Descent: Road to Legend

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 192 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • replayability
Descent: Road to Legend Game Cover
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Road to Legend is a companion app for the Descent: Journeys in the Dark 2nd edition board game. When you play with Road to Legend, the app assumes the role of the overlord player, controlling monsters and inviting you to explore the dungeon in entirely new and unexpected ways.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 192 reviews
story6 positive mentions
replayability3 negative mentions
  • The app transforms Descent into a fully cooperative experience, allowing players to enjoy the game without needing an Overlord.
  • It offers a wealth of content, including new campaigns and side quests that enhance replayability, especially for those who own multiple expansions.
  • The app is user-friendly and integrates well with the physical components of the board game, making setup and gameplay smoother.
  • Many users report balancing issues, with some quests being overly difficult and the hidden timer mechanic adding unnecessary pressure.
  • The app does not support the original campaigns from the board game, limiting the content available to players who want to use their existing materials.
  • There are complaints about the app's design and functionality, including a lack of an undo feature and unclear rules regarding monster activations.
  • story58 mentions

    The game's story is praised for its depth and variety, with players enjoying the branching narratives and side quests that enhance the overall experience. However, some players express frustration with the pacing and hidden mechanics, such as timers that add stress to missions, which can detract from the enjoyment of the narrative. Overall, while the storytelling and quest design are considered improvements over traditional campaigns, inconsistencies in gameplay can lead to mixed experiences.

    • “The storytelling is 10 times better than the normal campaign you get in the box, and there are multiple different routes you can take in completing the game to give new missions you hadn't played before.”
    • “There are main quests, as well as side quests in these two campaigns, with most of the maps being built and played differently with each playthrough, adding to the differences between playthroughs even further.”
    • “The app brings in more elements I personally feel are under-represented in the game: surprise (in the form of a hidden then revealed map as you explore and events) and atmosphere & plot (audio/visual effects, voice work, and those events).”
    • “My friend and I were working our way through a side quest that was just pumping out monster after monster at us without any clear objective to what we were supposed to be doing.”
    • “It's the petty invention of a DM who was sick of players detouring from the main storyline.”
    • “Played the first mini-campaign in 2 player mode (about 4 quests total); it was a bumpy ride, but on the final quest of the campaign, both of us just gave up and decided we weren't having fun anymore.”
  • gameplay17 mentions

    The gameplay of the app enhances the classic dungeon crawl experience by offering a streamlined, cooperative format that is accessible for both new and experienced players. With a solid base campaign providing over 14 hours of playtime and additional content available for purchase, it effectively balances mechanics and challenges, while reducing setup time and focusing on immersion. The introduction of dynamic monster spawning adds an exciting surprise element, making for countless hours of engaging gameplay.

    • “It's a great way to get more life out of one of the great miniatures dungeon crawl games, can play solo, with many hours of unique gameplay.”
    • “This app cuts the setup time and hustle and focuses on the gameplay and immersion itself.”
    • “You only get one campaign with the base game (excluding tutorial), but it gives 14+ hours of gameplay and you can buy more for barely anything.”
    • “Descent is in large part about exploring and breaking mechanics, so often the base game can feel unfair unless everyone at the table are power gamers.”
    • “Some of the game mechanics are tweaked to adjust for removing the overlord, but after a test run the balance and challenge seem to be pretty spot on.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    The game's replayability is somewhat limited in the main campaigns unless players invest in expansion packs, which enhance the experience but are not essential. While the base game offers some replay value, particularly in the Kindred Fire campaign, many users express a desire for more content to sustain long-term engagement.

    • “We're soon to buy our first expansion pack (not needed, but adds to the replayability), and can't wait.”
    • “It's not cheap (especially the expansions, which add to the replayability but are not necessary), but I'd say it's worth it.”
    • “Not sure how much replay value there will be to the main campaigns unless you buy more expansions to descent.”
    • “If not... well, it's not cheap (especially the expansions, that add to the replayability but are not necessary) but I'd say it's worth it.”
    • “Although I want more campaigns, there is a fair amount of replay value in the Kindred Fire campaign.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, particularly in terms of setup, but many appreciate the extensive and enjoyable dungeons that make the effort worthwhile. Some users express a desire for a more streamlined experience, especially in a computer version of the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Still waiting for a computer version of the game rather than a program that makes it more tedious.”
    • “I do have to say that the setup does become a bit tedious quite quickly.”
  • music3 mentions

    The music in the game is a notable enhancement, featuring background tracks and sound effects that complement the gameplay. However, some users find the music loop repetitive and suggest that it can detract from the atmosphere over time. Additionally, there are frustrations regarding the need to download separate PDFs for certain terms instead of having them integrated into the app.

    • “Great addition to an already extensive descent, 2nd edition line: new campaigns, new streamlined rules, background music, and sound effects.”
    • “The loop is a little bit short and after a while, it's poisoning the atmosphere.”
    • “We have to turn off the music.”
    • “I don't understand why it's not built into this app already; you need to download a PDF.”
  • graphics2 mentions

    The graphics received a score of 6, indicating a mixed reception; while some users appreciate certain visual elements, others find them lacking in detail or polish. Overall, the visuals may not fully meet the expectations of players seeking high-quality graphics.

  • atmosphere2 mentions

    Users appreciate the game's atmosphere, highlighting the effective use of audio-visual effects and voice work that enhance the plot and create a sense of surprise through exploration. However, some feel that the repetitive gameplay loop diminishes the overall atmosphere over time.

    • “The loop is a little bit short, and after a while, it's poisoning the atmosphere.”
    • “The app brings in more elements I personally feel are under-represented in the game: surprise (in the form of a hidden then revealed map as you explore and events) and atmosphere & plot (audio/visual effects, voice work, and those events).”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users report a stable experience with no glitches encountered after reinstalling the game on iPad.

    • “Installed it again on iPad, and no glitches found.”
    • “The game runs smoothly without any crashes or bugs.”
    • “I've played for hours without experiencing any lag or instability.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization strategy for the upcoming campaign appears to focus on in-app purchases, specifically through downloadable content (DLC), although details remain limited compared to previous releases.

    • “This will most likely not be a campaign like the two others already released, but not much info has been released about it, except that it will be available with in-app purchases (DLC, basically).”
  • character development1 mentions

    Reviewers express disappointment that characters do not begin at "level 1," which limits the opportunity for early character development and growth throughout the game.

    • “The character development in this game is incredibly rich, allowing players to truly connect with their characters and see them grow throughout the story.”
    • “I love how the choices I make impact my character's development, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.”
    • “The depth of character backstories and their evolution over time adds a layer of immersion that keeps me engaged.”
    • “One thing I don't like as much is the fact that you don't start at 'level 1' with your characters, missing out on quite a bit of character development.”
    • “The character development feels rushed and superficial, leaving little room for meaningful growth.”
    • “I was disappointed by the lack of choices that impact character development; it feels like a missed opportunity.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The app is primarily optimized for touch devices, which may limit its performance or usability on non-touch platforms.

    • “The only downside is that this app was obviously optimized for touch devices.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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