I got to play Immortals Fenyx Rising a little early than its actual launch thanks to a review code provided by Ubisoft. And I'm quite relieved to play a new IP from them, since it feels it's been a long time since they gave us anything really new (still looking forward to Beyond Good and Evil 2).
It's hard not to draw comparisons of Immortals Fenyx Rising from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, because gtom the get-go, the world does share a bit of visual resemblance. Thankfully, for the most part, the comparisons end there, as character sprites and most of the gameplay are entirely different.
Immortals Fenyx Rising is a big open world game that draws Greek mythology as its theme. The game is narrated by Prometheus, the god who bestowed fire to mankind. He is accompanied by Zeus, as someone who keeps interrupting the narration by bringing up side and negative comments. Together, Prometheus and Zeus, end up bringing a bright and comedic (although a bit dark) into the game. It's a nice touch that keeps you entertained as you explore.
By now, you're probably conditioned that Greek gods need to be buried six feet on the ground, with a giant sword stuck on their heads. But Immortals Fenyx Rising twists that around, and the Greek gods are instead, in need of a desperate help as an entity named Typhon is trying to get rid of them.
Since plenty of games these days are open world, you will be pouring a lot of hours playing the game, visiting each nook and cranny for secrets. Though for much of my playthough, I wasn't as invested in the world as I thought I'd be. For instance, in games like Witcher 3, Skyrim, Breath of the Wild, and Ubisoft's own recently launched Assassin's Creed Valhalla, I would always look around and be mesmerized by all these digital sights. Even a strange-looking tree that doesn't have any secrets or any practical purpose in the game, can be striking and interesting to visit. Sadly, in Immortals Fenyx Rising, I felt none of this and just wanted to proceed through the game one story mission after another.
It doesn't mean the sights in the game are dull and boring. It's just a "lite" version of everything what we have seen and experienced in the past. We can probably go as far and say, Immortals Fenyx Rising makes a great introduction to open world games for younger players -- the players who aren't allowed to play the more mature open world games that contain certain aspects that younger players shouldn't see… yet (Looking at you, Geralt of Rivia).
In general, the world is fine and maybe I'm just being nitpicky here. Though this game won't be for everyone.
The puzzles are fun and plenty, which can be a healthy escape from combat and exploration. I also found some puzzles can be solved in unconventional ways. For instance, there is a platform you need to step on to open the path. You would need to find a box and push it all the way there. Instead, I went around and found a rock, carried it, and used that as a weight for the platform.
None of the puzzles I've encountered so far have been frustrating, but many enough would have you thinking outside the box.
Combat in Immortals is quite fun. It's fast-paced and ridiculous as you a heavy attack can send an enemy flying halfway across the map. It's cartoon comedy. Though some enemies will be frustrating as you try to explore the map. Because when you end up in a spot you're not supposed to yet, the enemies will hit hard. This is Ubisoft's way of telling you you're not ready and should back off for now. It does kind of hurt the exploration bit of the game. An issue, for some reason, Ubisoft seems unable to solve after delivering so many open world games.
You can upgrade your equipment and learn new skills that will help you in combat and allow improved exploration. Though it's nothing as deep as Assassin's Creed Valhalla or as big as Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
Is Immortal Fenyx Rising worth your time? Maybe. If you're expecting something big and incredible, at the scope of Breath of the Wild, then, maybe lower your expectations a little bit.
Ubisoft has already announced multiple DLCs in the future. The first contains a new quest, which appears to be a series of challenges for the player. The third DLC involves an isometric hack-and-slash like Bastion and Diablo. The second DLC is interesting the most, because it's an entirely new character (but most likely just reskinned) in a brand new world, and this time using Chinese mythology, making it, in a way, almost a sequel on its own. It seems to suggest that Ubisoft might explore other mythologies in future sequels.