Alina of the Arena
- October 13, 2022
- PINIX
- 15h median play time
Get on Steam"Alina of the Arena" is an action-packed, hack-and-slash game set in a fantasy world. As Alina, a skilled gladiator, players must fight their way through hordes of enemies in various arenas to win fame and fortune. With fast-paced combat, upgradeable skills and equipment, and epic boss battles, it offers an exciting and challenging experience for players who love action games.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Innovative blend of deck-building and tactical movement mechanics, providing a fresh take on the genre.
- Engaging gameplay with a variety of builds and strategies, allowing for unique playstyles in each run.
- Satisfying combat experience with responsive controls and a dynamic audience mechanic that rewards stylish play.
- Limited content and variety, with only three arenas and a small pool of cards and enemies, leading to repetitive gameplay.
- Balancing issues, particularly with certain classes and bosses that can feel overwhelmingly difficult compared to regular encounters.
- User interface and tutorial could be improved for better clarity on mechanics and card interactions.
- gameplay261 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Alina of the Arena" is characterized by engaging mechanics that blend deck-building with tactical positioning, offering a unique experience reminiscent of popular titles like "Slay the Spire" and "Into the Breach." While the core gameplay loop is addictive and rewarding, players note a steep learning curve and some mechanical complexity that can be overwhelming for newcomers. Despite some criticisms regarding content depth and balance, the game is praised for its innovative mechanics and replayability, making it a solid entry in the roguelike deckbuilder genre.
“The core gameplay is great, but the game lacks content and balancing.”
“Gameplay is really smooth and well balanced, and the majority of the cards and items have interesting effects so the decision making is interesting.”
“The positioning and movement mechanics add a unique bit of depth to the gameplay.”
“The game mechanics are solid, but the lack of unlockables and variety killed the game for me after the first two victories.”
“Some mechanics are a bit strange at first, but it becomes quite easy to learn as you play.”
“The game is simultaneously approachable, but mechanically incredibly complex; I died during round 3 of my first run, but made it to the last boss before getting stomped out during my second.”
- replayability56 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is generally viewed as solid, with many players appreciating the variety of builds, classes, and strategies available, which encourages experimentation. However, some reviewers note that the replay value diminishes after several runs due to limited content and minimal differences between character abilities. Overall, while it offers enjoyable replayability for a time, it may not reach the levels of other roguelikes, leading to mixed opinions on its long-term engagement.
“There are tons of ways to build your deck, and experimenting with different strategies adds a lot of replayability.”
“Thanks to the roguelike elements and multiple deck-building options, there’s plenty of replay value.”
“The different character classes give the game a good amount of replayability.”
“Overall, very nice experience, even though I feel there is a little less replayability here than other deckbuilders, because there is a single character and card pool, even with several classes.”
“Although there are several characters (and you do unlock one when you complete the first run, a particularly useless one), their differences are minimal so they don't offer much replay value to me.”
“It's replayability is cut short with the lack of cards, weapons, and diversity between the classes.”
- music54 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many reviewers highlighting its epic and engaging nature, particularly during boss fights. While some noted a lack of variety in the soundtrack, the dynamic changes in intensity and atmosphere throughout gameplay have been praised, making it a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's appeal. Overall, the soundtrack is described as beautiful, inspiring, and a key element that keeps players coming back for more.
“Extremely satisfying roguelike with an extraordinarily good soundtrack.”
“The music is beautiful and the gameplay is simply fun.”
“I absolutely loved the music, especially the boss fights; they really give a great atmosphere and intensity!”
“You get nothing at the end of a failed run, combat can be extremely unbalanced, and I'm so sorry for the devs but the music is just not right.”
“The soundtrack lacks depth and fails to create a memorable experience, leaving much to be desired.”
“While the gameplay may be solid, the music does not enhance the experience and feels out of place.”
- graphics49 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a clean and polished art style, with satisfying animations and effects that enhance the combat experience. While some players appreciate the charming pixelated visuals and minimalist design, others find the art style less appealing. Overall, the graphics are generally well-received for their thematic fit and ability to elevate gameplay, despite some critiques regarding clarity and detail.
“The art style is beautiful, and the level and enemy design is interesting and engaging.”
“The graphics are great and game mechanics polish is right up there with Slay the Spire, Banners of Ruin, Guild of Dungeoneering, and Hand of Fate.”
“Art style is beautiful, visual and sound effects are spot on.”
“Art style sucks, but that is ok.”
“It kinda feels old school in a way, with its simple graphics.”
“Seeing the 'debuffs/dots' that are on enemies is hard sometimes, and the graphics could be more obvious/clear.”
- story28 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally viewed as minimal and lacking depth, with many players noting that it does not significantly enhance the overall experience. While some appreciate the gameplay mechanics, they feel the narrative is either poorly executed or entirely absent, leading to a sense of disconnection from the plot. Despite ongoing updates to the story, it remains a secondary aspect for most players, who primarily enjoy the combat and gameplay elements.
