BEAST: False Prophet
- October 25, 2023
- False Prophet
- 10h median play time
"BEAST: False Prophet" is a turn-based tactical RPG in Early Access, where you play as a veteran returning from Ottoman slavery to a Carpathian homeland ruled by a mad prophet-king. The game features brutal combat and morally ambiguous choices, with a gridless battlefield and a warband of loyal comrades to command. The developers are open to player feedback to improve the game.
Reviews
- The game has a unique dark fantasy setting that immerses players in a gothic atmosphere, enhanced by a compelling soundtrack.
- The combat system, particularly the 'Beast mode', adds depth and strategic elements to gameplay, making each decision impactful.
- Despite being in early access, the game shows great potential with engaging storylines and a passionate development team actively seeking player feedback.
- The game suffers from numerous technical issues, including clunky controls, slow combat, and a confusing user interface that detracts from the overall experience.
- There has been a lack of updates and communication from the developers, leading to concerns about the game's future and its current unfinished state.
- Many players find the gameplay repetitive and the enemy variety lacking, which diminishes the tactical elements that the game aims to provide.
- story49 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as compelling and dark, with a Slavic influence that enhances its atmosphere. While many players appreciate the intriguing premise and engaging cutscenes, some note inconsistencies and a linear narrative structure that can feel disjointed. Overall, the storytelling shows potential, but it requires further development to fully realize its impact and coherence.
“It's a really nice game; you can tell it's an indie team behind it because it's a bit rough around the edges, but it was a labor of love. The story is very compelling and dark, and the battles are interesting. I greatly recommend it.”
“Dark and gritty fantasy with a grim anti-hero as a protagonist and beautiful cutscenes to present the plot - these are its huge advantages.”
“The atmosphere is really evocative, and I am loving some of the detail in the artwork. I am also looking forward to where they will take the story.”
“It is a little repetitive, a little inconsistent from the story point of view (but the devs already know that), it's unpolished, but that is to be expected from an early access game.”
“The gameplay and cutscenes/story felt completely disjointed.”
“And it gets more linear as you play: however the delivery of the storytelling, in my opinion, needs some work on making sure to give a little bit more context between one scene and the other.”
- gameplay30 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with some players enjoying the tactical elements and unique mechanics like "beast mode," while others criticize the clunky controls, disjointed cutscenes, and lack of immersion. Many note that the gameplay loop can feel repetitive and slow, with limited tactical depth due to resource management issues. Overall, while there are enjoyable aspects and potential for improvement, many players feel the gameplay still requires significant refinement.
“The core gameplay is solid, stable, and incredibly enjoyable.”
“The beast mechanics don't just add depth to the gameplay; they weave into the story itself.”
“Enjoyable gameplay, especially for being in such early stages.”
“I adore turn-based games; black metal has been my blood for some twenty plus years now; and the cutscenes (mood, cinematography, voice-over) here are something incredibly special, beautifully capturing the intended spirit of the title; but the gameplay is clunky at its absolute best.”
“Though the levels and overall gameplay are entirely unenjoyable due to a few factors that are mostly gamified mechanics that are not immersive.”
“The gameplay loop that I saw was cutscene -> combat -> cutscene -> repeat, without any sensible transition in between.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning aesthetics and evocative atmosphere, with many players highlighting the unique art style and detailed artwork, particularly in cutscenes. While the visuals are impressive and contribute to an immersive experience, some users note that certain gameplay segments may appear slightly dated compared to the high-quality cutscenes. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a standout feature that enhances its original story and intense combat.
“This is a game I love for its aesthetics even more than anything else: hardcore Carpathian mayhem in a snowy steppe wielding a gun axe... it's utterly unique!”
“Graphics in the cutscenes are stunning, the atmosphere is entrancing.”
“The atmosphere is really evocative and I am loving some of the detail in the artwork (the sinister triptych was very striking and used very well in the cinematic). I am also looking forward to where they will take the story.”
“Given the scope, budget, and price tag of it, I recommend following this game because it stands out, and it's apparent that the developers are really trying to express a vision. They are passionate about this style of game and the aesthetic nuances.”
“I love the setting and the art style, but I have to echo what other players are saying about the combat.”
