight you control. The environment is meticulously crafted, with rich details woven into the gameplay and various locations waiting to be explored. This is what makes Perennial Order stand out as something truly unique.

While the game can be more frustrating at times than you might expect, some bosses appear nearly unbeatable, you’ll likely appreciate the passion the developers poured into every aspect. It’s clear why Perennial Order stands out as one of the strongest entries in its genre. The developers took bold risks with the art style, and the result exceeded all expectations.

With both LAN and online co-op options available, is Perennial Order worth your time and attention? That’s exactly what my colleague Aleksandra and I set out to discover on our shared adventure.

Gameplay

Ivan: One thing I truly enjoyed was the freedom to explore the world at my own pace. You decide which bosses to tackle and which locations to visit first. However, despite loving the dark fantasy world, the exploration itself wasn’t appealing to me. There’s a lot of walking between places without much meaningful action. You’ll learn more about the lore, unlock new abilities, and admire the visuals, but that’s about it. The traps and monsters you encounter along the way also feel repetitive, and the platforming remains the same throughout the game. I expected more variety.

The boss fights, however, were incredible. Each one offered a new experience. For example, Aleksandra and I spent over an hour trying to defeat the samurai-like mushroom boss. It was challenging but fun to parry his moves and finally take him down. The game shines in its combat, movement is smooth, attacks are precise, and the variety of abilities keeps things interesting. Also, did I mention the minimal UI? It’s great not having the screen cluttered with information.

That said, some bosses, especially the final phase of the Grandmaster, were extremely frustrating. The game tests your reflexes, ability usage, and management of the attack meter required for critical hits. Learning each boss’s pattern is key, but it can get repetitive once you know what to expect. Although bosses often change their moves after you die, the overall pattern usually remains predictable. After a few deaths, defeating the boss becomes much easier.

Aleksandra: I agree that the freedom of exploration makes the game more fun and creative. Players have the freedom to make their own choices, but the game ensures they are effectively guided and aware of potential dangers. The initial instructions are clear, each new ability is explained, and maps showing available paths are scattered everywhere. Although there are still many surprises that can catch you off guard, they never feel unfair.

Since the game revolves around boss battles, they are naturally the most exciting part. Every boss has a unique design and trick, although these aren’t revealed in advance. They range from pattern-based challenges to bullet-hell scenarios and predictable movement tests. The most intriguing part of each fight is uncovering the mystery behind the boss. Once you figure out the trick, the fight itself can become somewhat repetitive and frustrating.

While boss fights take center stage, they’re only part of the gameplay experience. Although they’re the most satisfying element, the smaller tasks leading up to them add charm to the game. There are timed events and missions focused on exploring the environment and learning the game’s rules, rather than just fighting. You can immerse yourself in the story by helping NPCs and keeping your own notes. Putting effort into these activities pays off, as they provide additional upgrades and memorable moments.

Graphics and Art Style

Ivan: The graphics and music are absolutely stunning, showing an impressive level of detail and care in creating a dark, immersive world. Every corner, character, and design element looks exceptionally well crafted, leaving you wondering if this is really an indie game. The unique art style blends seamlessly with the environment, and the animations are top-notch, making every character feel alive and purposeful rather than just a static asset.

Aleksandra: The visuals are undeniably the strongest aspect of the game. The unique Dark Age-inspired setting combined with plant-based horror creates a distinctive dark fantasy universe. Realistic painterly techniques paired with 2D Spine animation make exploration engaging, as you’re constantly amazed by carefully crafted environments and characters. Even the terrifying bugs and plants are portrayed with a touch of elegance and beauty.

Furthermore, the visuals aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, they’re creatively executed. The developers experimented with colors, lighting, and textures, integrating all these elements seamlessly into the gameplay. Combined with the beautiful soundtrack, these aspects create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Difficulty & Co-Op

Aleksandra: This game is unforgiving. The one-hit death mechanic and respawning at the start of each fight can be especially frustrating. Learning from your mistakes isn’t always enough to secure a win; you’ll need excellent motor coordination and a bit of luck to overcome the challenges. But that’s the essence of Soulslike games. The real question is: are the battles fair? In most cases, yes, although some fights can be irritating when specific mechanics clash.

We both tried single-player before switching to co-op. From my perspective, the game is definitely designed with two players in mind. Not only is it more fun, but it also makes progression slightly easier. Bosses remain incredibly difficult, but having a partner means they can continue the fight if you die (thanks for that, Ivan). Plus, you can still assist your teammate after death by boosting their attack. The game encourages a collaborative experience by offering mechanics that enhance teamwork. While solo play is a valid option, if you have someone to join you, it’s absolutely worth it.

Ivan: If you’re experienced in the Soulslike genre, you’re in for some thrilling adventures with this game. The difficulty can vary greatly, with some bosses being quite challenging while others are less so. Overall, I wouldn’t say Perennial Order is overwhelmingly difficult. Co-op mode makes things easier, allowing you to enjoy the game with a partner. You can laugh together, watch each other play, and discuss strategies to overcome bosses.

However, the co-op felt a bit clunky to me. Aleksandra’s movements on my screen were often slightly delayed, making some boss fights feel strange. It was stressful watching her teleport right before a boss attack, but the real-time connection issues resulted in a more unpredictable experience. Despite this, co-op is a must if you have someone to join you. I’d recommend multiplayer over single-player for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

Ivan: I was honestly surprised by this game. Although I’m generally not a fan of Soulslike titles because they can be time-consuming, Perennial Order respects your time with its checkpoints and relatively short boss battles. Despite many other game releases this month, this one is absolutely worth checking out. It’s a great deal for just €20.

Aleksandra: Intense, stunning, and absorbing—Perennial Order is absolutely worth trying. When you play, you can truly feel the passion poured into the creation of this game. It’s true that it will take blood, sweat, and tears to complete it, but in the end, all the suffering is rewarded. I had a wonderful time exploring this fantastic world and uncovering the story behind it. I definitely recommend this title to anyone who wants to challenge themselves as a brave knight in a nature-ruled world.

Our final score is based on our shared impressions, and we believe it fits the game perfectly.

Review copy provided by the publisher