Uldor

Overview

Uldor is a free-to-play web3 MMORPG that’s still in its pre-alpha stage, but don’t let that fool you as it’s already got the kind of potential that’ll hook you if you’re into intense action and tough combat. Set in a world ruled by the evil sorcerer Zoltar, you play as one of his enslaved prisoners, thrust into the Dread Arena to battle wave after wave of monstrous enemies. It’s a classic story of oppression and rebellion, but what really stands out here is the fast-paced, brutal combat that’ll test your reflexes. While the game is still a work in progress, with some content locked and a few bugs to smooth out, it’s clear that the developers have a vision for something much bigger. 

Gameplay

Uldor has come a long way since the last review, even though it's still in pre-alpha. There are noticeable improvements that show the developers are committed to refining the experience.

First off, the game is now available on Hyperplay. Upon launch, you'll be greeted by a revamped game menu, showcasing upcoming content, though some of it is still locked. There's a promising hint of a Questing system coming soon, which will bring much-needed progression to the game. Additionally, you’ll notice tabs for the Armory and Forge, likely where you'll manage and craft your weapons and gear in the future.

For now, the only playable mode is the Dread Arena, though the developers have teased PvP and Co-op modes in the pipeline. In Dread Arena, you start as a lone warrior, stuck in a dark, perilous arena with nothing but a sword to defend yourself. The objective? Survive wave after wave of increasingly deadly enemies. It's you against the horde, using your sword to fend off attackers and elixirs to heal when you take damage.

The gameplay in Uldor is fast-paced and action-packed, with a heavy emphasis on combat that demands quick reflexes. You're not just wielding your sword; you have the option to choose from a variety of weapons, like shields, halberds, and katanas, each of which comes with its own unique advantages. You can also improve your stats, such as health, strength, defense, stamina, and speed, giving you a fighting chance as the game’s difficulty ramps up.

On top of that, you gain new skills after clearing waves, skills that can deal devastating damage. However, I have to admit, they can be a bit unreliable in tight spots. The casting time and post-delay of these abilities often make it tricky when you're surrounded by enemies. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as channeling a skill, only to be hit multiple times before you even land it.

In the demo, you're limited to one character, but the devs have recently added a few more with rich backstories, each with their own attributes and starting weapons. Personally, I’m drawn to Lyrina – she’s like an assassin, dual-wielding daggers that allow for quick strikes and requiring less stamina for each move. Her starting skill, a bow attack, can wipe out enemies with a single shot, making her especially deadly.

The arena has also seen a dramatic overhaul. What was once a closed colosseum is now set in a massive volcano, with lava flowing beneath the arena. One wrong step near the edge, and you’ll find yourself plummeting into the molten depths.

One of the game's standout features is the smooth combat animation. Even though Uldor is still in pre-alpha, the strikes feel on-point, and the combo animations are silky smooth. It almost feels like you’re playing Assassin’s Creed with the fluid movements and polished combat. The abilities' animations are equally satisfying, making you feel like you're pulling off something special every time.

That said, it’s not all sunshine and roses. I’ve encountered occasional glitches  (though they're rare) and there’s a particularly frustrating issue where, if you get surrounded by enemies, you can’t escape despite mashing the dodge button. This is something I hope the devs address, as being stuck in a horde, unable to dodge, really breaks the flow of combat. Ideally, you should be able to dodge freely, as long as you have the stamina for it.

All in all, Uldor is shaping up nicely. The combat system is solid, the animation smooth, and the arena setting adds a thrilling new dynamic. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done, particularly with the dodging system and ability reliability. I'm excited to see how things progress in future updates, especially with the promised PvP and Co-op modes.

Review

Uldor’s pre-alpha demo already shows promising potential, especially for fans of fast-paced combat and intense action. The revamped combat system is smooth and satisfying, with fluid animations that make each strike feel impactful. While the game is still in the early stages, the new character options, improved arena settings, and hints of more content to come give it a solid foundation. There’s something uniquely thrilling about fighting wave after wave of enemies while your choices in weapons and stats dictate your survival, making each round feel different from the last.

That said, there are still some bumps to smooth out. The dodging system needs some attention, as getting trapped in the middle of a horde with no escape can be frustrating. The new skills are fun but feel a bit clunky at times, especially with the casting delays. Still, these are minor issues that are common in early builds, and I’m hopeful the developers will fix them in future updates. All things considered, Uldor is shaping up to be a game worth keeping an eye on, especially if you’re into challenging combat in a beautifully crafted world.