Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth: Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Reviewed by: David Cameron

Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth, played on Xbox Series X, is an intriguing narrative-driven adventure that delves into dark themes and psychological horror. With a score of 6 out of 10, it offers a gripping story and unique atmosphere but stumbles in its execution, resulting in an experience that is both compelling and frustrating.

Atmospheric Storytelling

At the heart of Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth is its atmospheric storytelling. The game immerses players in a chilling tale of cults, mystery, and psychological torment. The narrative is well-crafted, with twists and turns that keep players engaged from start to finish. The dark and eerie atmosphere is complemented by haunting visuals and a somber soundtrack, creating a sense of dread and anticipation.

Visuals and Art Style

The visuals in Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth are a mixed bag. On one hand, the game excels in creating a creepy and unsettling environment. The art style is detailed and fitting for the horror genre, with environments that ooze with tension. On the other hand, the character models and animations can feel stiff and outdated, detracting from the overall immersion. While the game's setting and mood are effective, the technical execution leaves room for improvement.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics in Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth are where the game falters. The core gameplay loop involves exploration, puzzle-solving, and occasional stealth segments. While these elements are essential for building tension, they are not always well-implemented. Puzzles can be obtuse and frustrating, with solutions that are not always intuitive. The stealth mechanics, too, can feel clunky and unforgiving, leading to trial-and-error gameplay that disrupts the flow of the narrative.

Narrative Depth

Despite its gameplay shortcomings, the narrative depth of Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth is its saving grace. The story is rich with lore and character development, making it easy to become invested in the fate of the protagonists. The game explores themes of manipulation, fear, and the human psyche, offering a thought-provoking experience. However, the pacing can be uneven at times, with certain segments dragging on longer than necessary.

Audio Design

The audio design in Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth is a highlight. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the game. Sound effects are used effectively to build tension, from creaking floorboards to distant whispers. Voice acting, while not exceptional, is serviceable and helps convey the emotions of the characters. Overall, the audio design adds a layer of immersion that complements the game's dark narrative.

Replayability and Length

Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth offers limited replayability. The story is linear, and once experienced, there is little incentive to revisit the game. The game's length is moderate, with a playthrough lasting around 6 to 8 hours. While the narrative is engaging, the gameplay mechanics and lack of variety in subsequent playthroughs limit the game's lasting appeal.

Technical Performance

Technical performance on the Xbox Series X is generally stable, but not without issues. The game runs smoothly most of the time, but occasional frame rate drops and minor bugs can detract from the experience. These technical hiccups, while not game-breaking, can be distracting and further highlight the game's need for refinement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth is a narrative-driven horror game that excels in atmosphere and storytelling but struggles with gameplay mechanics and technical execution. Its compelling narrative and eerie atmosphere make it worth experiencing for fans of psychological horror, but the frustrations with puzzles and stealth elements may deter some players. With a score of 6 out of 10, Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth is a game that shows potential but falls short of fully realizing it.

Reviewed by: David Cameron