The Relic: First Guardian isn’t exactly in the most enviable position release-wise, sandwiched as it is between Halo: Campaign Evolved and Beast of Reincarnation. Nevertheless, for those seeking a new single-player Souls-like fix (sorry, Mistfall Hunter), it may be worth checking out based on the boss fights alone.
Known as the Brutals, there are 80 in total, and a new trailer offers a few snapshots of how they fight. If nothing else, the sheer variety on offer, especially given Project Cloud Games’ size, is impressive. You have Marisa, the Carrion Witch, who attacks with crows; Brogas attacking with two heavy hammers which he tosses with abandon; The Unreturned, a stag-like being that can shake the earth; and much more.
Throughout all this, the combat is the best it’s ever looked. There’s no stamina meter, but dodging attacks is still paramount. Deflection by way of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice can be very useful, and when a Brutal is staggered, you have room to execute a massive overhead smash for some free damage.
With The Relic: First Guardian out on July 31st for PS5 and PC (and later this Summer for Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2), it could wind up a dark horse after all these years in development. Check out some of its stunning environments here.
