REVIEW / Insights Gained: Cult of the Elizabeth (PC)

If you’re ready for a gaming experience that’s anything but gentle and reserved, then buckle up for Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth. At first glance, its charming appearance may throw you off, but don’t be deceived—this tower defense game packs a punch with relentless action and those unsettling bird monsters. The first thing that drew me in was the visual design; the main screen grabbed my attention as soon as I fired up Cult of the Elizabeth. Initially, I was a bit skeptical, thinking it might be a carbon copy of Don’t Starve—a game I hold dear due to its similar art and music style. But a few minutes in, it became clear that this strange new world stands on its own, teeming with unique elements.

You can dive into this adventure solo or in co-op mode as Amelia and her friends try to escape their nightmare. However, venturing solo was a bit of a grind. Collecting resources to beef up my towers took forever. Usually, gathering materials like rocks and wood offers a break from combat in games, but here it was an exercise in patience that left my defenses vulnerable. Although combat isn’t my strongest suit, even on easy mode, I was overrun by those pesky avian foes while my sidekick wasn’t much help either. The last thing I want is a game forcing me to micromanage resources; real life offers enough of that challenge!

Despite the grind for resources, the gameplay itself holds up well. Combat is simple and intuitive, but precision is key—those monsters won’t just fall over if you start shooting wildly. Placing towers strategically is crucial as resources deplete, especially when you’re facing a horde of medieval turkey monstrosities rushing toward your base. Even though the creatures’ attacks are predictable, mass numbers can escalate tension rapidly.

Cult of the Elizabeth is one of those PC games that might hint at controller use, but I found navigating with a keyboard quite manageable. Things might change as challenges ramp up, but for now, no controller is no problem.

Lesson Learned: Cult of the Elizabeth caught my interest, though it still feels a bit basic at times. If the developers can add depth to the storyline and refine some mechanics, this game could become a truly dynamic title. There’s significant potential here for replay-ability with a few adjustments. If you’re curious to explore this whimsical adventure, the prologue is available for free on Steam—definitely worth a peek.

Gameplay: 7.5/10
Plot / Writing: 6.5/10
Design / Visuals: 9/10
Overall: 7.7/10

An interesting mix of genres

Pros:

• Whimsical, gothic art style that enhances the story
• Unique soundtrack blending cheerful and eerie tunes
• A well-balanced mix of combat and exploration in an engaging atmosphere

Cons:

• Collecting resources becomes monotonous
• Enemies lack variety and challenge