Battle for Esturia
- March 19, 2021
- Esturia Games
- 11h median play time
Get on Steam"Battle for Esturia" is a turn-based strategy RPG that lets you explore a vast open world and recruit a party of up to six companions, each with unique abilities. Battle enemies in tactical grid-based combat, and make important decisions that will impact the challenges you face and the destiny of your people. With over 30 unique skills to learn and many side quests to discover, the game offers a rich and immersive experience.
Reviews
- Charming retro-inspired graphics and engaging tactical combat that evokes classic RPGs like Ultima.
- Variety of character classes and skills, allowing for different playstyles and strategies, with a good balance of challenge.
- Short and focused gameplay (around 6-10 hours) that keeps the pacing high and avoids unnecessary grind.
- Limited to a single save file per run, making it difficult to experiment with different choices without starting over.
- The ending feels abrupt and lacks a satisfying conclusion, such as a victory cutscene.
- Some quests are poorly structured or feel incomplete, and the interface could use improvements for better usability.
- story21 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story is generally considered straightforward and standard, revolving around a classic "defeat the big baddie" narrative, but it is well-executed with engaging dialogue that enhances the experience. While the main quest may feel linear and typical, the game offers a variety of side quests and branching choices that add depth and replay value. Overall, the writing is praised for its charm, though some players note that the story could be seen as the weakest aspect of the game.
“Short and well-focused game with a decent story, good writing, varied challenges, and a charming look.”
“The story is fun, with a few plot choices that have some impact on the course of events as you go.”
“The main story is not anything new, but what makes the story shine is the dialog.”
“Some quests feel a bit loose and lack depth.”
“The story is probably the weakest area, but it works well enough.”
“My main critique would be that the quests have been rather linear and typical, nothing too fancy or surprising.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its catchy and soothing qualities that enhance the immersive atmosphere. While some users wish for a bit more variety, the soundtrack effectively complements the gameplay experience. Overall, it contributes positively to the game's ambiance and user engagement.
“The music creates an immersive atmosphere; it's also quite soothing.”
“That said, it runs well, has a cute little soundtrack, quests and stuff right out the gate, intuitive map/UI, and plenty that makes me curious despite my preferences.”
“The soundtrack is very catchy.”
“There is actual music and sounds, which feels modern.”
“While the game runs well and has a cute little soundtrack, it lacks depth in its musical variety.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their nostalgic, old-school aesthetic, appealing to fans of retro styles. While they may not suit everyone's taste, many players appreciate the charm and quality of the visuals, which contribute positively to the overall experience.
“The graphics and audio, while very old school, are nicely done for what they are.”
“Personally, I really love the aesthetic.”
“Of course this game is retro, so the graphics and controls won't work for everybody.”
“A game that sold itself to me on the graphics (and font, believe it or not) alone.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game offers moderate replayability primarily through the option to explore different classes and experience branching quest endings, though some players feel it leans towards a "one and done" experience due to its large party size. Overall, it is considered fun and short enough to encourage multiple playthroughs without losing interest.
“It's fun, replayable, and short enough to reasonably complete (several times, even) without losing interest.”
“There is some replayability through choosing a different class.”
“I'd say that the replay value is just to explore all the other classes, but to be honest with the large party size that fills various roles, it's more like a one and done (apart from a few quests with branching endings).”
“- Relatively short for the price, but there is some replayability through choosing a different class.”
“There's a lot of replayability value to it.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The gameplay offers 6-8 hours of solid tactical combat with well-balanced mechanics and classes, allowing for character leveling that enhances replayability. However, some players feel that the focus on back-and-forth combat limits the exploration of diverse mechanics.
“The combat mechanics and classes are very balanced and fair, making it possible to level up characters (stats and skills) so every playthrough will be kind of different.”
“It's just a bunch of back-and-forth dogpiling and removes the potential for so many mechanics.”
“6-8 hours of solid tactical gameplay.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to the cumbersome process of managing units each turn and the ineffective healing spell that becomes increasingly costly, making it challenging to utilize effectively in both combat and outside scenarios.
“The ability to 'end turn' without having to click on every unit one by one every turn would be great; many times I just want to position a few units and wait, but it's needlessly tedious.”
“Some general balance issues - the only healing spell you have heals for very little and the mana cost increases quickly, making it really tedious to use outside of combat, and not useful in combat either.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted for being both funny and charming, often presenting itself in unexpected ways that delight players.
“Funny and charming in unexpected ways.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players found the game emotionally engaging, as it instilled a sense of intelligence and accomplishment, contributing to a positive and uplifting experience.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is enhanced by immersive and soothing music, contributing to a calming and engaging experience for players.
“The music creates an immersive atmosphere; it's also quite soothing.”
“The game's environment is rich and detailed, making you feel truly part of the world.”
“The lighting and sound design work together to create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.”
