Destinies
- April 20, 2021
- Lucky Duck Games
"Destinies is a single-player or 2-player competitive RPG board game, which requires the physical board game to play. The digital companion app introduces the story, sets up the game, and tracks player choices through QR code scanning, creating dynamic and memorable gameplay experiences. Explore and make decisions that alter the game world in this immersive, split-screen local multiplayer game."
Reviews
- Destinies features engaging storytelling and a well-developed narrative that enhances the gameplay experience.
- The app integration works seamlessly across multiple platforms, providing a polished and user-friendly interface.
- The game offers a fun and immersive experience with a good balance of exploration and streamlined mechanics, making it accessible for both new and experienced players.
- New players may feel disadvantaged if others have prior experience with the scenarios, limiting replayability.
- The physical components, such as the miniatures, are criticized for being unnecessary and not adding significant value to the gameplay.
- The app has some limitations, including a lack of music and poor QR code scanning functionality on certain devices, which can detract from the overall experience.
- story8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story in "Destinies" is praised for its engaging development and reliance on an app that serves as a storyteller, enhancing the gameplay experience. While originally intended to focus on Joan of Arc, the game successfully weaves narratives within its historical setting, contributing significantly to player enjoyment. However, some players express a desire for more inclusive storytelling options for those who lose, indicating room for improvement in narrative accessibility.
“The app is required to play Destinies as it acts as the in-game referee and storyteller (aka, the dungeon master) to a series of scenarios played out using physical components.”
“I believe Destinies was originally focused around the story of Joan of Arc, but due to a failed partnership, they ditched Joan while keeping the setting and time period to tell the stories in the base game.”
“I mention this because the story is critical to the success of the enjoyment of the game.”
“I believe Destinies was originally focused around the story of Joan of Arc (Time of Legends: Joan of Arc, then Time of Legends: Destinies, then just Destinies) but due to a failed partnership, ditched Joan, but kept the setting and time period to tell the stories in the base game.”
“By comparison, Mansions of Madness is also using an app to tell a story, but the length of the game and the linear path of events makes us start skipping the narrative to get to the action and push forward.”
“I wish there would be a possibility for the losing players to still fulfill their destiny and play out how their story could/would end.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Destinies offers strong replayability through its engaging 15th-century Christian mythology and varied solo modes, such as challenger and exploration. However, new players may find themselves at a disadvantage if others have prior experience with the levels, potentially impacting the overall enjoyment of repeated playthroughs.
“Destinies is a fun and replayable game featuring some very thorough takes on 15th century Christian mythology.”
“As replayable as it is, however, new players will always be at a disadvantage if someone in the game has played a level before.”
“The solo game options feature challenger and exploration modes depending on the experience you're looking for, giving a little more replay value.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews highlight a mix of opinions, with some players finding the dice-rolling mechanic uninspired compared to other games, while others appreciate the engaging player board mechanics and the dynamic environment influenced by player choices. The nostalgic RPG elements combined with fresh gameplay twists contribute positively to the overall experience.
“Loved the player board mechanics and the uncertainty of progression, along with the environment changes based on players' decisions.”
“I like the atmosphere the world presents, and the RPG elements have a nostalgic feel invigorated by a new gameplay twist.”
“This does not work; boring dice-rolling. Even Elder Sign does a better job as a game if we talk about dice rolling as the main and only mechanic.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's artwork is praised for its beauty, but the presence of grey areas gives it an unfinished appearance. Additionally, the graphics and user interface feel like a direct port from mobile, which detracts from the overall experience.
“The graphics feel like they were designed for a mobile game, lacking the depth and detail expected from a modern title.”
“The visuals are underwhelming and seem outdated, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
“Overall, the graphics are disappointing and do not meet the standards set by other games in the genre.”
- music2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the app is minimal, with most of the experience lacking sound and relying heavily on silence, though some users find the existing music and sound effects fitting for the context. Overall, the audio experience is considered lacking, particularly in comparison to expectations.
“The music is incredibly immersive and perfectly complements the gameplay experience.”
“The soundtrack is a fantastic blend of genres that keeps the energy high and the players engaged.”
“The sound effects and music work in harmony to create an unforgettable atmosphere.”
“The app is also bad - no music (only some parts of the app have sound effects or background, mostly it's silence).”
“The music is also quite fitting for it, with on-par sound effects.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is praised for its nostalgic RPG elements, enhanced by innovative gameplay twists that create an engaging and immersive world.
“I love the atmosphere the world presents, and the RPG elements have a nostalgic feel invigorated by a new gameplay twist.”