Age of Reforging: Blackthorn

The gameplay offers a deep and addictive mix of RPG, sandbox exploration, and tactical combat mechanics, with a strong emphasis on player choice and character progression. However, it is frequently hampered by numerous bugs, performance issues, clunky controls, tedious mechanics (notably the health and leveling systems), and a steep learning curve that may frustrate players without patience. Despite these flaws, many find the core gameplay rewarding and engaging once the mechanics are understood and are hopeful for improvements with continued development.

The game is widely criticized for being very buggy, with numerous game-breaking glitches, crashes, poor translations, and unpolished mechanics affecting quests, combat, and UI. While some players find it addictive and see potential beneath the instability, overall it is considered unstable and in need of significant bug fixes before recommending purchase.

The game suffers from significant optimization issues, including frequent bugs, performance slowdowns after extended play, and inconsistent frame rates even on high-end PCs. While the gameplay and content are praised, technical problems like stuttering, unresponsive systems, and janky mechanics often disrupt the experience. Ongoing updates are improving optimization, but players should expect some roughness and bugs for now.

The game's graphics receive mixed reviews, with some appreciating the nostalgic and aesthetic choices reminiscent of classic RPGs, while others criticize the low-quality visuals, janky animations, and poor optimization. Despite unimpressive graphics that feel outdated and occasionally murky, many users agree that the art style does not significantly detract from gameplay or content depth. Overall, the graphics are seen as functional but far from modern standards, with some technical issues further impacting visual experience.

Grinding in the game is notably intense and often tedious, characterized by punishing mechanics like fragile health systems, tight economies, and frequent backtracking for healing. While the steep difficulty and grinding evoke an old-school RPG feel appealing to fans of challenging, mercenary-style gameplay, many players find the relentless repetition and unforgiving mechanics frustrating and time-consuming. Ultimately, embracing the grind is key to enjoying the game's depth, but it can feel excessive and sometimes detracts from exploring other content.

Replayability is generally rated as moderate to good, with some users appreciating the long playtime potential, while others note that bugs and balancing issues, especially in the midgame, hinder the overall experience. Improvements in game smoothness and class/build variety could enhance replay value.

Users find the music repetitive and irritating due to constant looping, with some dungeons not respecting the mute setting, forcing external muting. Additionally, many prefer turning off the music entirely to better enjoy the detailed environmental sounds, indicating poor overall music and sound design.

Users criticize the monetization of the game as overly focused on cash grabs through numerous DLCs, despite longstanding feedback. Many feel the developers prioritize profit over quality, leading to buggy releases and a sense of exploitative practices across multiple titles.

Character development is detailed and rich, allowing for a wide variety of builds with minimal restrictions. The system promotes organic progression by improving skills through repeated use, resulting in a natural and engaging growth experience.

The emotional aspect is generally seen as weak, with a main story that many find boring and unengaging. However, the game offers extensive content beyond the narrative, allowing for significant playtime without focusing on the story.

Users find that this aspect significantly enhances the game's atmosphere, contributing positively to the overall experience.

The game's humor is a mix of genuinely funny moments and quirky, sometimes awkward elements, creating an experience that is entertaining despite its rough edges.