The PlayStation Showcase 2021 on September 9 was brimming with gameplay andteaser trailers for upcoming PlayStation games big and small, some of which came as a surprise. One such title wasProject Evefrom South Korean studio SHIFT UP.
Project Eveis a third-person action game that immediately draws comparisons to some of the most critically acclaimed franchises of recent years, most notablyNierandDark Souls. Such comparisons set expectations high forProject Eve.However, the game is still far from release, and fans may have to wait for a considerable amount of time to find out whether it meets those expectations or not.
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What Project Eve Should Learn from Dark Souls
Dark SoulsandSouls-like titles have established an ever-growing genre that prioritizes responsive and intricate combat mechanics. The methodical combat ofSouls-like games requires careful observation of enemy patterns while slashing, dodging, and parrying. Although an action game at its heart,Project Eveappears to take on the more methodical approach ofDark Soulswith its combat, while also retaining the finesse and fluidity ofgames likeDevil May CryandBayonetta
Project Eve’s unique approach to combat creates an opportunity to attract veteranDark Soulsfans while being a breath of fresh air for those exhausted with the more simplified gameplay of the hack-and-slash genre.Sekirofans are in luck, as parrying inProject Evelooks like it works similarly to the posture system fromSekiro.Players can still hack and slash their way through enemies, but parrying or evading will grant them with Beta Gauge, a form of currency that unlocks new skills. Furthermore, appropriately parrying and dodging will also charge Eve’s Burst Gauge, needed to activate powerful moves. However, it remains to be seen whether deflection inProject Eveis as precise and satisfactory as inSekiro.
While the gameplay trailers revealed so far only give a glimpse of Eve’s swift and electrified sword,Project Evewill feature additional weapons.Project Eve’sDark Souls-likecombat, in addition to Eve’s acrobatic nature, could make taking down its parasitic enemies and bosses a lot more fun, frantic, and focused if executed right.
What Project Eve Should Learn from Nier
At first glance,Project Evelooks like a PlatinumGames project, particularly itsNierseries.Project Eve’s bleak and dystopian depiction of Earth is reminiscent ofNier Automata, and whileAutomata’s visuals may seem dated by current standards,Project Evelooks gorgeous on PS5. However, more obvious comparisons with Yoko Taro’s universe boil down to various themes and soundtrack.
Nier Automata’s convoluted philosophical narrative with 26distinct endingsis not something most games attempt to imitate. While multiple endings inProject Eveare not confirmed, it should take a similar approach to keep subsequent playthroughs fresh with fleshed-out narrative beats.Project Eve’sNierinspirations are clear, and as such,Project Evehas the opportunity to depict a deeply personal and grim storyline with unique characters that makes the broader narrative of humanism more believable.
A sci-fi fantasy world with melancholic plot that puts mankind in a life-threatening situation isn’t new to South Asian video games, though not every game is appropriately able to convey the various themes it sets out to explore. IfProject Eveis looking atNierfor inspiration, it should prioritize capturing its profound storytelling alongside its use of orchestral music.Project Eveis shaping up to an ambitious projectfrom SHIFT UP, and if it’s able to perfectly blend the methodical gameplay formula ofDark Soulswith the bleak dystopian and philosophical world-building ofNier, fans of both franchises may have something special in store.
Project Eveis currently in development.
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