Bastard Bonds

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 675 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Bastard Bonds Game Cover
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"Bastard Bonds" is a tactical RPG set on the criminal-infested island of Lukatt. As an outcast, you must gather a band of misfits, make tough decisions, and navigate over 200 locations with high-end pixel art. The game offers in-depth character customization, including sprite mod support, and more than 1000 character sprites, providing over 40 hours of gameplay. Justice may have failed, but in this game, you have the chance to take control of your own destiny.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 675 reviews
gameplay68 positive mentions
grinding21 negative mentions
  • Impossibly beautiful game with stunning pixel art and a unique character creator.
  • Engaging and fun gameplay with a risk/reward combat system that keeps battles interesting.
  • Rich lore and character interactions that add depth to the story and world.
  • Combat can become repetitive and lacks depth as the game progresses.
  • Poorly explained mechanics and a lack of tutorials can lead to confusion for new players.
  • Pathfinding issues can cause party members to get stuck, leading to frustrating gameplay.
  • gameplay217 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is characterized by a mix of simplicity and depth, featuring a unique "risk" mechanic that adds strategic elements to combat. However, many players find the mechanics poorly explained, leading to a steep learning curve and initial confusion. While the gameplay can become repetitive over time, it remains engaging and addictive once players grasp the core systems, making it a worthwhile experience for those who enjoy tactical RPGs.

    • “The gameplay is simple fun to the point of being addicting; I like the design of the world and the creatures, the characters, and what writing there is.”
    • “An easily addictive gameplay loop, with a lot of flexibility in party loadouts and combat approaches.”
    • “The gameplay is deep and satisfying, as is the relatively extensive character customization, all wrapped up with an intricate story where your decisions do, in fact, matter.”
    • “Poor, lazy, terrible gameplay and I love XCOM, but something about this game is seriously broken.”
    • “Gameplay is repetitive and shallow, not to mention poorly balanced, plus the AI is pretty uncreative.”
    • “The gameplay just does not warrant this long of a game.”
  • story212 mentions

    The game's story is a rich tapestry of character-driven narratives set on a prison island, where players can customize their protagonist and experience varied interactions based on their choices. While the overarching plot is straightforward, it is enhanced by deep world-building, environmental storytelling, and the unique backstories of numerous companions, making for an engaging experience. However, some players noted that the story can feel sparse at times, requiring guides to fully appreciate all its nuances and character arcs.

    • “Just got both endings, almost all character quests and interactions, and damn... this was an amazing ride.”
    • “The story is a great mix of hilarity, seriousness, and engaging moments that kept me invested in it!”
    • “Unbelievable depth in characters, worldbuilding, lore, and story, with complicated interactions and moral implications; this game stunned me with its intricate depth and detail, all against a backdrop of incredibly gorgeous pixel art and digital portraits!”
    • “The story has a lot of potential, but it's not realized.”
    • “The lack of a more character-driven story (which I thought was one of the main features, or at least I felt like it was promoted as one).”
    • “The story is an odd mish-mash of different influences such as the Wizard of Oz (four misfits going on a grand adventure), assorted tactical RPGs, a prison colony nation (like Australia), Pokémon (recruiting enemies), demons, and a bit of Lovecraftian horror.”
  • graphics92 mentions

    The graphics of the game are predominantly pixelated, with many players appreciating the charming and detailed art style that evokes nostalgia for classic titles. While some reviews note the simplicity and lack of animation, others highlight the unique aesthetics and engaging environments that enhance immersion. Overall, the visuals are seen as a strong point, contributing to the game's atmosphere and appeal, despite some criticisms regarding clarity and complexity in certain scenes.

