Blair Witch Volume III: The Elly Kedward Tale
Unlike the first two games, which used some of the BW lore, with the final chapter made by Ritual we are getting something entirely new when it comes to story. We are witnessing the creation of Blair Witch legend, as we play Jonathan Prye, a former priest who is visiting Blair Township. Which later on became Burkittsville. Prye had a crisis of faith, and decided to become a witch hunter. We are investigating the disappearance of Elly Kedward a couple weeks ago before our arrival.
It was a good move to try and create an origin of the Blair myth, and wrap everything in an elegant way. There are some crumbs of it in previous titles, but here we are on unknown land. The feeling of dread and that something is not right in the town never leaves us. We talk to some folks, including wise Indian Asgaya. Just as in Rustin Parr, the myths and folklore elements of the natives is being used as a good adhesive, and make the journey even more interesting. Our hero is fighting with the powers, that are hard to comprehend. His struggle regarding the faith is accented more than once, and works good enough for me observing his spiritual journey.
One of his weapons is a burning crucifix that should be used on stronger enemies. The combat is fluid, and while we don't have many weapons, it's sufficient with encounters being less frequent than in Coffin Rock. We also again venture through the woods, so using map at first is obligatory if you want to make it short and save ammo by just simply running. Creatures here will appear constantly, so I advise to just run and use weapons if you really need to. Audiovisually it's still the same engine as before, with good voice acting and music. No complaints here. As usual the Ritual's bard Zak Belica made some tracks, which are fitting for the corresponding stages.
I think "The Elly Kedward Tale" concludes really well the Blair Witch story, even if you aren't a fan of the movie. It's the interpretation that doesn't change something drastically, but adds something and leaves you satisfied after seeing ending credits.