Blackguards Special Edition

I have played this game now for a few hours and I have found it rather fun. The game comprises mostly of different battle scenarios and a fixed party (no choice who is in or out). There is very little in the way of dialogue options or choice; there are some optional quests of course. Despite the lack of choice, the strategy behind the battles is addictive. Yes, the AI is not brilliant but the battles can be challenging at times. This is a title and a game developer that I am going to watch out for in the future, this wasn't a stellar performance but it wasn't half-bad either.

I'd have given this 4.5 stars but you can't give 1/2 stars so...rounded up to 5. I've now played it 2x, including the DLC on my 2nd play through. My review title pretty much says it all, though I enjoyed the characters and their interactions very much. The story was decent enough, and I particularly liked the voice acting (biggest shout outs to Zurbaran and Urias). I liked how the main "villain" had some depth and the world was gritty and coarse. Some small criticisms don't really detract from the overall score (e.g., static art portraits didn't always match up well w/ the animated NPCs, like Marwan in the Mengbilla Arena; the Ciliego quests in Mengbilla could get screwed up in order depending on how much of the main quest you did or didn't do; etc.). I'd love a similar game from this developer (maybe a prequel rather than a sequel).

There are RPG mechanics in it, indeed. I applaud choice of Dark Eye in place of many more popular but less mature systems like DnD. It is complex and provides tons over tons of interesting options. Plot is pretty linear, thus it is not full RPG experience (still more than classics of old, like early M&Ms), but it makes pretty immersive turn-based fantasy tactical combat simulator. You have your party, which needs to survive, and weapons, armors and naturally spells are at your disposal. Nevertheless, storyline is quite nice, distancing itself from 'good guys' trope, more rather like black & grey morality; plenty of missions (heck, I've got almost Bullfrog's Syndicate-feel), and perfect balance between puzzles and strategy elements (usually puzzle part is overdone in games). Characters are staple but likeable. Several good tunes help to achieve proper experience, while gfx part still holds. Some interface details could be better, yet you wouldn't notice after a while. Overall good game, especially if you like ttrpg-like skirmishes.

I really enjoyed this game. It should be 5 stars but it would freeze my computer so often that I had to drop one star. Some battles are tough and you have to adjust your tactics or even leave that fight and come back later once you have leveled up some. Leveling up your guys is the key but don't cry when the enemy has also leveled up. This is what makes the game competitive all the way through. The RPG aspects are great and my one advice is to pick a certain path for each character and don't spread out the points randomly as the game will end before you can reach your end goals. It took me 36 hours to complete the main and all side quests. You will have to backtrack to find side quests that will help to level up or acquire a unique item or weapon. The story kept me engaged and the characters were interesting but the ending was very strange.

This game is almost ideal, great story, fun dialogues, your choices mean something and also pretty balanced mechanics (if you except two skills). Only lack more side quests, weapons and beter ending fight (this was almost too hard).