Equin: The Lantern
- August 27, 2016
- DXF Games
- 12h median play time
Get on SteamIn "Equin: The Lantern," you play as a gray, rabbit-eared kid tasked with investigating a magical lantern causing chaos beneath a town. With procedurally generated levels and various color-coded magical effects, each playthrough offers a unique experience. This roguelike game features 50 floors to conquer, presenting a challenging and entertaining adventure.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Equin: The Lantern offers a charming and engaging roguelike experience with simple yet challenging gameplay, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned players.
- The game features a variety of classes and a plethora of items, ensuring that each run feels unique and rewarding, with plenty of secrets to discover.
- The developer is actively involved in updates and community feedback, which enhances the game's longevity and player satisfaction.
- The lack of a tutorial and unclear mechanics can lead to confusion, especially for new players trying to understand the game's systems.
- Resolution options are limited, with no fullscreen mode that maintains quality, which can detract from the overall visual experience.
- Some gameplay elements, such as the hunger system and certain enemy encounters, can feel frustrating or unfair, leading to moments of cheap deaths.
- gameplay19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by turn-based mechanics and a unique lantern system that alters game rules, adding variability but also complexity that can be confusing without proper guidance. While the game features interesting secrets and mechanics, players often find the lack of tutorials and clarity frustrating, leading to a mixed experience that balances simplicity with moments of annoyance. Overall, it retains traditional roguelike elements, emphasizing resource management and permadeath, but may feel slower-paced compared to other titles in the genre.
“The gameplay itself is well done, and the combat style is turn-based.”
“And make no mistake, while this game has a unique take on roguelike mechanics, it's very much a true roguelike; it's turn-based, has intense resource management, and every run is totally different.”
“This is actually slower than traditional roguelikes, but like some other RPGs, it is sped up when you hit certain level thresholds by giving you an auto-kill mechanic, where you just bump into something and they die.”
“With no tutorial and no real help outside of tips you buy at taverns, the game largely leaves you dazed and confused, wandering aimlessly about fighting monsters, collecting treasure and trying to figure out the mechanics.”
“I found the lack of help annoying, the monsters overpowered, and the gameplay mediocre.”
“A lot of mechanics are unclear without hints right off the bat.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game's graphics feature a charming retro pixel art style that appeals to fans of old-school games, though it lacks fullscreen resolution options, limiting players to windowed modes. While some minor graphical issues exist on Linux, the overall aesthetic is well-received, with clear visuals and nice artwork that complement the gameplay. However, players seeking high-end graphics may be disappointed, as the visuals are simple and designed to run on low-spec systems.
“The pixel graphics, however, look nice in both of these.”
“A brutal roguelike with cute pixel graphics.”
“With its pixelated graphics that are reminiscent of old Dragon Warrior titles, Equin: The Lantern provides an interesting experience into the unforgiving realm of old-styled games with a healthy dose of modern-day twists and turns.”
“First thing I should mention is that the game won't use fullscreen resolution; there are only two graphics options - small window or slightly bigger window.”
“Note for Linux users: Equin: The Lantern can be played on Linux, but there are minor graphical issues like text being too big and when it's in multiple lines they might not display correctly, or the indicator of taken/inflicted damage during the fight is displaying distorted, stuff like that.”
“The crude graphics of the menu did not fill the screen, and the interface with arrow keys, spacebar, tab, etc. did not impress.”
- music11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's music is generally described as catchy and upbeat, appealing to many players' tastes, particularly with its 8-bit style. However, some users note a limited number of tracks, leading to potential repetitiveness, and the inability to customize or mute the music may detract from the experience for others. Overall, while the music adds flavor to the game, its lack of variety and configurability could be a drawback for some players.
“The music is very upbeat and is just my style.”
“I like the music of the game and the storyline.”
“Great music in the game and just enough flavor text on the items to make you want to know about the rabbit-warrior's world.”
“When it comes to the music, it's catchy but there aren't too many tracks.”
“Still, some people might mute the music after hearing the tracks a few times.”
“Music rarely changes.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its fantastic humor, contributing to a "feel good" experience, with players appreciating the clever jokes and expressive character designs. The developers' unexpected sense of humor enhances the overall enjoyment, making it a standout feature despite any shortcomings in other areas.
“The game has nice artwork, animation, and perhaps best of all - the humor.”
“+ let me tell you that the humor in this game is just fantastic.”
“And those monsters are so expressively humorous in just so few rows of dots it's a joy to see.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story of "Equin: The Lantern" revolves around a quest to conquer a 50-floor dungeon and uncover the secrets of a mysterious lantern. While some players appreciate the storyline, others feel it may lack depth, suggesting that there could be more to discover as they progress through the game. Overall, the narrative serves as a backdrop for the challenging roguelike gameplay.
“I like the music of the game and the storyline.”
“Equin: The Lantern is a retro-style roguelike game that puts you on a quest to obtain a mysterious lantern of unknown origin and design.”
“Equin: The Lantern is a roguelike developed by DXF Games, challenging players with the goal of conquering the 50-floor dungeon and its evil inhabitants in a quest to the bottom to find the mysterious lantern itself.”
“I guess there isn't too much story; however, since I haven't finished the game yet, there might be a lot I'm missing.”
“Equin: the lantern is a retro style roguelike game that puts you on a quest to obtain a mysterious lantern of unknown origin and design.”
“Equin: the lantern is a roguelike developed by dxf games, challenging the players with the goal of conquering the 50-floor dungeon and its evil inhabitants in a quest to the bottom to find the mysterious lantern itself.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, offering engaging gameplay that can be enjoyed in short sessions, particularly as a solid roguelike with substantial replay value.
“A very good game, replayable in short bursts.”
“A solid roguelike with lots of replay value.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is well-received, with users appreciating its fitting retro aesthetic that enhances the overall experience.
“The game perfectly captures a nostalgic retro atmosphere that immerses you in its world.”
“The haunting soundtrack and detailed environments create an incredibly immersive atmosphere.”
“Every element of the game contributes to a rich and engaging atmosphere that keeps you captivated.”
