ATLYSS is a fast-paced action game that takes MMO-like elements to deliver a unique experience. It provides snappy combat and easy-to-learn systems so that even the most novice players will be able to pick it up. Its inspiration from games like Phantasy Star Online is fully apparent in how the game is structured, but it is clear that it is just inspiration. ATLYSS does a lot to make itself its own thing. This game is still in Early Access and things may change. This review was written with the 72025.a6 build being the most recent that I have played on.
First I want to talk about the visuals. Overall, I think the game has an adorable charm that, to me, goes unmatched among games with a similar style. It truly feels like an older Sony title in terms of graphics. It doesn’t go for the extremely blocky or scan-line-heavy approach that a lot of “PSX”-style games do. A lot of games with a similar low-poly aesthetic miss the mark, but ATLYSS really captures that feeling and style. Some players might be turned off by the “furry” nature of the game. However, outside of the character creator, it doesn’t feel invasive or in-your-face during the actual gameplay. I personally did not view this as a furry game but rather a game where you play as a creature, similar to titles like Spyro and Crash Bandicoot. That said, I understand this might be a hurdle for some to overcome. One issue I do have with the visuals is the character creator and the dyes currently available in the game. I think many of the styles, especially hair and eyes, could use some work. It seems I’m not alone in this, as some of the most popular mods right now are hair and eye add-ons. As for the dyes, the current five options feel very limiting. I hope more get added over time. Having lighter and darker versions of the existing dyes would go a long way toward helping players personalize their characters.
The gameplay is where this game really shines, in my opinion, and it’s what keeps me coming back after beating the most recent dungeon again and again. The fast-paced combat is very fluid, and the sole developer should be really proud of what they’ve built. It’s a fantastic foundation that just feels good. The hardest part of making an action game is creating satisfying combat, and they truly knocked it out of the park. Now, the mission structure could use some work, specifically in the balancing department. After completing the first dungeon, there’s a part where you must tackle what is essentially an open-world dungeon, and there’s a noticeable spike in difficulty. I think this could be improved by adding a checkpoint system or lowering the respawn times in that area. Lastly, I want to talk about the leveling system. I think it needs a lot of work at this time, sadly. There’s currently no real depth to it beyond dumping points into one of two stats. I think it would be better if weapons or sub-classes scaled with more than one stat. For example, bell weapons could scale not only with Magic but also with Strength. Overall, it needs more mechanics that make you think about how you allocate your points.
The audio is also very well done. While I don’t have a lot to add here, I will say that none of the tracks feel low-quality. That said, there isn’t really a song that I’d go out of my way to listen to on its own. The sound effects are very well crafted. Hits sound nice and meaty. One small thing I want to compliment is the fun feature where your character makes noises when you type. It’s a small detail, but it’s really cute and adds a lot to the overall package.
ATLYSS has a very cute atmosphere, with a story that seems like it will expand in the future to provide more depth. NPCs talk about the story, but at this point, there doesn’t seem to be much of a central narrative. In all honesty, though, this feels like the kind of game where story isn’t the priority. Gameplay and running dungeons with friends take center stage.
Okay, finally, with this section I need to point out once again that ATLYSS is in Early Access. Things are constantly being fixed and adjusted. That said, if you decide to play it now, do not expect a bug-free experience. I’ve encountered mostly small bugs like bosses not dropping items properly, but also more major ones like full-on crashes. These issues will mostly be smoothed out with time, but it’s important to mention.
ATLYSS is a spectacular title that I think any fan of either MMOs or action games should check out. As one of my friends put it, it really is the action multiplayer experience that a lot of us have been looking for for a long time.
RIP - Reviewing Intellectual Property 
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