‪ANIMUS, calls upon you to bring the end. Button mashing will get you killed. Block, dodge, and strike overwhelming enemies. Reap the ultimate satisfaction of the kill.‬

The mythology-based hardcore action style transports the gamer into the realm of the game, and its namesake. Animus is very tactical in that it requires the learning and application of tactical skills to defeat enemies who would otherwise brutally punish any gamer expecting casual battles.

Leveling, skill point placement, farming equipment and materials, as well as attack and defensive mechanics are crucial. Types and attributes of weapons, armor, and accessories are important. The Proficiency tree within the character status area should be utilized to advance further into the game. The amount of HP, amount of HP recovery, dodge time and distance, stamina control are some of the important stats to cover in that area.

Action-RPG Animus sets up the Advocate's Shadow, and its equipment, in the Rift Boss stage of its latest update.

Confined to the Rift, the Advocate’s Shadow is swifter and stronger than any other boss. If you are not fully prepared, you can turn into mist at just a single slice of its tachi.

Choose the most suited weapon and armour, considering the boss’s attributes and weakness.

Players also must learn diverse attack patterns of the Advocate’s Shadow, dodge its deadly hit, and find the right timing to deal attacks.

Though a difficult fight, defeating the Advocate’s Shadow will reward you with a new tachi and its armour.

Players are rewarded for how they balance their equipment before a battle, and how they place skill points in their Proficiency tree. Preparedness will carry you far.

The type and grade of drops get better upon progression and following playthroughs or at higher difficulty levels. Players will farm material and equipment. Much needed equipment drops (weapons, armor, accessories) occur in the sub-quests, which are indicated by blue flags. This is similar with the Rift (yellow flag) areas as well. However, Rift areas award players with Rift weapons, which are in most cases stronger weapons with dual attributes, comparable to other weapons of identical grades.

Animus is available for Nintendo Switch through the eShop (NA or EU) priced at $7.99/£7.99.