“Additionally, the story is being updated currently, so if that's what you're looking forward to, it is being finished soon.”
“Art style, story, and gameplay are fun and engaging.”
“Novel combat system among roguelike games, good background music, short on content, could add some story like NPC stories with connections depending on player choice.”
“The ending of the game is a textbook example of terrible writing and storytelling, but all in all the game's fun to play.”
“Last, but not least, we come to the story, which is entirely tossed off.”
“It is however a game with all gameplay and little story.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its gritty and immersive depiction of an underground gladiatorial arena, where players feel a strong connection to their characters amidst a bloodthirsty crowd. The soundtrack enhances the intensity of the experience, particularly during boss fights, contributing to a deep and engaging environment that keeps players coming back despite the challenging gameplay. Overall, the combination of compelling atmosphere and addictive combat mechanics creates a memorable experience.
“A great game with a deep atmosphere, where you really care about your character.”
“I absolutely loved the music, especially the boss fights; they really give a great atmosphere and intensity!”
“There is nearly no lore in this, and yet the gritty atmosphere of an underground arena in a terrible place where even a child has to fight for money and survival is really palpable.”
“Brutally vicious in difficulty and atmosphere, everyone you connect with your blade will resonate with the bloodthirsty crowd who will cheer or boo lustily depending on how exciting you are in your final hours in the arena.”
“Even if the gameplay may not be your forte, the soundtrack as well as the overall atmosphere the game provides might just make you come back for more.”
- humor7 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it hilarious and enjoyable, particularly through engaging mechanics like funny cards and crowd reactions. However, some players note that certain builds can be unfunny or imbalanced, detracting from the overall comedic experience. Overall, the game successfully incorporates humor into its core gameplay, making it a lighthearted experience.
“The core concepts are fleshed out and very funny to play around with.”
“Easy and funny game, I don't have anything more to say :D”
“So far this game is enjoyable, the crowd cheers when you land hits, and you can read funny comments from the crowd.”
“This is probably the most unfunny build I could find online and through playtesting myself.”
- stability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised for its solid and bug-free gameplay, with a slick user interface that enhances the experience. However, some users report occasional glitches and inconsistencies, particularly during challenging encounters, which can impact gameplay. Despite these issues, many players find the game enjoyable and manageable.
“The game loop is solid, bug-free, and a slick UI makes putting orders in easy and enjoyable.”
“Very consistent and bug-free gameplay.”
“I wish there was more consistency with some things; a few glitches here and there, and I wish there was more explanation on what certain things are and do.”
“Some glitches make the game hard to play.”
“I was definitely squashed by a boss that freezes things -- and eventually the entire arena -- and there are times where you get cornered, but I don't feel like movement is a serious problem.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the absence of grinding for character strength, which allows them to concentrate on mastering enemy patterns and improving gameplay skills. However, the tediousness of weapon swapping and inventory management can disrupt the flow of the game, especially for those focused on min-maxing their actions.
“The grind is rewarding, as it allows you to truly feel the progress you make with each level.”
“Grinding in this game is satisfying; it gives you a sense of achievement as you unlock new abilities.”
“I love how grinding feels purposeful, with each battle contributing to my character's growth.”
“Weapon swapping (extremely important) is very tedious and makes inventory management annoying.”
“If you're min-maxing every action, the item management gets tedious and greatly interrupts gameplay (swapping ranged weapons, swapping equipment slots to buff cards in hand).”
“Not having to worry about grinding for characters allows you to focus more on learning enemy patterns, cool combos, and overall just improving with the game.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the game lacks substantial narrative elements, resulting in minimal character development and leaving players craving deeper context and engagement with the characters.
“There’s little to no narrative driving the action, which could leave players wanting more context or character development.”
“The characters feel one-dimensional and lack meaningful growth throughout the game.”
“I was disappointed by the lack of backstory and depth in the character arcs.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players highlight that the integration of weapon abilities, both passive and active, significantly enhances the optimization of their builds, working effectively in conjunction with card mechanics.
“Weapon abilities (both passive and active) mix well with the cards, and are an important part of optimizing your build.”
“The game's optimization system allows for a seamless integration of various elements, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.”
“I love how the optimization mechanics encourage experimentation, making each build feel unique and tailored to my playstyle.”
“Weapons abilities (both passive and active) mix pretty well with the cards too, and are an important part of your build's optimization.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers express that emotional engagement in games cannot be forced or abruptly intensified; instead, it requires gradual development to resonate authentically with players.
“The game masterfully builds emotional connections, making you truly care about the characters and their journeys.”
“Every choice you make feels weighty, as the game immerses you in a world where emotions run deep and consequences are real.”
“The storytelling is so powerful that it left me in tears, showcasing the profound impact of the characters' struggles and triumphs.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is perceived negatively, with users feeling it primarily serves as a cash grab rather than offering genuine value or improvements. Many express skepticism about any potential future enhancements.
“I will change this if I ever return to this game and find it improved, which is unlikely seeing how all the games nowadays are mostly just cash grabs.”
