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Archtower

88%Game Brain Score
gameplay, replayability
story, graphics
88% User Score Based on 84 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows
Buy Nowfrom $11.99
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About

"Archtower is a roguelite ARPG centered around a mysterious, ever-present Tower. Players control a clan striving to reach the Tower's summit, with unique character generation, four basic classes, and unlockable perks. Meta-progression features include clan improvement, domain rebuilding, tower upgrades, faction reputation, and permadeath with some leniency."

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Archtower screenshot
Archtower screenshot
Archtower screenshot
Archtower screenshot
Archtower screenshot
Archtower screenshot
Archtower screenshot

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 84 reviews
gameplay6 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Engaging gameplay with a variety of classes and build customization options, making it fun to create new characters and experiment with different playstyles.
  • The game features fast and satisfying combat, well-designed levels, and a good balance of difficulty that keeps players engaged.
  • Active updates from the developer show a commitment to improving the game, and the presence of a demo allows players to try before they buy.
  • The permadeath mechanic combined with static dungeons can lead to repetitive gameplay, forcing players to replay the same levels and grind for experience.
  • Some technical issues, such as stuttering movement and GUI problems, detract from the overall experience and can make navigation cumbersome.
  • The game currently lacks depth in character progression due to a forced level cap, limiting the number of skill upgrades and making builds feel incomplete.
  • gameplay
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by a solid concept and a roguelite format that appeals to fans of fast-paced dungeon crawlers, featuring a mix of attack and defense mechanics. However, players note that the gameplay loop can feel limited and slow to develop, particularly in the early stages, and the overall execution suffers from mediocre graphics and performance issues. The inclusion of permadeath balanced by a survival mechanic adds depth, but some players found it challenging to fully engage with the experience.

    • “Permadeath is balanced with a survival mechanic and dropped loot at death that can be retrieved.”
    • “For fans of fast-paced, action-driven dungeon crawlers with simple yet hardcore gameplay and a roguelite format.”
    • “Numerous attack and defense mechanics afford characters the ability to dodge and block attacks, and use ranged or melee attacks or cast abilities to strike at enemies.”
    • “Game created with GameMaker Studio, so expect very limited gameplay, mediocre graphics, and subpar performance.”
    • “Gameplay emergence is very slow in the first half of the tower.”
    • “The gameplay loop consists of repetitive tasks that quickly become tedious.”
  • story
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is centered around a simple dungeon crawler format, featuring a main tower with multiple levels and standalone areas unlocked through quests. Players can engage with various NPCs for quests, upgrades, and character hiring, enhancing the gameplay experience with a diverse range of classes and challenges. While the narrative picks up momentum later in the game, players express a desire for more dungeons and side quests to further enrich the story and gameplay.

    • “It's a simple dungeon crawler with quests and a base which you upgrade. You also get a roster of different characters to play, which you hire from the tavern once you unlock it.”
    • “The variety of classes is really cool. I cannot wait to see more in the future; there are plenty of quests for you to work out, ranging from puzzle quests to slay quests.”
    • “It only really gets into gear later on when NPC quest givers appear, standalone areas become active, and enemy encounters become stronger in nature.”
    • “It's a simple dungeon crawler with quests and a base which you upgrade; you also get a roster of different characters to play, which you hire from the tavern once you unlock it.”
    • “I would also propose more dungeons (not only the main one with its stages) not only for diversity but optional levels, side quests, and items or artifacts that could make the game even harder.”
  • graphics
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's graphics, created with GameMaker Studio, feature pixel art that may not appeal to everyone but ultimately suits the gameplay style. While the option to switch between first and third person is appreciated, the engine's limitations can lead to performance issues and visual inconsistencies at certain points in the game. Overall, the graphics are considered mediocre, with some players finding them an acquired taste.

    • “It uses pixel graphics and can be played in 1st or 3rd person.”
    • “Game created with GameMaker Studio, so expect very limited gameplay, mediocre graphics, and subpar performance.”
    • “The pixel graphics are an acquired taste, and while the choice of 3rd/1st person is cool, the engine shows its limitations when the character is positioned at certain points on the map.”
    • “I was put off by the art style at first, because it's a third/first person camera action game, but it actually works out pretty well.”
  • grinding
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat excessive, expressing hope that developers will reduce it, especially since the game is still in early access. Despite this, many enjoy the gameplay and are motivated to level up their classes.

    • “Maybe the devs will change it to be less grindy since it's still an EA title.”
    • “What's there is fun so far, though, and I'm still thinking about maybe leveling up/grinding out level 10 for each class.”
  • optimization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is criticized for its limited gameplay and mediocre graphics, typical of titles developed with GameMaker Studio. Players report performance issues, including noticeable stuttering during character movement, particularly around level 5.

    • “Game created with GameMaker Studio, so expect very limited gameplay, mediocre graphics, and subpar performance.”
    • “[b]▼ Stuttering:[/b] Movement of the character begins to stutter around level 5 of the tower in some places.”
    • “[b]▼ Stuttering:[/b] Movement of the character begins to stutter around level 5 of the tower in some places.”
  • replayability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players generally find the game to have good replayability, though many express a desire for a reset button to enhance the experience further.

    • “Good replayability, just need a reset button.”
  • emotional
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players appreciate the emotional engagement provided by the upgrade system in the game, particularly through the forge, which adds depth and a sense of purpose to their in-game spending. This clever mechanic enhances the overall experience, making players feel more invested in their progress.

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