Archtower
- September 30, 2022
- Blaster Games Studio
Get on Steam"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."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- 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 a solid loot system and interesting mechanics, such as permadeath balanced with opportunities to recover gear, enhancing the overall experience.
- Active developer support and frequent updates show a commitment to improving the game, which has potential for growth as it moves towards its full release.
- The game can become repetitive due to static dungeon layouts and the need to replay the same floors, which may lead to a grindy experience.
- Some technical issues, such as stuttering movement and GUI problems, detract from the overall enjoyment and can make navigation cumbersome.
- Character progression feels limited by a forced level cap, which restricts the number of skill upgrades available and can lead to a less satisfying experience.
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a solid concept and a roguelite format that appeals to fans of fast-paced dungeon crawlers, featuring a balance of permadeath and survival mechanics. However, players note limitations due to the game's development in GameMaker Studio, resulting in mediocre graphics and performance, as well as a slow emergence of gameplay elements in the early stages. Combat mechanics are diverse, allowing for various attack and defense strategies, but overall, the experience may not meet the expectations of all players.
“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.”
“The gameplay loop consists of repetitive tasks that quickly become tedious.”
“The game was 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.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is centered around a dungeon crawler format, featuring a main tower with multiple levels and additional standalone areas unlocked through quests. Players engage with various NPC quest givers and can upgrade their characters and base, while a diverse roster of classes adds depth to the gameplay. Overall, the narrative unfolds gradually, with more engaging content and challenges becoming available as players progress.
“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'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.”
“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.”
“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.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
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 a nice touch, the limitations of the engine can lead to performance issues and awkward character positioning at times. Overall, the graphics are considered mediocre, with a distinct art style that some players may need time to appreciate.
“It uses pixel graphics and can be played in 1st or 3rd person.”
“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.”
“The game was 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 third/first 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.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat excessive, but they remain hopeful that developers will reduce it in future updates, given that it is still in early access. Despite the grind, 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 early access title.”
“What's there is fun so far, though I'm still considering grinding to level 10 for each class.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is criticized for its limited gameplay and mediocre graphics, typical of titles made with GameMaker Studio. Players report performance issues, including noticeable stuttering during character movement, particularly around level 5.
“The game was created with GameMaker Studio, so expect very limited gameplay, mediocre graphics, and subpar performance.”
“Stuttering: The movement of the character begins to stutter around level 5 of the tower in some places.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's good replayability but express a desire for a reset button to enhance the experience further.
“The game offers excellent replayability, with multiple paths and choices that keep each playthrough fresh.”
“I love how every run feels different due to the random events and character options available.”
“The variety of challenges and unlockable content makes me want to dive back in for another round.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the emotional engagement provided by the upgrade system in the game, particularly how it adds depth and purpose to their in-game spending, enhancing their overall experience and investment in the game's world.
