Alright, hear me out... I'm going to be honest here.
I'm not a fan of the Ubisoft Quebec development studio.
Coming from the 'Assassin's Creed' franchise, having played both of Ubisoft Quebec's entries, I wasn't a fan of AC Syndicate and AC Odyssey. Due to the fact that UbiQue's tone doesn't match the serious grounded sci-fi tones of the 'Assassin's Creed' universe. UbiQue is rather known for their lighthearted, unserious, and often mocking tones. (Unfortunately, too often cringe as well)
That being said, as a standalone independent project, I have to admit that UbiQue truly leaned heavily to what they do best, and 'Immortals Fenyx Rising' is a product of their expected strengths accompanied by their true genuine intent. This game is in itself a mocking parody of Greek mythology and fantasy, breaking the fourth wall often, and keeping all things comedic and goofy. Since that is the very premise that this game is identifying as, the game stands proudly alone, doing what it has promised to do to begin with. Needless to say, I have been enjoying it far more than AC Syndicate and AC Odyssey, since this title is not attempting to sabotage and retcon an existing universe.
It's a mindless fun MMO RPG slasher that is convenient to pick up whenever on my Switch, and randomly hop in to mess around the time. The narrative isn't attempting to be any impressive feat and rather plays it safe as basic as possible. In fact, most of it is rather forgettable, unimportant, and inconsequential. The overall experience is heavily inspired by 'Breath of the Wild' with another heavy blend of AC Odyssey, with many of the latter's features and code returning. The exploration and scenes sometimes even remind me of 'Elder Ring'. Of course bear in mind it isn't nearly as successful or sophisticated as either BOTW or Elden Ring, but the inspiration is definitely felt. This just feels like the typical Ubisoft spin on which trending titles blended into one. The art style is heavily BOTW inspired, hard to deny that, as well as the forge puzzles that grant stamina bolts.
For what it's worth, I've been enjoying this more than BOTW, probably because of the similarities I've already mastered from AC Odyssey. Plenty of gameplay elements, animations, and controls are brought straight from there, including its Photo Mode. In fact, it feels like this is the game UbiQue originally wanted to make, but higher ups sent them the AC task instead, resulting in AC Odyssey.
Anyways, I bought the Gold Edition for only $19.99 on Switch, and have yet to complete the campaign due to the typical expected UbiQue grind, despite being already 25 hours in. (Only 33% completion) There's also 3 expansions included and follow after that, which this rating and review aren't about.
So far, I'd rate 6.5/10.
