SolSeraph

SolSeraph is an authentic ode to ActRaiser undercut by unbalanced action levels and shallow strategy gameplay.

SolSeraph is a clear homage to ActRaiser, but some of the areas where it forges its own path put a damper on its potential.

A homage to the genre-blending classic ActRaiser that never quite gets off the ground.

ActRaiser fans are likely hungry enough to want to at least try this — and the asking price doesn’t feel like robbery — but I left SolSeraph after only a few hours, upset at the missed opportunity.

Building and defending your settlements doesn't have enough variety, and the challenging parts are more frustrating than fun

I appreciate Ace Team's attempt here, I really do. It's kind of amazing that this game exists in 2019 under Sega. It's not as original as the team's past projects, but SolSeraph has a lot to like if you're looking for a modern take on an absolute gem of the 16-bit era. Part of me wonders how outlandish these creators could've gotten with a bigger budget and scope, but as a tribute, this still hits the spot.

It genuinely feels like an unfinished game in places, and it’s a real shame.

Unfortunately, it simply can't capture the same magic of ActRaiser. Perhaps it's time for a real sequel instead of a spiritual one.

A spiritual successor to Actraiser, SolSeraph is one of those titles that goes into the file of games we really wanted to like because in theory it had all the ingredients, good ideas and influence from great games of the past, but unfortunately comes together in an uninspired way.

SolSeraph takes intriguing lore and combines it with tower defense and platformer mechanics to make a game that would be engaging if it weren't so repetitive.