Project Cloud Games has delivered a new, detailed look at The Relic: First Guardian, and the combat deep dive reveals a Souls-like that is as much about tragic storytelling as it is about parrying and breaking enemy stances. The game is set to launch on July 31st for PS5 and PC, and if this trailer is any indication, it’s aiming to carve out its own space in a crowded genre.
Combat, Exploration, and a Spirit of Regret
The new trailer, which you can watch below, shifts focus from the previously showcased boss variety to the moment-to-moment experience of exploring its world. As you traverse the land, you'll encounter enemies in various states — some looting, others gathered around a campfire. The environmental storytelling is front and center here, with explosive barrels that can be used to your advantage to clear groups or soften up tougher foes.
But the real hook is the narrative woven into the combat. The trailer highlights the "Prodigal Bound in Dust," a boss who is literally a spirit of regret. Through notes left behind in the world, you learn the story of a son who left his humble home seeking treasure, abandoning his mother. The tragic outcome turned him into this spectral foe. It’s your job to defeat him, which involves using abilities and well-timed parries to put him into a "Groggy" state, where you can unleash massive damage. The fight isn't one-sided, though — he can parry your attacks right back, keeping you on your toes.
80 Brutals to Encounter
If the Prodigal Bound in Dust seems a bit straightforward, the trailer quickly shows that it's just the beginning. The game features roughly 80 "Brutals" to encounter, and the later portion of the deep dive teases bosses with multiple varied attacks and extensive mobility. This suggests a significant ramp-up in challenge and variety as the game progresses, moving beyond the tutorial-like nature of the early encounters.
This aligns with the developer's intent to create a Souls-like that emphasizes exploration and discovery. The world isn't just a series of combat arenas — it's a place with a history, where every enemy encounter might tell a story. The AI of these enemies appears to be varied, with some being passive (like those gathered around a campfire) and others actively hostile and looting, making the world feel lived-in and reactive.
Why This Matters for Souls-Like Fans
The Souls-like genre is crowded, but The Relic: First Guardian is trying to differentiate itself through its narrative structure and the sheer ambition of its enemy count. The idea that each of the 80 Brutals has its own backstory, discoverable through environmental notes, is a compelling twist. It turns every boss fight into a potential emotional beat, not just a mechanical hurdle. This approach echoes the storytelling found in games like 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, where piecing together fragmented narratives is the core of the experience.
However, a note of skepticism is warranted. Eighty unique bosses is an enormous promise. Many games in this genre struggle to deliver even a dozen memorable encounters without recycling assets or mechanics. The risk is that the quality of these fights might not match the quantity. Project Cloud Games will need to ensure that the combat systems — parrying, the Groggy state, and the various abilities — have enough depth to sustain that many encounters without feeling repetitive.
What Comes Next
With a July 31st release date locked in, Project Cloud Games has a few months to polish and finalize the experience. The deep dive has done its job: it has raised expectations for a game that could offer a meaningful, story-driven take on the Souls-like formula. The true test will be whether the 80 Brutals live up to the tragic tales they carry, or if the promise of quantity overshadows the quality of the combat. For now, The Relic: First Guardian is one to watch closely, especially for those who crave more narrative weight in their challenging action RPGs.
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