I'm new to these games from this developer, and they tend to have a similar gameplay to each other, but they're awesome nonetheless. You don't really need to play one to enjoy another, but there is a story and setting that carries on throughout these games that you would recognize from playing the others. This one is the best game yet, in my opinion. Story progresses nice and slow and there isn't too much of a wall-of-text at one time, in case you're not into that. Gameplay is simple but enjoyable. I notice a few characters have portraits when spoken to, so that's nice as it makes you care about them. As far as cons, for one thing I'd have to say there could be a bit more to the gameplay - maybe stealth? Setting traps? Maybe high ground or environment contribution to combat? Also, one of this developer's games I played previously had the ability to select enemies by using the keyboard (enemies were marked a, b, c, etc) - I want that again! Also, what about meeting characters to join your party along the journey instead of having it all set from the get go? Other quality of life improvements that would be great, but not necessary, are more character portraits so you feel more personal to those you meet, or voice-overs for at least the important story characters. Also, I'm not always sure what some conditions do (what is "wounded"? What does it do exactly?), so more thorough explanations would be nice. Would also love a beast journal to look up information on enemies you've come across, their weaknesses, resistances, etc. A combat log would be great too. I know these games are created by a single person, so still quite amazing!
I don't finish games anymore now that I'm getting older, but I finished this one! Excellent game from start to end. You don't get that feeling of "monotony" you might get from other games. Each area you explore is fresh and interesting and there's different methods to proceed like talking, sneaking, or fighting (I went the pacifist route and talked my way through as much as possible). There's some backtracking but it never feels like it because the story progresses even in previously visited areas. Now, RNG does play a factor and it did take me a few playthroughs to kind of master it and optimize my builds as much as possible before I finally finished the game, so be wary of that. You may have to reload saves a few times because of it. Ending is a bit anti-climatic but I would love if there was a sequal to the game for it! I will support this developer next game released for sure.
If you got the rogue-like itch like I did, and was looking for a rogue-like WITH CONTROLLER SUPPORT, then this game is for you. My only cons are the lore is too deep (oh great, I gotta remember the name of this "kakahzamowu" place now, even though I can't even pronounce it) and the conversation/descriptions are difficult (annoying) to try to comprehend. Like, really? The description on this mask says it is "impregnanted" with tree sap? What kind of item description is that!? That's my only issue with games like these and the try-hard writing. Using horribly complex words or descriptions to try to "paint" a picture can be done WITH LAYMEN'S TERMS! Don't try to make a piece of art - make a game instead. The "retrofuturism" is an interesting touch that is alright, but personally I'd rather have just medieval/natural setting or just futuristic technolgy and robots. Not weird mix of the two, as if the game doesn't know which setting it is.
Never played the first of this series or similar games, but I enjoy this game. I do think it's a bit too bare-bones though as I would have liked more interaction or detail in the environments as well as more in-depth even battle mechanics - maybe fighters, etc could have skills like shield bashing and such?
Title says it all.