    • “The pixel art style is amazing, with great detail on everything and the layering capabilities when you make your own characters allow for extensive customization.”
    • “The artwork is richly colored pixel art, reminiscent of the 16-bit era, with hand-drawn backdrops that add flavor to the story and character cutscenes.”
    • “The graphics are low-key but the gameplay is both challenging and really well done, creating an engaging experience.”
    • “Fun game, annoyingly bad graphics make it hard to see things.”
    • “Graphics in the game are on the simple side, they are nicely drawn but lack true animation (animation in this game is static sprites given a wobble effect).”
    • “Very basic concept and disgusting graphics.”
  • music54 mentions

    The music in the game has received largely positive feedback, with many reviewers praising its emotional depth and fitting atmosphere that evokes nostalgia for classic RPGs. While some noted a repetitiveness in certain tracks, the overall soundtrack is described as enjoyable and well-composed, enhancing the gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the quality of the music, considering it one of the standout features of the game.

    • “The music is well done, the combat is fun and fast-paced for a turn-based RPG, and the gears/skills feel impactful.”
    • “The music is amazing and sets the right mood for the situations.”
    • “The soundtrack fits the game and is just... so good.”
    • “It's got 1 battle theme and maybe a handful of songs for what feels like a pretty long game honestly.”
    • “The music is solid, though some tracks are a little simplistic or grating after long hours of play.”
    • “The music is not very varied.”
  • grinding21 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding in the game to be a mixed experience; while some appreciate the balanced build-up and challenge it provides, many describe it as tedious and time-consuming, particularly due to repetitive combat and slow progression. The mechanics for recruiting and leveling can feel cumbersome, leading to frustration, especially when exploring the vast world. Despite these issues, some players still enjoy the game's creative elements and humor, suggesting that it may appeal to those who enjoy grinding in RPGs.

    • “After looking online for the full world map, I got discouraged from continuing. 208 locations and most are just slow, tedious combat; I will not do that.”
    • “The game took me 45 hours to complete, and as I like to explore the vast island, my character hits the level cap pretty soon at mid-game. Then the game becomes a little bit tedious afterward.”
    • “Finding out all those people I passed up on the way to the port needed to be recruited... tedious beyond words.”
  • replayability19 mentions

    Overall, the game boasts high replayability due to its diverse character interactions, alternate endings, and engaging gameplay mechanics that encourage multiple playthroughs. Players appreciate the depth of character customization and the variety of alliances, which enhance the experience with each run. However, some critiques mention repetitive elements that may detract from the replay value for certain players.

    • “What I got instead was a beautifully crafted story full of wit, interesting yet deceptively simple gameplay, and basically infinite replayability.”
    • “A rather simple game with a lot of replay value as well as character creation/customization.”
    • “The game is already repetitive enough (especially if you abuse the tank tactic - enemies only attack the closest character to them), and there's virtually no real replay value to the game at all, but this really just puts the icing on the cake.”
    • “The characters in the second half of the game are conversely the more interesting ones; if the dev tweaks that to make it a bit easier, I'd be grateful, and it'd certainly help replayability.”
    • “The writing's good, the character recruitment system is great, and there are enough hidden interactions to make it replayable on top of that.”
  • character development16 mentions

    Character development in the game is noted for its rich and detailed designs, which reflect the developer's unique artistic vision, particularly appealing to a niche audience. While the character designs are praised for their creativity and depth, many reviewers express a desire for more substantial character development throughout the gameplay, as the existing interactions feel limited and underexplored. Overall, the game offers a blend of customization and engaging visuals, but it leaves players wanting more in terms of narrative depth and character growth.

