ELEX is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic science fantasy world on the planet Magalan. Players take on the role of Jax, an Alb who survives betrayal and navigates a landscape shaped by a comet impact that introduced the substance Elex. The title blends melee combat, firearms, and magic abilities in a third-person perspective, with exploration supported by a jetpack for traversal across varied terrain.
Gameplay
Core gameplay revolves around open-world exploration, resource gathering, and character development through attribute points and skill trees. Combat mixes close-range weapons, projectile firearms, and elemental magic attacks, though early encounters demand careful positioning due to limited stamina and enemy aggression. Progression ties directly to faction alignment, unlocking specialized abilities and equipment while influencing dialogue and quest outcomes. A companion system provides limited assistance during fights and conversations, and inventory management plays a role in equipping gear that matches attribute requirements.
Game Modes
ELEX functions as a single-player experience without multiplayer components or separate modes. The campaign emphasizes narrative choices and world interaction over competitive or cooperative elements, with all content delivered through the main storyline and side activities.
World and Factions
The setting features distinct regions ranging from mutated forests to ruined technological sites. Four primary factions shape player decisions: Berserkers favor magic and traditional laws, Outlaws prioritize profit and freedom, Clerics emphasize technology and protection of free people, and the Albs act as the central antagonistic force. Aligning with one of the first three groups grants unique skills and alters how other characters respond, creating replay value through different paths and endings.
Digital Extras
The Digital Extras package supplements the base game with a PDF artbook exceeding 50 pages that showcases concept art for environments, creatures, weapons, and characters. It also includes a soundtrack compilation of 22 tracks in WAV format composed by Björn Pankratz, featuring pieces such as Title, Crash, Mutations, Caja, Relict, Nasty, Hort, Goliet, Visions, Fort, Ray, Forests, Evolution, Converters, Emotions, Dead Land, Highlands, Bastard, Elexetors, Hybrid, Future, and Ending. A 30-minute Making Of video provides interviews and behind-the-scenes footage detailing the development process.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception for ELEX remains mixed, with appreciation for the faction system, quest variety, and freedom of choice balanced against criticism of combat feel and technical presentation. The title suits those who enjoy deliberate pacing and deep role-playing systems similar to earlier works from the same developer. The included digital extras add value for collectors interested in art, music, and production insights. Availability on PC allows access to the full package, though newcomers may benefit from adjusting difficulty settings to ease the initial learning curve. Those seeking a focused single-player RPG with meaningful decisions will find the experience rewarding despite its age.
