Broken Armor
- July 31, 2016
- Jonathan Tindell
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"Broken Armor" is a strategic role-playing game set in a fantasy world. Assemble a team of heroes to defend your kingdom against dark forces, using tactical combat and character progression systems. Explore diverse environments, complete quests, and discover the rich story of this epic adventure.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Surprisingly good game for such a low price, very addictive and enjoyable.
- Classic arcade dungeon crawler with a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of old NES games.
- Offers a fun, short replayable experience with a good balance between challenge and reward.
- Controls can be frustrating and lack precision, making gameplay difficult at times.
- Repetitive gameplay with limited content, leading to a lack of long-term engagement.
- Some mechanics, like consumable weapons and lack of invincibility frames, can lead to frustrating experiences.
- gameplay44 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a nostalgic, retro feel reminiscent of classic NES games, featuring simple controls and tactical combat mechanics that add a strategic layer. While the mechanics and progression may feel formulaic and repetitive, the randomization of levels and bosses keeps the experience somewhat engaging. Overall, players appreciate the balance between challenge and reward, though some find the gameplay lacks depth and complexity, leading to a brief engagement.
“The atmosphere and gameplay are excellent, with a great balance between challenge and reward.”
“The game's tactical combat mechanics offer a strategic layer to the gameplay.”
“Absolutely amazing gameplay; the storyline was just so captivating as well as the detail to the graphics.”
“The gameplay mechanics and progression follow established formulas, which might leave players longing for more unique features.”
“It's an obvious retro-games tribute, and the gameplay is so basic that even an 8-bit NES console had much more complex games.”
“It feels repetitive, even though the biome changes after each boss, but the gameplay is too simple to get you hooked for more than 30 minutes.”
- music34 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the MIDI soundtrack repetitive and irritating, reminiscent of retro DOS games. While some appreciate its nostalgic charm and playful quality, likening it to the music of *Runescape*, others suggest it detracts from the overall experience, recommending players listen to their own music instead. Overall, the soundtrack seems to appeal primarily to fans of 8-bit and MIDI music, but it may not resonate well with everyone.
“Wow, the music is epic and yeah, it is a good game.”
“I can't dare to forget to mention the soundtrack with this game.”
“A fun little game for fans of the 8-bit era, but nothing special (except for the music, that is runescape worthy in my opinion).”
“Dear god, please get someone with even an inkling of compositional skills to write your music. Why can't I turn it off?”
“The background music is 30-60 second midis on loop, with a different one for each of the few areas in the game.”
“I suggest putting on music of your own before loading, as the midi music is repetitive and dreadful.”
- story24 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's story combines traditional RPG elements with a heartfelt narrative, offering a journey that balances classic fantasy tropes with modern storytelling. Character development and interactions enhance player investment, although the pacing can be uneven at times. With multiple endings and a captivating plot, the story is both engaging and reflective, echoing themes of perseverance and adventure.
“With its blend of traditional RPG elements, tactical combat, and a heartfelt narrative, the game offers a journey that balances classic fantasy tropes with modern storytelling.”
“The character development and interactions add depth to the story, providing a sense of investment in the outcome.”
“Absolutely amazing gameplay, the storyline was just so captivating as well as the detail to the graphics.”
“The game's pacing might feel uneven at times, with some sections of the story moving slowly while others speed up.”
“The story is simple enough to give you a goal, much like early video game titles that this hearkens back to.”
“Realistic representation of King Arthur's quest for the Holy Grail.”
- graphics24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a nostalgic retro pixel art style that appeals to fans of classic RPGs, though many players find them basic and lacking in quality. While some appreciate the charm and atmosphere created by the visuals, others criticize them as ugly and soulless, with no options for resolution or customization. Overall, the graphics evoke a mixed response, with a clear divide between those who embrace the retro aesthetic and those who find it unappealing.
“The art style evokes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic RPGs, contributing to the game's overall atmosphere.”
“Absolutely amazing gameplay, the storyline was just so captivating as well as the detail to the graphics.”
“Broken Armor, to put it simply, has become my life; I have spent every waking moment of my existence on planet Earth thinking about this beautiful artwork and complex storyline.”
“A choice was made to use obsolete, decades-old retro pixel 'art' as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“There's no options to change the resolution for the game or customize the graphics settings.”
“The visuals are ugly and soulless, the controls are awful, weapons are consumable so you often can't attack at all.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its nostalgic charm, reminiscent of classic RPGs, and effectively balances challenge and reward. While the music may not be particularly memorable, it complements the whimsical feel of the gameplay, creating an engaging experience that evokes feelings similar to Warcraft 1. Overall, the art style and ambiance contribute significantly to the game's immersive quality.
“Atmosphere-wise, it gave me a feeling of Warcraft 1 and arena in one (gameplay-wise it's quite different from those two though).”
“While none of the tracks are particularly memorable, they match the pace of the gameplay and have a whimsical feel that fits the game's atmosphere.”
“Atmosphere-wise, it kinda gave me a feeling of Warcraft 1 and arena in one (gameplay-wise it's quite different from those two though).”
“The art style evokes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic RPGs, contributing to the game's overall atmosphere.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game offers a fun but short replayable experience at an affordable price, though it lacks unique elements and charm compared to similar titles. While there is some replay value in pursuing high scores and defeating all boss fights, the repetitive nature may deter players from long-term engagement. Overall, it may not hold players' interest for extended periods.
“For its price, the game offers a fun, short replayable experience.”
“But you won't get any unique takes on the genre or notable replayability out of it.”
“Compared to Shotgun Legend, Broken Armor doesn't have the replayability, nor the charm to hold a player for long.”
“If you don't mind the repetitive nature of playing over again, there's some replay value in trying to get high scores or actually beat all the boss fights.”
- character development6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highlighted as a key element that enhances the narrative, allowing players to form a deeper connection with the story and its characters. The interactions and growth of characters contribute significantly to the overall engagement, making it a compelling experience for fans of traditional RPGs.
“The character development and interactions add depth to the story, providing a sense of investment in the outcome.”
“Its visual design, character development, and strategic battles contribute to an engaging adventure that will resonate with fans of traditional RPGs.”
“The character development and interactions add depth to the story, providing a sense of investment in the outcome.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization of games made with Gamemaker Studio is frequently criticized for relying on retro pixel aesthetics and perceived cash grabs, suggesting that players should be cautious with in-app purchases and consider saving their money instead.
“Save that one dollar from in-app purchases to get this great game.”
“Gamemaker Studio is often used to make retro pixel shovelware and cash grabs.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the grinding mechanics, particularly noting that recent patches have made it more tedious by removing efficient methods for earning points, leading to lengthy sessions that feel unchallenging and time-consuming. Many feel that the developer's focus on their own preferences neglects the player experience.
“What grinds my gears the most is that the developer patched the grinding for points method in one of the boss rooms instead of adding god frames to the game, just addressing problems that affect him and not the player!”
“That's at least 30 straight minutes of grinding something that takes no skill--only time.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it both enjoyable and effective. However, some suggest that attempts at humor may not always land as intended. Overall, the comedic elements contribute positively to the gaming experience.
“I loved it; it was very hard and funny! :)”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively combines traditional RPG elements and tactical combat with a heartfelt narrative, creating an emotional journey that harmonizes classic fantasy themes with contemporary storytelling.
“With its blend of traditional RPG elements, tactical combat, and a heartfelt narrative, the game offers a journey that balances classic fantasy tropes with modern storytelling.”
