Lofty Ambitions
Released in July 2023, Testament: The Order of High Human by indie developer Fairyship Games had ambitious aspirations. Drawing from classic RPGs and fantasy staples, it seeks to deliver a sprawling narrative and an engaging action-RPG experience. However, while it offers plenty for die-hard fans of the genre, it doesn’t quite live up to the lofty comparisons some have drawn to giants like Skyrim. Instead, it feels more like a relic of an earlier time, not too dissimilar from Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, where nostalgia and ambition shine through, but some rough edges hold it back.
If you’re into survival-tinged fantasy worlds, you might also want to check out our recent review of Enshrouded — a fantastic title that’s currently addicting some of our writing staff.
When it comes to the visuals, Testament doesn’t stand up to the likes of Skyrim or more modern open-world RPGs. The character models feel a bit stiff, and the animations can be jerky, especially during comba
An Old-School RPG Experience
At its core, Testament is an action-RPG that leans into classic fantasy tropes. Players step into the boots of Aran, an immortal king betrayed by his brother, Arva, and forced to navigate a fractured world in pursuit of revenge and redemption. The setting is the continent of Tessara, a sprawling, mystical land filled with secrets, treacherous landscapes, and hostile creatures. It’s a world you could almost imagine in a novel by an author like George R.R. Martin or Raymond E. Feist—where betrayal, politics, and ancient forces weave together in a complex tapestry.
The game’s narrative, while solid, doesn’t break new ground. At its heart, it’s a story of a man wronged, seeking vengeance while uncovering deeper mysteries surrounding his immortality. Players will encounter ancient powers, deal with morally gray characters, and explore the consequences of power. While these elements could’ve led to something truly exceptional, the storytelling here feels a bit one-note. It’s not bad, but it’s certainly not the type of story that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
Combat and Gameplay – A Mixed Bag
The gameplay in Testament is built around traditional RPG mechanics with a first-person perspective. Players engage in swordplay, archery, and spellcasting. In concept, this should offer a lot of depth, but in practice, the combat system doesn’t quite hit the mark.
The swordplay can feel clunky, especially when you’re trying to take on multiple enemies. There’s something satisfying about landing a heavy blow, but it lacks the visceral impact seen in other modern action RPGs. While Testament certainly offers a variety of weapons and combat styles, the lack of fluidity in the system makes the overall experience feel disconnected. Whether it’s the delay between input and action or the way enemy reactions seem oddly muted, combat often feels more like a chore than an exciting battle.
Ranged combat via archery is a bit more enjoyable, offering a more tactical approach to combat. The ability to keep your distance from enemies and pick them off at range adds a layer of strategy, but it doesn’t quite elevate the gameplay to something groundbreaking. Spellcasting offers similar results—there’s potential here, but it feels like the game isn’t quite able to deliver the depth it aims for. Casting spells is straightforward, but they lack the dynamic feel of more polished titles, and they quickly become repetitive.
Exploration and World Design
Where Testament truly shines is in its exploration. The world of Tessara is filled with secrets, hidden paths, and puzzles that keep players engaged despite the issues with combat. The game’s environments are lush and expansive, giving you that sense of freedom and wonder that makes RPGs so enticing. Whether you’re venturing through dense forests, treacherous mountain paths, or eerie ancient ruins, Testament does an excellent job of creating a world that feels worth exploring.
The level design is mostly linear, but there are enough branches and hidden nooks to give the illusion of choice and discovery. Some areas are designed with verticality in mind, encouraging you to leap, climb, and solve puzzles to unlock new areas or find hidden items. However, it’s worth noting that while the world feels vast, it doesn’t always feel fully alive. NPCs can often be sparse, and while the setting is rich with lore, the interactions with the world don’t always feel as dynamic or impactful as they could be.
Aesthetic and Visuals – A Step Back in Time
When it comes to the visuals, Testament doesn’t stand up to the likes of Skyrim or more modern open-world RPGs. The character models feel a bit stiff, and the animations can be jerky, especially during combat. The environments, while expansive, lack the level of detail that today’s RPGs demand, giving the game an overall dated feel.
That said, the art direction itself is fairly competent. The fantasy world is colorful and distinct, with designs that evoke memories of early 2000s RPGs. It’s not an eyesore by any means, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that the game could’ve benefited from a more modern design overhaul, especially considering the ambitious world-building it tries to present.
Puzzles and Platforming – A Welcome Distraction
One of the standout elements in Testament is its puzzles and platforming segments. These sections offer a nice break from the combat, forcing players to think critically and solve environmental puzzles to progress. Some of the puzzles are simple, but they can be satisfying to solve, and they keep the pacing of the game feeling fresh.
The platforming sections, where you’ll jump, climb, and maneuver through various obstacles, also add an extra layer of challenge to the game. These moments give a sense of variety and prevent the experience from feeling too monotonous, especially when paired with the exploratory elements.
Technical Issues and Performance
Like many indie titles, Testament struggles with a few technical issues. The game isn’t poorly optimized, but performance can dip, especially during more intensive combat sequences. Load times can feel a bit long at times, and there are occasional stutters when transitioning between areas. It’s not game-breaking, but it does serve as a reminder that this is a project from a small studio with limited resources.
On top of this, there are a few bugs here and there, ranging from minor visual glitches to the occasional AI hiccup. While none of these issues drastically impact the overall experience, they’re something worth noting, especially if you’re someone who values polish in your gaming experience.
Conclusion
In the end, Testament: The Order of High Human is not a title that will redefine the RPG genre. It’s not a blockbuster, and it’s not a game that will stand alongside the classics. However, for genre enthusiasts who yearn for the days of Dark Messiah of Might and Magic and other mid-tier RPGs, Testament offers an enjoyable experience, despite its flaws.
The combat may not be as refined as it could be, and the visuals may feel dated, but the world-building, puzzles, and exploration elements create an experience that is satisfying for those who are willing to overlook its technical shortcomings. The story, while decent, doesn’t provide the depth some may expect, but it serves its purpose and offers just enough intrigue to keep players going.
Ultimately, Testament is a game that you might enjoy if you’re a die-hard fan of fantasy RPGs, but it’s not a must-play for everyone. It’s a game that scratches an itch for those who love classic RPG mechanics but won’t likely become the next big thing in the genre. If you can look past its issues and enjoy the journey for what it is, Testament will reward you with an experience that feels nostalgic and comforting.
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