Comrades and Barons: Solitaire of Bloody 1919
- February 8, 2018
- kverkagambo
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PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features an interesting historical background that enhances the solitaire experience.
- Innovative mechanics and strategic gameplay make it challenging and engaging.
- The art and design are appropriate for the theme, providing a unique take on traditional solitaire.
- There is no save system, requiring players to complete all tables in one sitting.
- The music can become repetitive and may detract from the overall experience.
- Players cannot select individual tables to replay, which can be frustrating when aiming for perfect scores.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by basic yet innovative mechanics that effectively blend solitaire with a historical theme, particularly focusing on the aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution. While the core mechanics are engaging and allow for the selection of bonus cards, some players feel that integrating solitaire with war elements lacks seamlessness. Overall, it offers a fun and thematic solitaire experience that appeals to history enthusiasts.
“Fun solitaire game with a couple of offbeat game mechanics relating to the story of the gloriously messy situation in the Baltics in the aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution and the end of the Great War.”
“The core mechanic works fine and was extended by allowing the player to choose bonus cards at the beginning of each game.”
“Unfortunately, there isn't really a way to seamlessly mesh solitaire gameplay with fighting a war.”
“The gameplay itself is like many of its type, and is engaging enough.”
“The mechanics are innovative, and you end up learning some history.”
- music16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game effectively complements its historical setting, but it quickly becomes repetitive and is often described as dull and uninspiring. While some players appreciate the potential connection to period-appropriate compositions, many feel it is poorly suited for a military-themed game, especially when compared to other titles like Shadowhand that feature more engaging soundtracks. Overall, the music is seen as a weak point that detracts from the gaming experience.
“The historical setting is presented very well through the texts, card images, visual design of the interface, and music.”
“I initially snagged Comrades and Barons because 1) I enjoy playing solitaire games while I'm listening to music and 2) I appreciate the Russian Revolution-era aesthetic of the game.”
“Shadowhand (being also a solitaire) has a classical-themed music background, but it's so much better.”
“The music is adequate, though after just short of an hour of playing, it started to become repetitive.”
“It feels like there is a potential for a good game, but dull colors combined with absolutely terrible, coma-inducing music make it difficult to focus on what's going on.”
“I suppose that it may be original music from the period, probably some classic composer too, but for me, it feels like a poor choice for background music in a military game.”
- story12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game features a unique story set in the aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution, focusing on a communist uprising, with thematic elements integrated into the gameplay. While the aesthetic and artwork are praised, the narrative is primarily conveyed through simple text boxes, which some players found lacking in engagement and depth. Additionally, gameplay mechanics, such as the inability to save mid-battle, detracted from the overall storytelling experience.
“Fun solitaire game with a couple of offbeat game mechanics relating to the story of the gloriously messy situation in the Baltics in the aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution and the end of the Great War.”
“Unique setting provides for some fun story elements that are integrated into the gaming levels.”
“Although the cards themselves were thematic and the in-level obstacles were things like barbed wire, the 'story' is told through simple in-game text boxes.”
“I loved the aesthetic and artwork in the game, but the inability to save mid-battle and lack of engagement with the story kind of turned me off.”
“The game tells the story of a communist uprising.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as excellent and crisp, featuring nice illustrations that enhance the overall aesthetic, particularly for fans of the Russian Revolution era. However, the game lacks unique or elaborate artwork, making it feel like a standard solitaire variation. Additionally, users noted the inconvenience of needing external tools to capture and share in-game images.
“This game has excellent, crisp graphics with nice illustrations.”
“I initially snagged Comrades and Barons because I dig playing solitaire games while I'm listening to music and I love the Russian Revolution-era aesthetic of the game.”
“I loved the aesthetic and artwork in the game.”
“Nothing overly special about the game - it's another solitaire variation without lots of pretty artwork or cute 'win hands to build your fantasy castle' type of thing.”
“I initially snagged Comrades and Barons because I dig the Russian Revolution-era aesthetic of the game, but the graphics don't stand out.”
“The graphics are quite basic and lack the charm that could make the game more engaging.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers consistently highlight the game's strong replayability, noting it as a fun experience that encourages multiple playthroughs.
“Pleasantly surprised by this fun, replayable game.”
