Steam's Free New Open-World RPG Is A Solid Final Fantasy Alternative

After a very busy May, you won’t be short of things to play.

Last month delivered 007 First Light, Forza Horizon 6, and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, to name just a few hit releases.

Picking up those games won’t be cheap, though, so you might be looking for a free alternative if you’re gaming on a budget.

That’s where Soul Land: Awakening World comes in, a new free-to-play open-world RPG from 37Games set within the Soul Land franchise’s world.

Soul Land: Awakening World is available on PC storefront Steam and sees players set out on a sprawling, epic journey.

“The old laws have crumbled, and a tide of new power is rising. From tranquil forests to hidden lakes, every unique Spirit and Spirimon awaits,” the synopsis begins.

“Meet the legendary Seven Monsters and the formidable Spirit Temple Elders—their stories are yours to discover. Now, it is time to carve your name into your own divine epic.”

This Huge Fantasy World Should Appeal To Final Fantasy Players

Players will travel from “the humble fields of Saint Village to the eternal frost of the Icebound Forest; from the untamed wilds of Aster Forest to the crashing tides of Isle of Poseidon”, so Soul Land: Awakening World should offer near endless hours of fun, though there’s no precise runtime.

You’ll be able to unearth hidden treasure, venture into caves in search of Spirimon, and journey to Spirit Temples where you can challenge Spiritmasters to test your skills.

The combat system makes use of “precise dodges, aerial manoeuvres, and fluid skill execution”, with players able to switch freely between ‘spirits’ which enable different loadouts and tactical advantages.

Spirimon, if you’re not familiar with the Soul Land world, these are the creatures you’ll often find yourself battling against.

“Defeat these Spirimon to absorb Halos and Spiribones, unlocking a vast array of powers. Ascend to godhood with ease,” devs tease,

37GAMES

Soul Land: Awakening World is an adaptation of the Soul Land novels and anime, but you don’t need any familiarity with the franchise in order to get involved with this RPG.

It retells much of the series’s story, with new characters also included.

The game has launched today, so there’s no major review consensus yet, unfortunately, meaning you’ll just have to make up your own mind.

There’s definitely a Final Fantasy feel, though, to what Soul Land: Awakening World has to offer with its MMO elements and large fantasy world.

You will need to create an account with 37Games to dive in, as Soul Land: Awakening World is connected to a third-party game launcher.

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