DROD: Gunthro and the Epic Blunder
- September 23, 2016
- Caravel Games
- 20h median play time
Get on Steam"DROD: Gunthro and the Epic Blunder" is a turn-based puzzle game that combines swordplay and strategy. Players use a Really Big Sword to clear out monsters in each hand-crafted puzzle room while navigating unique terrain and monster AI. The game starts off simple, but increases in difficulty as new challenges and mechanics are introduced, providing depth and complexity as you progress.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- DROD: Gunthro and the Epic Blunder is a highly engaging puzzle game with clever mechanics that challenge players to think critically and strategically.
- The game features a vast amount of content, including numerous user-created levels and DLCs, providing players with endless replayability and variety.
- Its unique turn-based combat system, combined with a humorous storyline and quirky characters, makes for a memorable and enjoyable gaming experience.
- The graphics and sound design are outdated, which may deter some players from fully enjoying the game.
- The game can be excessively long and tedious, with some puzzles feeling overly complicated or requiring significant backtracking.
- New players may find the learning curve steep, as the game does not adequately introduce all mechanics needed to tackle user-generated content.
- gameplay29 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this puzzle-logic game is characterized by its diverse mechanics and clever room designs that challenge players' wit and problem-solving skills. While it offers a mix of slow, methodical progression and fast-paced sessions, the game can be both addictive and thought-provoking, often requiring players to pause and reflect on complex puzzles. With a strong emphasis on user-generated content and a straightforward learning curve, it sets a high standard for puzzle games, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
“This is a great puzzle-logic game with a lot of mechanic variety.”
“The puzzle design is generally very clever and it frequently mixes things up with new mechanics or enemy types so that it doesn't get too repetitive.”
“The mechanics of this series are superb thanks to the balance of freedom the movement system allows and often lenient but nonetheless challenging puzzle/room design.”
“At times it's slow, methodical and progression is slow, at others it's super-fast and fluid and you can finish a dozen rooms in a session, and the anticipation to what new mechanic or combination is waiting in the next level is both exciting and dreadful as each new element is masterfully crafted to annoy and make your life as hard as possible making for serious emergent depth and diversity.”
“To my shame, I've searched for clues for two rooms; however, I think that one of these cases was because of the game's lack of description for some mechanics and not completely my fault.”
“Gameplay, puzzles appeal, graphics, music, everything was very boring.”
- story20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its humorous elements and engaging enough narrative that complements the puzzle gameplay, while others find it bland and distracting. Although it offers a more substantial storyline than typical puzzle games, many feel it could benefit from a more streamlined approach, as the plot often feels secondary to the puzzles. Overall, the writing and voice acting add charm, but the story's depth varies, with additional content available through DLC for those seeking more lore.
“The story of the game is interesting enough to keep the dungeon delving engaging, and there's a lot of room for building and sharing your own packs of puzzles (called holds) yourself!”
“Gunthro is a strong introductory game to modern DROD level design, not just introducing all of its gameplay in an accessible way and having a great number of clever puzzles in its own right, but also telling a story independent of the main series.”
“Gateb has an intriguing story that motivates progress, fun and aesthetically pleasing puzzle rooms, and a non-linear way to clear it.”
“The story wasn't that great for me though and of course I got filtered more and more as the game went on, but it was still an enjoyable experience.”
“There is story while there shouldn't be; it is just bland and only serves as a distraction from gameplay.”
“Gunthro also has more story, but it's not a particularly interesting story.”
- graphics17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a retro, 2D birds-eye view aesthetic that some players find charming despite its rough execution. While the visuals and voice acting may initially appear unappealing, many reviewers emphasize that the gameplay and well-designed puzzles ultimately overshadow these shortcomings. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose in a puzzle game, as clarity is prioritized over visual fidelity.
“The puzzles are well thought out with difficult optional challenges, and even the graphics eventually win you over with their old school, DIY charm.”
“Being super retro in its aesthetics, it runs like a charm even on low-end computers.”
“Audiovisuals of DROD are highly refined, consistent, and surprisingly enjoyable.”
“While the game aesthetically looks very rough and thrown together, I can assure you it's anything but.”
“Perhaps between the incredibly retro art style, the comical voice acting, and the Steam trailer that was likely edited by someone who'd opened Premiere for the first time the previous day, its hidden status may seem deserved.”
“The graphics are exactly as they were about fifteen years ago.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of bizarre, off-the-wall jokes and dry wit, particularly evident in the voice acting and dialogue. Players appreciate the combination of silly, surreal humor with serious undertones, which enhances the overall experience, while the quirky characters, like the hapless dungeon exterminators, add to the comedic charm. The writing and voice performances contribute significantly to the game's appeal, making it both entertaining and memorable.
“Oh, and to top it off, it also has some bizarre off-the-wall humor which is occasionally genuinely funny.”
“The 90s synth soundtrack is brilliant and gives the game an additional retro touch, and the dialogues and story are also humorous.”
“The gameplay is simple to understand, but hard to master, and the writing is a great mash of silly, surreal humor based on the environment, with a dopey lovable oaf at the center of it all.”
- music7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the brilliant 90s synth soundtrack that adds a retro touch, while others find it mediocre and reminiscent of the midi music era. Despite the varied opinions, many agree that the music complements the game's style effectively, though the voice acting is criticized for its poor quality. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a highlight for some players, while others find it lacking.
“The 90s synth soundtrack is brilliant and gives the game an additional retro touch, and the dialogs and story are also humorous.”
“Most importantly, the music is absolutely fantastic for this style of game.”
“Gameplay, puzzles appeal, graphics, music, everything was very boring.”
“Music is reminiscent of the MIDI music era, but the themes are not that good.”
“The music is mediocre at best; the voice acting is atrocious and sounds like it was recorded on a $10 computer mic.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find that while the level design in earlier installments can lead to some tedious grinding, the game overall features fantastic puzzles with creative solutions. Occasional tedious puzzles are noted, but this is a common issue in many puzzle games.
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, thanks to its deep puzzle mechanics, extensive DLC, and a vibrant modding community that continually introduces new content. The CaravelNet system further enhances this by providing an almost limitless supply of player-created levels, ensuring players always have fresh challenges to tackle.
“An incredibly deep puzzler, with enormous replay value and tons of DLC and mod content available.”
“Not to mention, with the CaravelNet system, you can literally have infinite holds to play as they come out regularly by the player base—this game's replayability is through the roof.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replayability feel pointless after the first playthrough.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to return, as side quests feel repetitive and uninspired.”
“The limited variety in gameplay mechanics means that replaying the game feels more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users find the monetization practices misleading, particularly regarding the advertisements for in-game features, which do not accurately represent the actual offerings.
“The advertisements for these features are completely misleading.”
“The monetization system feels exploitative and takes away from the overall experience.”
“It's frustrating how much you have to spend to enjoy the game fully.”
