Boons & Burdens

78%
Game Brain Score Based on 108 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Boons & Burdens Game Cover
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"Boons & Burdens" is a single-player action-roguelike game set in a hellish dimension, where you battle demons and collect magical gems to purchase powerful abilities. Each level introduces a new challenge in the form of a "burden," increasing the difficulty and requiring strategic choices. With multiple character classes, rings, talents, and super spells to unlock, the game offers depth and replayability in its pixelated, action-packed scenes.

  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

78%
Audience ScoreBased on 108 reviews
gameplay8 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique combination of mechanics that straddles the line between survivor-likes and traditional twin-stick shooters, offering a satisfying gameplay experience.
  • Gorgeous pixel art and engaging music enhance the overall atmosphere, making it visually appealing and enjoyable to play.
  • The developer is actively engaged with the community, regularly implementing feedback and updates, which bodes well for future content and improvements.
  • Currently, the game suffers from a lack of content and progression feels slow, with minimal upgrades available between rounds.
  • Balancing issues exist, particularly with class abilities and enemy placements, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • The game can be overly complex and text-heavy, making it difficult for new players to understand mechanics and objectives quickly.
  • gameplay42 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized as a fast-paced twin-stick shooter with distinct classes and mechanics, offering a mix of auto-fire and auto-aim options. However, players have noted issues with balance, lack of engaging content, and technical problems like stuttering and FPS drops, which detract from the overall experience. While the graphics and some mechanics are praised, many find the gameplay itself to be underwhelming and lacking in feedback.

    • “This is a twin-stick shooter featuring short, fast-paced gameplay sessions.”
    • “Overall, this game is a great choice when you're looking for some fast-paced gameplay in a short amount of time.”
    • “It's cheap, the gameplay is smooth and lets you compound both wealth and power in satisfying and interesting ways.”
    • “Balance between the classes and trees, and in the gameplay in general, is all over the place.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, the gameplay sucks.”
    • “The game doesn't feel like it gives much feedback during gameplay.”
  • graphics14 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beauty and high quality, featuring a well-executed retro aesthetic and a visually appealing user interface. Many reviewers highlight the stunning art style and the effective use of pixel graphics, although some note that the overall gameplay experience may not match the visual appeal.

    • “The graphics are beautiful, including the game elements and the interface, particularly the many icons.”
    • “Graphics and UI are top notch.”
    • “[b]Well-executed retro vibe:[/b] Although I'm not usually a fan of retro aesthetics, this game pulls it off nicely.”
  • music4 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its nostalgic 16-bit vibes, complementing the beautiful pixel art and unique gameplay mechanics. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “Unique combination of mechanics, beautiful pixel art, and a banging soundtrack.”
    • “Love the 16-bit vibes and the music.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game somewhat frustrating, particularly when faced with grindy achievements after completing skill-based challenges. However, they suggest that experimenting with different strategies can alleviate some of the irritation associated with repetitive tasks.

    • “A little irritating when there are still grindy achievements left to do once you've completed all the skill-challenge-based achievements, but that's a small offense.”
    • “So if you start to get frustrated with your circle strafe farming, maybe think about what's not working and try mixing things up.”
  • story4 mentions

    The story aspect of the game is criticized for its lack of uniqueness and depth, as it relies heavily on a generic elemental-based class system that prioritizes gameplay over narrative. While the mission-based level system is appreciated, the overall storytelling feels bland and uninspired, reflecting the limitations typical of the genre and price point.

  • optimization4 mentions

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some users appreciate the nice sprites and generally good performance, many report significant issues with stuttering and FPS drops that detract from the overall experience, even on capable hardware.

    • “Nice sprites, generally good performance, good variety of positive and negative choices to make during gameplay.”
    • “The stuttering and FPS drops during gameplay are truly game-breaking, especially considering my PC can handle the game.”
    • “The stuttering and FPS drops during gameplay are truly game-breaking, especially considering my PC can handle the game.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its captivating pixel art, which effectively enhances the overall experience. Additionally, the writing and ambiance complement the visuals, creating an engaging and immersive setting for players.

    • “The wonderful pixel art really sells the atmosphere, and the writing and ambiance of the setting fit well to create an engaging experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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