- music12 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the metal soundtrack, particularly the use of Batushka's music, which fits the game's dark theme well. However, some users have noted issues with audio mixing and described the standard background tracks as lackluster, suggesting that they may be placeholders as the developers work on a more fitting soundtrack. Overall, while the potential for a strong musical experience exists, current execution leaves room for improvement.
“I do not like turn-based combat, but this game was appealing due to the setting and the music.”
“If you're a metalhead like me, you'll enjoy the music.”
“I really like the theme of the game; the use of Batushka's music in the trailer fits it perfectly.”
“The music and audio are strangely mixed; sometimes voices and music get louder from one scene to another, and the standard background music tracks are a little bit lackluster. I've seen they are working on a soundtrack that is definitely more in line with the trailer and setting, so some of these could just be placeholders or unfinished tracks.”
“The music and audio are strangely mixed; sometimes voices and music get louder from one scene to another, and the standard background music tracks are a little bit lackluster. I've seen they are working on a soundtrack that is definitely more in line with the trailer and setting, so some of these could just be placeholders or unfinished tracks.”
“The music and audio are strangely mixed; sometimes voices and music get louder from one scene to another, and the standard background music tracks are a little bit lackluster. I've seen they are working on a soundtrack that is definitely more in line with the trailer and setting, so some of these could just be placeholders or unfinished tracks.”
- atmosphere11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark, evocative qualities and striking artwork, effectively immersing players in a grimdark, medieval setting. Reviewers highlight the stunning graphics and detailed environments that enhance the overall experience, creating a captivating backdrop that draws players into the story. Many express excitement for the game's potential as it continues to develop, particularly in terms of optimizing the atmospheric elements.
“The atmosphere is really evocative, and I am loving some of the detail in the artwork; the sinister triptych was very striking and used very well in the cinematic. I am also looking forward to where they will take the story.”
“I'm also enjoying the game's dark atmosphere and sinister backdrop.”
“Right off the bat, the atmosphere in this game is engulfing.”
“They help to set a dark and brutal atmosphere.”
“Right off the bat, the atmosphere in the game is engulfing.”
“Completely understand that this game is still in early access, so here's hoping the game will eventually be fleshed out and optimized for PC/Steam Deck in the near future because I for sure love the environment, atmosphere, and the dark theme in this SRPG!”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game shows typical early access issues, including bugs and placeholders, but generally performs fluidly without major hiccups. However, players have reported stuttering on the Steam Deck during cutscenes and difficulties with small text readability, indicating a need for further optimization as development continues.
“The game is quite fluid in terms of performance and runs without particular hiccups.”
“I completely understand that this game is still in early access, so here's hoping it will eventually be optimized for PC/Steam Deck in the near future, because I really love the environment, atmosphere, and the dark theme in this SRPG!”
“Standard early access title stuff (bugs, optimizations, placeholders)”
“Tried this on the Steam Deck; the game suffers from stuttering during cutscenes and gameplay is janky. Text is also a bit challenging to read due to the small font size.”
“Completely understand that this game is still in early access, so here's hoping the game will eventually be fleshed out and optimized for PC/Steam Deck in the near future because I really love the environment, atmosphere, and the dark theme in this SRPG!”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the potential for increased replayability, particularly with the anticipation of upcoming patches and new features. The game's dark settings and the choice between different playstyles—whether to be benevolent or aggressive—also contribute to its replay value, making it enjoyable to revisit and explore various options.
“I am always enticed by dark settings and the ability to choose whether to play nicely or go into full beast mode - this adds to the game's replayability, and it's definitely fun to return and explore my options.”
“Definitely a needed feature to improve the replayability of the game.”
“I look forward to replaying the game after the upcoming patches and following the development, hoping that new features will be implemented to enhance replayability.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is appreciated by some players, with funny moments enhancing their experience, although technical issues have led to dissatisfaction and refunds.
“The humor in this game is top-notch, making even the most intense moments feel light-hearted and fun.”
“I love how the game incorporates humor into its dialogue; it keeps the experience entertaining and engaging.”
“The witty banter between characters had me laughing out loud, adding a delightful layer to the gameplay.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report that the game exhibits noticeable bugs, which has led some players to seek refunds despite enjoying certain aspects of the gameplay.
“I like the game, but at the moment it feels somewhat buggy. The only reason I requested a refund is not just because of the funny moments I had during the fight encounters.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to enjoy the experience.”
“I encountered several glitches that disrupted my gameplay, which was really disappointing.”