Blocks: Richard III
- October 9, 2019
- Avalon Digital
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"Blocks: Richard III" is a two-player wargame set in 15th century England, where players control the Lancaster or York dynasty in their struggle for the throne. The objective is to eliminate the enemy heirs or gain control of powerful nobles. The game features historical figures such as Richard III, Warwick, and Henry VII, and allows for 1-player-vs-AI and local-2-player gameplay. Will Richard III emerge victorious or meet his historical end in battle?
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game is a faithful adaptation of the original board game, capturing its strategic depth and mechanics well.
- It is easy to learn and offers enjoyable gameplay, making it accessible for both new and experienced players.
- The graphics and interface are generally well-received, providing a visually appealing experience that enhances the gameplay.
- The AI is poorly designed, often failing to provide a challenging experience, which diminishes replayability.
- There are numerous bugs and technical issues, including game-breaking glitches and a lack of proper integration of rules, making the game feel unfinished.
- The tutorial is inadequate, relying on an external PDF that is difficult to navigate, leaving new players struggling to understand the game mechanics.
- graphics15 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the attractive and smooth visuals that complement the gameplay, while others find them simplistic and lacking sharpness compared to other titles. Although the graphics are generally described as nice and easy on the eyes, there are criticisms regarding the awkward zoom angles and a few cheesy elements, such as the graphical dice roll. Overall, the visuals are deemed adequate for the game's tabletop roots, but they may not stand out in a competitive gaming landscape.
“The graphics are nice--and I love the way that combat is portrayed.”
“Still, it's a good game, good graphics, perfect music, and the feeling playing it is quite similar to that when playing the board game version.”
“The engine is very smooth with excellent graphics.”
“The computer version is a little too simplistic in terms of graphics and gameplay to compete with other computer games.”
“While I appreciate the developers trying to be faithful to the tabletop experience, the graphical dice roll was cheesy.”
“Graphics are not sharp and the zoom is at an awkward angle.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for lacking clear explanations of key mechanics such as charge, treachery, and movement, which can lead to confusion during battles. However, some players appreciate the unique and thoughtful mechanics, particularly enjoying the block mechanics, and express interest in exploring the tabletop version for a more traditional experience.
“I liked the mechanics of the blocks (my first block game) and I'm more inclined to purchase the tabletop version because I know it would be a different (traditional) type of experience.”
“A game of thoughtful and interesting mechanics covering a topic rarely touched by video games.”
“It doesn't explain the charge and treachery mechanic, detailed movement mechanics, or provide a full succinct explanation of battles.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for enhancing the thematic experience, effectively setting the tone for gameplay and evoking the feel of the tabletop version. Reviewers note that the combination of nice graphics and perfect music contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of the game.
“Still, it's a good game, good graphics, perfect music, and the feeling playing it is quite similar to that when playing the board game version.”
“The music is what makes it really ooze theme (compared to playing the tabletop version).”
“The intro music gets you ready for the big war.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The multiplayer experience is reported to be quite buggy, with users expressing frustration over the lack of improvements and visibility regarding issues, particularly with the AI performance. Overall, the game's stability is seen as a significant drawback.
“Finally, multiplayer is very buggy.”
“Other than SGS (and possibly the carrier game, which I do not own), their games have been released buggy, with little visibility and a failure to improve at all on the AI, which is atrocious.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by minimal sound effects and less-than-stunning graphics, which some players feel could be improved for a more immersive experience. However, the overall vibe is described as peaceful, aligning with the unique gameplay.
“The gameplay is quite different here, but the atmosphere is the same: 'peace!'”
“The atmosphere feels lifeless and uninspired, making it hard to get immersed in the game.”
“Despite the interesting premise, the atmosphere is dull and fails to evoke any real emotion.”
“The game lacks a cohesive atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected from the world.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the replayability of the game, noting that the distinct playstyles of the two factions, along with the variety introduced by the cards, encourage multiple playthroughs and keep the experience fresh.
“The two factions play differently, given their starting assets, and the cards add variety and replayability.”
“Each playthrough feels unique due to the diverse strategies and choices available.”
“The random events and character interactions ensure that no two games are ever the same.”
