Dragonkin: The Banished

The gameplay is generally praised for its polished mechanics, engaging combat, and innovative skill grid system, which allows for interesting character builds and progression. While many players appreciate the mix of familiar ARPG elements and the potential for fun endgame content, some express concerns about the lack of tutorials, unclear mechanics, and frustrating difficulty spikes. Overall, the game shows promise with its enjoyable mechanics and solid foundation, though it still requires refinement in certain areas for long-term playability.

The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals, beautiful environments, and impressive effects, particularly in comparison to other ARPGs like Path of Exile and Diablo. However, some users note issues such as unpolished character models, poor anti-aliasing, and a lack of resolution options, suggesting that while the game has strong potential, it still requires further optimization and refinement. Overall, the graphics are seen as a solid foundation, but there are notable inconsistencies that detract from the experience.

Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews. While some players report smooth performance on high-end rigs and commend the optimization in certain titles like Dragonkin, others experience significant issues, particularly on lower-end hardware and platforms like the Steam Deck. Many users express a need for further optimization and quality of life improvements, especially in terms of performance and visual feedback.

The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its quality and ability to enhance the atmosphere, particularly in fantasy settings. However, several players noted that the soundtrack can become repetitive, especially during lengthy exploration and combat sequences, detracting from immersion. While some tracks fit well with the environments, others, like the jungle theme, were criticized for being mismatched or overly cheerful.

Reviews on the grinding aspect of the game are mixed; some players appreciate the intelligent design that minimizes mindless farming and enhances enjoyment, while others find the grind tedious and unfulfilling, particularly after completing the story. Many note that the game requires significant time investment for gear and resource gathering, with some players feeling it detracts from the overall experience. Ultimately, those who enjoy grinding may find satisfaction, but others may feel it detracts from the fun of the action RPG genre.

Character development is described as intricate and enjoyable, with a variety of skills and systems to explore, although the endgame options feel limited. The character designs are likened to "next gen" Warcraft aesthetics, and while players appreciate the fun of character customization, there is a sense that the full potential of character development may not be fully realized until later stages of gameplay.

The game's atmosphere is generally praised for its art style and graphics, drawing favorable comparisons to titles like Grim Dawn, though some players find the music repetitive and lacking in variety. While the world-building and audio design are highlighted as strong points, particularly in high-tension moments, there are critiques regarding the overall atmosphere feeling incomplete, especially in terms of audio effects.

The humor in the game is perceived as unintentional, with players finding the poor AI and outdated escort quests amusing rather than engaging. Additionally, the incongruous music in the jungle adds a silly tone to the gameplay, contributing to a lighthearted but often frustrating experience. Overall, the humor seems to stem from the game's shortcomings rather than intentional comedic elements.

Players express apprehension that monetization could negatively impact the game, although they acknowledge that the current model, similar to Path of Exile's, is effective for a free-to-play format. There is a general hope that monetization will be handled thoughtfully to avoid compromising the game's quality.

Players express a strong desire for enhanced replayability, particularly through the addition of more endgame content and new classes. While there is excitement about the potential for future updates, the current experience is seen as needing more variety to sustain long-term engagement.

Users report significant stability issues, with frequent bugs causing problems such as getting stuck when transitioning between zones, making the game difficult to play. Overall, the game's stability is a major concern for players.

Users express frustration with the character movement in the game, comparing it to controlling an RC car, which detracts from their emotional engagement and immersion. This mechanical feel hampers their ability to connect with the game, even in its early access stage.