Enotria: The Last Song's Elemental System - A Double-Edged Sword

Just when it seemed the Soulslike genre had reached its saturation point, Enotria: The Last Song steps onto the scene with its own bold take on the well-worn formula. Staying true to the genre’s core, the game offers punishing encounters, deliberate combat, and rewarding exploration. However, Enotria distinguishes itself with unique features, most notably its intriguing elemental system, which both elevates and complicates the gameplay.

The elemental system in Enotria: The Last Song is one of the game’s standout mechanics, yet it can also be its greatest drawback. Similar to the elemental affinity systems seen in games like Palworld and Pokémon, Enotria adds a twist by giving both a buff and a debuff when either players or enemies are affected by an elemental status. Despite the strategic depth it introduces, the system also presents a significant challenge not typically found in Soulslike games, making it a classic case of a double-edged sword.

The Highs and Lows of Enotria: The Last Song’s Elemental System

One of the key strengths of Enotria: The Last Song’s elemental system is how it sets the game apart from other Soulslikes. Though this system is just one of many RPG mechanics woven into the game, it takes center stage, and players are constantly reminded of how crucial it is to master. Where most Soulslike titles lean on simplicity, with the occasional dabble in complex class systems, Enotria forces players to engage with the elemental mechanics more deeply. While not overly complex, the system makes combat far from straightforward.

As players journey through Enotria’s vibrant world, they must always be mindful of each enemy’s inherent elemental defenses. Ignoring these defenses can result in a swift defeat. With weapons and skills tied to specific elements, players are forced to constantly adapt their approach, switching loadouts to exploit enemy weaknesses. This mechanic ensures players stay on their toes, as Enotria encourages the use of three distinct loadouts tailored to different situations. Unfortunately, this is where the system starts to show its downsides.

How Enotria: The Last Song’s Elemental System Limits Player Freedom

While the elemental system brings undeniable depth to the gameplay, it also restricts player freedom in significant ways. The game's heavy reliance on this system often diminishes the ability to experiment with different weapons and skills. Since enemies with innate elemental defenses are much harder to defeat unless players exploit their specific weaknesses, the game forces players to adapt, leaving little room for personal preference.

In contrast to traditional Soulslike titles—particularly those developed by the genre's pioneer, FromSoftware—Enotria imposes more rigid boundaries on player choice. Typically, Soulslike games allow for a wide range of customization, with players able to experiment freely with different builds. While certain weapons or armor may offer a slight advantage, these games usually maintain a balance that prevents players from being punished for sticking to their favorite gear. In Enotria, however, the approach is often "use this or die," creating frustrating roadblocks that can hinder progress until players comply with the game's elemental demands.

Ultimately, Enotria: The Last Song’s elemental system is both a highlight and a hindrance. It injects new life into the typical Soulslike combat experience, but that initial excitement can quickly fade as players run into its limitations.