Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption

Full disclosure: I was a Kickstarter backer and fan of the QFG series. Hero-U has gone through many changes since it's original Kickstarter campaign to become more of an homage to the QFG series. This meant some of the ideas from the original roguelike were scrapped. Instead we get a full-fledged QFG-like game. For the review, I will do my best to remove the fan goggles. Pros: Interesting world building, well designed characters, and logical adventure game puzzles. Cons: Limited exploration constrained by day/night/class schedule, clunky fighting interface, some bugs and animation hiccups. Conclusion: While the game is not perfect, it is an excellent continuation of the world built in QFG and a worthy successor. The game has some replay value as the time system definitely does not give you enough time to explore everything in a single play through. I am hopeful the game will be a success since I think the Coles have learned a lot making this and have some excellent ideas to expand upon. If you like adventure games, give this one a chance.

So I'll admit that I bought this because of my love for Quest for Glory and I had high expectations. At first I was disappointed... But I kept playing and as I figured out more of the tricks to being a quality Rogue... sorry, Disbarred Bard, the game really opened up. I just finished my first play through and I already started a second. There is definitely more than one way to skin a drat and I'm eager to see how different choices will impact how the game plays out. What I initially saw as flaws (time management was a big one) turned into challenges which really paid off when you finally succeed! I know I missed out on quite a few things, which is going to make subsequent play-throughs just as fun! Overall, the game is well-worth it and very enjoyable.

Overall I really enjoyed everything in the game. The characters were lovley, the area interesting and the story fun. I thought the music nice and fill in both a good background music and improving a scene. The art style added a nice unique touch to the game. I will say, it can be a bit obvious on how a characters story will play out or react to a situation. I can also see how some might find the fiddly nature of managing your time a bit much. This is definitely a game I can see myself plaing again sometime in the future.

One of the most enjoyable games I've played this year. The plot is good, the characters are all interesting, the art is beautiful, and after I finished the game, there were still some interesting bits left, since there are multiple approaches to some situations, and each approach is fun to try. Some of the characters are not what they seem to be. Some of them are not what you think they are. And, of course, there's the Coles' trademark humour. There are many easter eggs both for the fans of Quest for Glory series and for those who can't tell Yesufu from Dinarzad. I almost cried when I saw dedications to some of the characters I knew and loved in Quest for Glory. There's a romantic part that allows you to conquer the heart of a classmate (and you decide who it is that you like). There's magic, mysteries, and so many ways to be either a Rogue Hero or a heartless thief.

Really, it is. I grew up on Sierra and QfG was my favorite series. I love how this game holds its own but still gives you that feeling of nostalgia.. I've played through several times, just to try out different avenues as well as go for more trophies. My 9, 12 and 19 year old boys have played and enjoyed it, as well. Puzzles are fun, diaglogue cracked me up, artwork is beautiful and the music is great! I really cannot say enough about this game. Buy it and enjoy!!!