Arhaekon
- June 4, 2024
- Predict Edumedia
"Arhaekon" is a single-player, challenging roguelike RPG with good mechanics and a dense atmosphere. Experience turn-based combat in procedural dungeons across 14 themed regions. Command 12 diverse units, each with unique abilities and progressions. Every choice matters in this grimdark world, with permadeath, varied loot, and punishing decisions. Prepare to prevent humanity's extinction as you confront empowered enemies and your predestined arch-nemesis.
Reviews
- The game features a dark and immersive atmosphere, complemented by charming pixel art and an atmospheric soundtrack.
- Arhaekon offers deep tactical gameplay with turn-based combat that requires strategic planning, making encounters feel rewarding.
- The character customization system is robust, allowing players to create unique characters and explore various skills and classes.
- The game suffers from imbalanced gameplay, particularly in combat, where players often feel outnumbered and outmatched with limited healing options.
- There is a lack of background story and context, leaving players confused about their objectives and the game universe.
- The user interface can be unstructured and difficult to navigate, with small buttons and text that are hard to see, impacting the overall experience.
- gameplay22 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Arhaekon presents a mix of strengths and weaknesses; while it features deep tactical turn-based combat and engaging character customization within a dark fantasy setting, players note imbalances and a steep learning curve due to insufficient onboarding. The movement mechanics are generally solid, but the lack of advanced tactical options and a comprehensive introduction detracts from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the game offers a rich and strategic experience that can be rewarding for dedicated players.
“With its challenging gameplay, deep character customization, and dark fantasy setting, Arhaekon is a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.”
“The battles are engaging with solid mechanics, and the animations are top-notch with brilliant effects that really catch the eye.”
“Arhaekon promises a rich and engaging experience for fans of tactical RPGs and dungeon crawlers, blending deep strategic gameplay with a compelling dark fantasy narrative.”
“I would expect a firm game structure and design, informed by a development process that’s been thought through and somewhat tested; I would also expect more content (at least a chapter or two, worth a few hours of gameplay, to enable reviewers to get a clear sense of the game), and a basic introduction to the game universe.”
“There is no realistic line of sight mechanics, use of cover, pause/delay turn, etc. In other words, very limited tactical options are available.”
“The game gives a mediocre introduction to the mechanics that depend more on your ability from similar games to know how to play.”
- story11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's story is set in a dark fantasy world with a compelling plot and intriguing lore, appealing to strategy enthusiasts. However, players criticize the lack of background information and the absence of save points, which detracts from the overall experience. While the narrative has potential, the storytelling method is seen as inadequate, and the addition of voice acting could enhance immersion.
“Arhaekon is a game with a fascinating plot, quests, and an amazing fantasy world.”
“The little bits of lore are intriguing and well-written, and the game’s concept seems to take you on quite a story.”
“Apart from the lack of background to the story, purpose, and objective, currently there is nothing in the game that would bind or attract a player to keep it (and not get a refund).”
“The game's story is set in a dark fantasy world where the forces of good and evil are locked in an eternal struggle.”
“Bad method for storytelling.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are widely praised for their stunning visuals and atmospheric design, achieving a high-quality aesthetic that enhances the tactical gameplay. While the visuals are consistent and appealing across various environments, some players noted the need for improvements in lighting and shadow effects. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's immersive experience.
“The game's visuals are stunning, and it nails it with its dark, atmospheric world.”
“This game is fascinating due to its beautiful graphics and tactical turn-based combat gameplay that makes you think strategically.”
“As for visuals and graphics, they cover my taste and are consistent across various backgrounds and dungeons.”
“Visuals are at AA/AAA level, leaving other areas behind.”
“The graphics are well done, though some improvements are needed in terms of lighting and shadows.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- -14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its eerie and dark qualities, effectively complementing its unique design and mechanics. The charming pixel art and fitting soundtrack further enhance the immersive experience, creating a stunning and mysterious world that captivates players. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's potential.
“The pixel art is charming, and the soundtrack is atmospheric and fitting.”
“The game's visuals are stunning, and the game nails it with its dark, atmospheric world.”
“Nice atmosphere and dark vibe.”
“The dark and mysterious atmosphere fails to engage the player.”
“The atmosphere and lead character are suitably eerie but lack depth.”
“The game’s atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, missing the mark on immersion.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric quality and fitting integration with the gameplay, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Reviewers appreciate the soundtrack's ability to complement the game's dark themes and engaging lore, contributing to a captivating ambiance. Overall, the music and sound design are considered well-executed and appropriate for the game's setting.
“The pixel art is charming, and the soundtrack is atmospheric and fitting.”
“I enjoy the novelty of the game with its top-tier music and immersive sounds, intriguing lore, and missions that keep you hooked.”
“The sounds and music are what they need to be, and they flow well with what you are doing in the game.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's stability is marked by some non-game-breaking glitches and a lack of technical polish, reflecting its status as an early access title. While these issues are noticeable, they do not significantly detract from the overall gameplay experience.
“The game is still in early access, and it shows in the gameplay with some non-game-breaking glitches that persist.”
“There are numerous bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience.”
“The technical polish is lacking, leading to a less stable gaming experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users suggest that while the game offers some replayability, there are other turn-based combat games currently in early access that provide a more engaging experience, such as Cyberknights by the Trese Brothers.
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the character development in the game, highlighting the excellent gameplay and the abundance of tasks and puzzles that enhance the growth and progression of their characters.
“Excellent gameplay, lots of tasks and puzzles, and numerous opportunities for character development.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the management systems for units and resources lack effective optimization, suggesting that improvements could enhance overall gameplay efficiency and user experience.
“The management systems for your units and resources feel like they could be optimized better.”
“The game's optimization allows for smooth gameplay even in complex scenarios.”
“I appreciate how the developers continuously work on optimizing performance and user experience.”
“The management for your units and resources feels like it could be optimized better.”
“The game's performance is inconsistent, making it frustrating to play.”
“There are too many unnecessary steps in the resource management process, which could be streamlined.”