Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Legendary delivers a robust first-person shooter experience that balances traditional gunplay with supernatural abilities. Players step into the boots of Charles Deckard, wielding an arsenal that ranges from rudimentary melee weapons like axes to powerful firearms such as assault rifles. The introduction of Animus Vitae, a life energy harvested from defeated mythological creatures, adds a strategic layer—deciding when to heal, stun foes with Animus Pulse, or conserve energy for tougher encounters.

Combat encounters are set within a variety of environments, from shadowy museum corridors in New York City to remote archaeological sites. Each level encourages exploration, rewarding curious players who scour every nook for ammo caches, hidden Animus Vitae deposits, and weapon upgrades. Facing off against hordes of mythical beasts and the heavily armed Black Order operatives keeps the pacing dynamic, with moments of frenetic firefights interspersed with tense stealth sequences.

The multiplayer mode for up to eight players injects fresh longevity into Legendary. Matches pit rebels against elite Black Order soldiers, but also introduce AI-controlled monsters that roam the map, vying for Animus Vitae themselves. This unpredictable element transforms standard deathmatches into chaotic, ever-shifting battles where team coordination and moment-to-moment adaptability become paramount.

Graphics

From the moment players descend into the murky depths of the ocean floor to recover Pandora’s box, Legendary showcases detailed environments filled with atmospheric lighting and weather effects. Textures on stone ruins and gallery walls are crisp, and reflections gleam realistically off water surfaces and museum exhibit cases. These visual flourishes amplify the mystery and foreboding tension as players navigate the world.

Enemy designs stand out with imaginative flair—ancient Greek horrors, twisted demigods, and spectral entities all boast distinct silhouettes and fluid animations. The Animus Pulse effect in particular glows with an ethereal light, its shockwave rippling debris and bodies in a satisfying display. Even the Black Order’s high-tech soldiers feature well-rendered armor, glowing HUD visors, and detailed weapon models that underscore the clash between myth and modern warfare.

Cutscenes and in-engine cinematics maintain consistent graphical fidelity, enhancing key story moments without jarring transitions. Facial expressions on principal characters like Deckard and the enigmatic LeFey carry emotional weight, while environmental storytelling—crumbling ruins, scattered relics, and ominous murals—reinforces the game’s lore. Overall, Legendary strikes an impressive balance between gameplay performance and visual polish.

Story

Legendary weaves a captivating narrative rooted in the legend of Pandora’s box, reimagining it as a devastating super-weapon rather than a simple container of evils. The backstory of the Council of 98 adds depth: a secret order that once safeguarded the world from the box’s might until its rediscovery by unsuspecting archaeologists. This premise sets up a high-stakes adventure that unfolds across continents and eras.

Charles Deckard’s arc—from a focused art thief on a paycheck job to the accidental harbinger of ancient horrors—feels personal and urgent. His reluctant hero’s journey is punctuated by terse, morally gray dialogue with LeFey, who remains ominously ambiguous about his own objectives. As Deckard unravels the Council’s secrets, players witness his transformation, forging an emotional connection bolstered by strong voice acting and well-timed revelations.

The script deftly balances exposition with gameplay, ensuring that lore drops appear organically between firefights and puzzle segments. Mid-level collectibles, such as journal entries from past Council members, deepen the mythos and invite replayability for completionists. Although certain plot twists tread familiar shooter tropes, the combination of ancient mysticism and modern conspiracy keeps the narrative engaging throughout.

Overall Experience

Legendary stands out as a polished fusion of FPS mechanics and mythological fantasy. Its seamless integration of weapon-based combat with Animus Vitae powers offers satisfying variety, allowing players to craft their own playstyles—rushing in with guns blazing or tactically deploying pulses to control the battlefield. The level design supports these approaches, offering multiple pathways, hidden shortcuts, and environmental hazards to exploit.

The audio design amplifies immersion, featuring crunching footsteps on marble floors, echoing roar of beasts in cavernous halls, and the charged hum of Animus energies. A stirring orchestral score underlines dramatic moments, while subtle ambient tracks build tension during quieter exploration phases. Together with the crisp sound effects, the game crafts an atmosphere that remains tense and engaging.

Multiplayer extends Legendary’s appeal beyond the single-player campaign, bringing friends and foes into large-scale skirmishes where mythology collides with modern weaponry. The unpredictable presence of AI-controlled monsters breathes life into each match, ensuring no two rounds feel identical. For players seeking both a narrative-driven adventure and competitive online action, Legendary offers a comprehensive package that’s well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

5.4/10