Be aware though this is more a solid DEMO, than actual 1.0. Original and fun, with great artwork. There are still things left that need both polish and further development, but this being said, it is absolutely playable. It hasn't been abandoned though - as some suggest. It is being developed by very small team of Russians, and developer had to make some difficult and life altering decisions - due to the obvious - which impacted game's roadmap. According to his most recent statements (2023/2024) he is planning to get back to it - whether he will, time will tell, but at this point I think it is easily 5 star solid project. I wish him the best and keep looking for this project to move forward! Can't wait!
Trudno oprzeć się wrażeniu, jakby Deweloper położył wszystko na jedną kartę z tym projektem i niestety ostatecznie przegrał. Znając projekt ze Steam nie da się dojść do innej konkluzji niż ta, że całość zakończyła się finansową klapą, która uniemożliwiła dalszy rozwój projektu i jego finansowanie. w stopniu umożliwiającym choć usunięcie większości niedoróbek i problemów. Całość przypomina fuzję genialnego grafika, z niekompetentym programistą i manadżerem projektu bez większego doświadczenia. Jakby osoby projektujące tytuł, w życiu nie grały w nic podobnego... Gord jest fantastycznym pomysłem, czerpiącym ze słowiańskiego folkloru i łączącym elementy RTS / City Builder. Absolutnie oszałamiającym estetycznie, ze świetną atmosferą, ale niestety niedokończonym. Można mieć tylko nadzieję, ze kiedyś ktoś wróci do tego pomysłu, doszlifuje go i rozwinie, bowiem w obecnym kształcie, niełatwo jest ten tytuł polecić.
It is not a game, but a beautiful, interactive journey, that at the end, leaves you both speechless and asking for more!
If you don't mind updates being sometimes months apart (like I do - I'm not a frequent gamer) - get it here. If you want every update and content as quickly as possible - look somewhere else. Overall it is fairly original 1-2h killer. When you just need to chill out and relax now and then, and don't want to invest ungodly hours - it is a perfect choice for the entertainment. Sort of a MS Solitaire from 90's if you catch my drift. Just with a dome to defend, weapons, monsters, pet and other stuff. ;)
Game has very slow and relaxing pace and there is a lot unique humour in it. It is not hardcore medieval trade simulator, mind you - its take on the period is very light. Artwork is very decent and still fine so many years later (it is coming though from someone who focuses on the core gameplay and doesn't really care much about graphics). At its core, the entire game is about the social standing in (sort of) late Medieval town. End goal is to become the most powerful person in the entire city and dominate over opponents (other 'families'), which can be achieved through many different means. You pick some basic traits for your character, occupation and off you go. Each occupation has different perks that can be used against opponents and help improving social standing. Outside of the trade aspect (manufacture and sell goods) there are also more arcane and mundane ways of play, along strategy involving advancing in town administrative body (with many positions - again, each with its unique abilities). Many hours of fun guaranteed. Can's speak for the GOG version on Win 8 and later (use dedicated Win7 rig for that sort of things) - for me it runs smoothly and without any issues. For me this one is truly the best one in the entire series (I'm fan of late classic games - ones from early 2000s). Later games veered of course set by this one quite a bit, so (unfortunately) can't be straight compared to the first in the entire series.
What it is, is production chain builder in disguise. With original story and a lot of humour! You are not going to find stats or any RPG typical elements in it. Instead one gains abilities along the way. Progress is unlocked with unique 'experience points', gained through simply doing stuff. And there is no rush. You can play the game at your own pace. I've noticed, some complain about lack of explanations / full tutorial, but for me, discovery is the inherent part of the experience. I simply like to figure things out on my own! And once you find yourself in the hard spot - use online wiki. Game of Crone and Stranger Sins highly recommended! Unfortunately review system, doesn't give this game fair judgement. Currently 20+ hours into the game, all is great. Game is stable and I haven't encountered even single bug. It's matured a lot since initial release. I think, once game hits Full Release, all 'development stage' reviews, should have been disregarded by the rating system. This one should be at least 4.5 star one!
I'd advise to grab Complete Edition - difference in price is negligible and 'stories' add even more interesting gameplay. Have no clue why option to get 'standard' still exists at this point... (it's been released 10 years ago). Only adds confusion. I'd strongly advise to watch one or two online reviews, before making up your mind. It is not some obvious AAA blockbuster, but niche and unique game, that is not going to suit many. Truly unique experience and idea - shows how even with simple mechanics, game can still grab your attention for many hours and at the end, leave you asking for more. Pick wisely and don't 1 star it just because it is not your cup of tea!
'Game' depicts civilian struggle during a war. It is dark, it is full of misery, sad things are set to happen. And yet among all this, there is a hope. Hope of making it out alive and somehow dodge a bullet. It has fairly simplistic mechanics (just gather some stuff to expand your hideout and help out survivors), that let one feel 'boredom' and 'struggle' of those fictional characters - each with unique story and mechanics (very limited though). My main issue with it, is lack of any dynamic changes to the locations, after they had been scavenged. It would certainly add some variety and made entire experience even more unpredictable. There are some variables that make each playthrough different though, and incorporating all locations from DLCs, was a great decision on part of developers. I'd advise to watch one or two online reviews before getting it (as I would in any other case!). It is truly the best way to avoid writing 'rage review' bit later. It is not triple AAA blockbuster, but niche and unique game, that is not going to suit many. Pick wisely and don't 1 star it just because it is not your cup of tea! I had a blast!
