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The Falconer: A Nostalgic Tribute with a Stunning Open WorldThe Falconer: A Nostalgic Tribute with a Stunning Open World Once upon a time, a game called Panzer Dragoon soared high in the gaming stratosphere, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of players. However, as time marched onward, its legacy seemed to fade into obscurity. But lo and behold, from the depths of gaming obscurity emerged a brilliant successor: The Falconer. Paying homage to its predecessor, The Falconer brings to life a thrilling aerial dogfighting experience, complete with giant birds. However, it goes beyond mere combat, immersing players in a breathtaking open world brimming with downtime and exploration. As the warrior of the sky, players traverse gorgeous ocean vistas, navigating between shattered settlements in a world ravaged by reckless human decisions. The breathtaking scenery invites players to soak up the atmosphere, creating a tapestry of beauty and desolation. The Falconer’s narrative seamlessly intertwines its setting and story, captivating players with every chapter. Missions, sidequests, and captivating characters weave together the rich tapestry of this oceanic planet’s history and struggles. Beyond its captivating world, The Falconer boasts an impressive array of gameplay features. The work of a single developer, this game showcases incredible craftsmanship. Its combative interludes provide adrenaline-pumping moments, while the exploration segments allow players to immerse themselves in the game’s lore and mythology. The Falconer’s impact extends beyond its initial release, with a burgeoning series that includes a city builder. Its unique setting has sparked excitement and anticipation for future installments that explore this captivating world in different genres. If the prospect of a thrilling aerial dogfight game set in a stunning open world appeals to you, prepare to soar high. From Thursday, July 4th, through Thursday, July 11th, The Falconer will be available for free on the Epic Games Store. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience a game that pays homage to the past while forging its own path into the future. And for more gaming adventures, delve into our guides to the best fantasy games and open world experiences.
Panzer Dragoon is a game that should have had more influence than it did. If you were there when it came out, you couldn’t miss it. It was everywhere and now, a few decades later, it’s largely forgotten. But not everyone is forgotten. Some games keep the torch burning, like the brilliant fantasy aerial dogfight game The Falconer which is certainly a tribute to it. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, you’re in luck – it’s free to keep later this week.
Now that I’ve drawn a parallel with Panzer Dragoon, let me undo it a bit. While The Falconeer has its fair share of dogfighting – at times it feels a lot like an airplane game with a giant bird – there’s also plenty of downtime. This is an open-world adventure, where you’ll be gliding between settlements across gorgeous ocean vistas to help the people of this seriously broken world. You’ll be soaking up the atmosphere more than you will the fighting, and with such a beautiful setting, you’ll be more than happy to do so.
The world you live in has been torn apart by stupid human decisions, repeatedly, by wars and much worse. As such, you take to the skies as a warrior of the sky, defending those who cannot defend themselves, and attempting to make a difference on this largely oceanic planet. What elevates The Falconeer above many games is how it expertly weaves together its setting and story. Each chapter presents you with new missions to pursue and discover, with sidequests and characters to meet, befriend and help.
As you do so, you’ll continually absorb the world’s mythology, gazing in awe at gigantic monuments rising from the sea and marveling at the scars left by those who came before you. It all comes together to capture the imagination in magnificent fashion, peppered with brief, combative interludes to get the blood flowing.
There are many other great things about The Falconeer, the least of which is that it’s the work of a single developer, which is almost too fantastic to believe. Furthermore, The Falconeer marks the beginning of a setting that should be explored in other gaming genres. The second title in the series is a city builder that’s already out – read what we thought of it in our Bulwark Falconeer Chronicles review.
If all this sounds appealing, you’ll be happy to hear that The Falconeer will be available for free on the Epic Games Store from Thursday, July 4th through Thursday, July 11th. Click here to see for yourself.
Also check out our guide to the best fantasy games of 2024, and our recommendations for the best open world games to play.
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