Atlyss is a far more engaging game than the furry-fanservice MMORPG press it gets

Atlyss, the brainchild of indie developer Kiseff, was released on Steam Early Access in November 2024. At first glance, like many others, I had also let this game slide as a cheap fanservice for furries. However, upon digging a little deeper, I find an experience rich in gameplay mechanics, nostalgic charm, and genuine artistry that transcends its blatant NSFW (not safe for web) baits.

In this article, I have shared my experience and some reasons for you to try out the game at least once.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's personal experience and biases.

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You may install Atlyss for the fanservice but you will stay for the gameplay

The gameplay is surpassingly well made (Image via KisSoft)

Firstly, let’s make one thing clear: Atlyss leans heavily into its unique art style, which some have criticized as being overtly suggestive, which it unapologetically is. However, you can customize avatars with sliders for body proportions, jiggle physics, and more. The game allowing you to tone the fan service is a good hint that it is a choice.

Read more — How to unlock all classes in Atlyss

Atlyss features a retro-inspired MMORPG experience with modern polish. You can choose from three classes — Fighter, Mystic, and Bandit — and explore a world filled with quests, dungeons, and unique challenges. The combat system is fluid and satisfying, with plenty of room for customization through weapon enchantments and spell scrolls.

Structurally, the game feels reminiscent of classics like Phantasy Star Online. However, I had previously compared it to the Legend of Zelda series on N64, because of its graphics. Its repeatable quests and dungeon variants keep the grind engaging, while its stat respec system gives you a lot of room for customization.

Grind the dungeons and become the strongest (Image via KisSoft)

Other than its gameplay, Atlyss also offers a surreal world and memorable characters. Angela, the Mystic guardian, has already become a fan favorite. She reminded me of Toriel from Undertale, although her proportions are extremely different from hers. The NPCs, environments, and dungeon designs all showcase Kiseff’s knack for creating a world that feels alive and engaging.

The music, though not that great, is quite enjoyable and I like listening to it while grinding the dungeons. Even the enemies — ranging from slime queens to magical goat-like creatures — are quite diverse and fun to kill.

In the end, Atlyss strikes a balance between nostalgia and innovation. While it can be a little skimpy at times, the gameplay and content make up for it all. So, if you’ve been hesitant to try it, let this serve as your invitation to dive in. You might be pleasantly surprised.