A code was provided, and many thanks to Quorum Games.
Call of Elyndra: A Promising Blend of Farming and Adventure
Call of Elyndra is a top-down adventure that combines farming simulation with action-adventure gameplay. I had the chance to try its demo, which was just released on Steam. The game makes a strong first impression, introducing engaging mechanics and a charming premise. However, whether it can stand out in the competitive farming sim space remains to be seen.
The Premise: More Than Just Crops
Call of Elyndra begins by letting you choose your character’s name and gender. You and two friends move to Elyndra, hoping to prove your worth to the hesitant local community. After showcasing your farming prowess, you save a local from a monster-infested dungeon, proving you’re more than just a green thumb. But just when it seems like you’ve earned your stay, the story takes a turn: a brewing war threatens to claim the land for the local army.
In just the demo, the game does a great job setting up its characters and lore. You get to mingle with the townsfolk, and while the relationship-building isn’t fully developed yet, it’s clear this will be a key feature. The premise is one of the game’s strengths, offering more depth than your typical farming sim.
Call of Elyndra boasts charming hand-drawn sprites set in a world brimming with vibrant green foliage and whimsical fantasy. Its presentation feels like a warm embrace, inviting and comforting yet tinged with mystery, encouraging players to explore and uncover its secrets. This is complemented by a pleasant score that perfectly matches the relaxing tone of farming and exploration, offering a refreshing departure from the more common pixel art style.
Farming: Relaxing, with a Twist
Much like other farming sims, you start with a messy plot of land covered in trees, rocks, and weeds. Clearing the area is straightforward and mercifully skips the tool-selection dance; if you’ve got an axe and pickaxe in your inventory, you can deal with obstacles with a single interaction. Stamina isn’t a major concern either, so you can focus on tidying up and getting to work.
Planting, watering, and fertilizing crops feels familiar, but the game adds a unique twist: fertilizer requires careful use. Overusing it can ruin the soil, adding a layer of strategy that goes beyond the typical “water and wait” routine. Harvesting crops is satisfying enough, though it leans into the usual slow, methodical pace I think fans of the genre will love.
This laid-back farming rhythm, however, contrasts sharply with the game’s action-oriented exploration and combat, creating an interesting balance.
Dungeon Diving: A Faster Pace
If farming gets too mellow, you can head out to explore the world, hunt wildlife, and battle monsters for resources. You can also forage for seeds and uncover treasure chests, which reward you with a satisfying “musical explosion” upon opening.
Dungeons are a highlight, channelling classic Zelda vibes. You’ll navigate room-by-room, solve puzzles, and smash plenty of pots while searching for loot and the boss room. The resource gathering feels rewarding, with plenty of space in your inventory for everything you find.
However, the time-based day/night cycle threw me off. It took me three trips to complete the demo dungeon because time would run out mid-exploration, forcing my character to abandon their quest and head home. This interruption made progress feel a bit tedious, and I would’ve preferred a slower time progression in dungeons to avoid constant backtracking.
Combat: Surprisingly Satisfying
Combat in Call of Elyndra is simple but enjoyable. You’re equipped with a sword and a bow, the latter offering a satisfying precision mechanic: aim carefully, pull back, and release. Pairing well-placed arrows with swift sword slashes creates a fun flow, though you’ll need to keep an eye on your arrow supply.
There’s also a skill tree to invest in as you gain experience, adding a touch of customization to your combat style. The fast-paced action is a refreshing change from the slower farming segments and one of the demo’s standout features.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Start
Call of Elyndra leaves a solid first impression. Its demo showcases the core mechanics, giving players the freedom to explore and experiment. The premise is intriguing, the farming is relaxing, and the combat adds a welcome dose of energy.
The big question is whether it can differentiate itself from the genre’s heavyweights. For now, though, it’s worth wishlisting and keeping an eye on the upcoming free demo. The demo is a charming blend of farming and adventure with potential; don’t sleep on it!
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