Chris InglisCoridden is an isometric action RPG developed by Aftnareld and published by Anshar Publishing and launched on January 30, 2025. The game offers a refreshing take on the genre with its core mechanic of shapeshifting. From the moment you launch the game, the vibrant, stylised world draws you in, promising an adventure filled with intrigue and dynamic combat. Playing with up to three other mates is highly recommended as one player can shapeshift while another can jump on their back, and the two of you can devastate a room of enemies – it’s so damn cool. I have seen phase shifting in games like in Batora: Lost Haven, however completely and seamlessly change into a new form that is combat-able is brilliant.
The heart of Coridden lies in its spiritform transformations. You’re not just playing one character, but several that you can swap on the fly, each with unique abilities that you can invest points into, strengths, and weaknesses. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it fundamentally alters how you approach combat and exploration. One form might be nimble and agile, perfect for dodging attacks and traversing tricky terrain by jumping large chasms, while another could be a damage powerhouse, capable of delivering devastating blows but is slower and less agile. The strategy of choosing the right form and element combination for the situation adds a tactical layer that keeps the gameplay engaging.
Combat is incredibly smooth and fluid. Attacks feel impactful, and the movement is responsive, making for a satisfying experience. I used keyboard and mouse though the game does recommend playing with a controller. The learning curve is gentle enough to get you started, but as you progress, you’ll need to master the nuances of each form to truly excel. You have a choice of melee and ranged weapons to use, and armour to loot and upgrade as you go along. Sometimes I would receive loot that was a couple of levels above me, and there is a storage chest back in town to keep these safe.
Different enemies require different approaches, and exploiting elemental weaknesses becomes crucial. This ties in perfectly with the clever implementation of elemental effects. It’s not just about dealing extra damage; fire might be needed to clear a path, electricity to activate a switch, or ice to freeze a platform. These environmental puzzles are well-integrated into the world and encourage experimentation with different spirit forms. It’s a clever way to gate progression and reward players for thinking outside the box.
The story is intriguing enough to keep you invested and moving to new areas. The lore of the world is slowly revealed as you progress, and the characters you encounter are generally well-written and contribute to the overall narrative. I found myself wanting to learn more about the history of the world and the mysteries surrounding the spirit forms as I discovered new ones.
The ability to play in co-op is a fantastic addition. Coordinating with a friend to utilise different spirit forms and elemental combinations opens new tactical possibilities and makes tackling challenging encounters even more rewarding. The seamless transition between solo and co-op play is also commendable. There are difficulty jumps when you come across new monsters, especially when you don’t know if they use an element that opposes yours. For example, new electric-powered monsters were always tough, whereas if the monsters were water-based, switching to fire attacks made easy work of them.
Overall, Coridden is a solid action RPG with a unique and compelling core mechanic of shapeshifting on the fly and having your co-op buddy jump on your back to tag-team the enemy. The shapeshifting, combined with the smooth combat and clever elemental puzzles, makes for a genuinely enjoyable experience. If you’re a fan of isometric action RPGs with a twist, Coridden is definitely worth checking out.
This review utilised a key provided by Evolve PR and Coridden is available now on Steam and GOG.
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