The mad god Macros is on the verge of ascending, which threatens the fabric of the universe. He’s gathered a rag-tag group of allies to defend his tower as he takes the Rites Of Ascension to become, well, something the game never makes clear. It’s bad, though. You and two friends are the last of the Valorian knights, all that remains of the order, hulking armor-clad, massive-weapon-wielding warriors dedicated to protecting the world of Aperion. It’s your typical loopy game lore.

The setup is clear: work your way up through the central tower and explore three core realms to reach Macros’ throne room and wrap a dirty great big sword over his head. Between you and a safe Aperion are hordes of Macros-minions and a roster of bosses that could have been brushed off the design docs of Monster Hunter: World. It’s a steamlined premise that permits the combat to breathe but lacks any emotional footprint to keep you motivated. And therein lies the rub.

OLD HACK