    • “Bastard Bonds hits all of the things I like in a game: there is an abundance of exploration, a few hidden (but not obtuse) secrets, relatively quick maps/zones, strategic combat that doesn't require me to think ahead 25 turns, flexibility in character development, simple mechanics with the old-school attitude that you have to figure things out for yourself rather than be given an explanation.”
    • “Excellent character development that is just deep enough, a fun combat system, emphasis on rare but valuable equipment, and a pretty cool town building element combine to make a great tactical RPG.”
    • “And your character development as well is interesting, being able to customize a lot and create different stories that will define your personality.”
    • “The explanation of how combat, strongholds, character development, and so on needs some more work.”
    • “One per character was really disappointing and considering you get the bond scenes quite quickly, there's not a lot of character development over the long length of the game.”
    • “Also, the character designs give off a feeling like they're realizing the developer's fetish - lots of extremely burly, strangely proportioned, nearly nude flirtatious bear-men made up my party and populated my stronghold.”
  • humor15 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending raunchy jokes with sympathetic character interactions and clever dialogue that balances serious storytelling with lighthearted moments. While the adult themes and pixel art nudity may not appeal to everyone, many players appreciate the game's ability to evoke laughter amidst its more serious elements. Overall, the humor is described as intentional and well-executed, contributing to a memorable gaming experience.

    • “The dialogue is funny and the characters are sympathetic and touching, more than you'd expect for an ostensibly lewd game like this.”
    • “Add on to that the orc nazar sweet romance, spicy hookups, and overall funny dialogue and the game really shines.”
    • “The game takes some wading and grinding through... however, it is still one of the most memorable tactics games I've ever played: creative creatures, occult and danger, interesting spells to juggle, a challenge but never punishing, and a healthy dash of humor and intrigue.”
  • atmosphere14 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive soundtrack, captivating art style, and engaging writing, which collectively enhance the experience of various locations. Players appreciate the ability to build and organize camps, adding depth to the atmosphere, while the overall tone is described as dark and fitting for the game's themes. The combination of atmospheric music and lore creates a compelling environment that resonates with fans of tactical RPGs and mature narratives.

    • “The atmosphere and art style rock.”
    • “Atmospheric, finely-crafted, always sets the tone well, and very fitting aesthetically.”
    • “So much testosterone in the atmosphere!”
    • “I feel the soundtrack really delivered on the atmosphere of the island as well as its various locations.”
    • “It really added to the atmosphere of the various locations.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    The game features surprisingly heartfelt and sympathetic characters, with humorous dialogue that adds to its emotional depth, despite its lewd premise. Players appreciate the wholesome narrative and the engaging, tactical gameplay, though some express a desire for more romantic subplot options. Overall, the combination of pleasant pixel graphics and fitting music enhances the emotional experience, making it a solid RPG with a sweet plot.

    • “The dialogue is funny and the characters are sympathetic and touching, more than you'd expect for an ostensibly lewd game like this.”
    • “Expected gay memefest, got a great fast-paced tactical RPG that's surprisingly wholesome.”
    • “Solid RPG with a Diablo-esque feel, great characters, and a sweet, heartfelt plot.”
  • stability4 mentions

    The stability of the game is inconsistent, with some players experiencing significant pathfinding issues and game-breaking glitches, particularly during combat, while others report a smooth experience without any bugs. Overall, the presence of glitches can detract from the gameplay for some users, despite the fun combat mechanics.

    • “Pathfinding is really buggy and glitchy for allies and enemies alike.”
    • “The gameplay and combat loop are pretty fun, but you'll occasionally run into game-breaking glitches. You'll eventually realize the hardest enemy in the game is not the wild dogs, or the bandits, or the tentacles, but the glitches themselves.”
    • “Then it glitches for stupid reasons; for instance, one of my party members died and I couldn't select an action.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game's optimization is highlighted by a party size limit of four, which leads to a focus on creating highly efficient characters. This design choice diminishes the incentive to expand beyond the optimal party size, as players may find it challenging to justify adding more members when their current team is already powerful.

    • “There is a kingdom-building component as well, but with a party size limit of 4, once you're rocking four unstoppably optimized killing machines, it's hard to see the incentive in expanding your numbers.”
    • “The game suffers from severe optimization issues, making it frustrating to manage resources effectively.”
    • “Despite the potential for strategic depth, the lack of optimization leads to repetitive gameplay and diminished player engagement.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

15hMedian play time
22hAverage play time
2-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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