Farabel
- August 18, 2015
- Frogames
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreFarabel is a turn-based strategy game that flips the genre on its head by starting the hero at maximum power and weakening with each jump into the past. Players can experience this unique concept in the 26-battle campaign mode, daily challenges, or classical mode, where they can build their own army and fight through a series of battles to become a hero. The ultimate goal is to develop cleverness, strategic prowess, and inventive capabilities to save the city of Farabel.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The reverse leveling mechanic is a unique and interesting twist that some players found enjoyable.
- The game features engaging turn-based combat with a variety of scenarios and challenges.
- The graphics and user interface are generally well-received, contributing to a pleasant gaming experience.
- The gameplay lacks depth and strategic options, often leading to a feeling of tedium and frustration.
- The reverse leveling system can feel demotivating, as players lose abilities instead of gaining them.
- Technical issues, such as bugs and a lack of save options during levels, detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- story20 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as average and simplistic, with an intriguing premise that lacks depth and cohesion, leading to a feeling of disconnection from the narrative. While the clever storytelling technique of working backwards from the end is noted, many players feel that the overall plot does not provide enough engagement or reward to motivate them through the gameplay. Additionally, the absence of meaningful upgrades or RPG elements further detracts from the story's impact.
“The storyline was intriguing, being able to work backwards from the end.”
“It is a very simple story, told in a clever way, with combat which is rarely very challenging.”
“Story dialogue kept pleasantly tight and short.”
“However, unlike something like Memento - where gradually seeing the past makes earlier story make sense - I couldn't shake the feeling that Farabel was simply a series of interesting scenarios, without any cohesive plot.”
“The very simplistic gameplay is just not fun and there is nothing rewarding at the end of the levels to keep you going: no story, no loot, no upgrades, no RPG elements, etc.”
“I beat all of the campaign missions and on many I achieved a gold star without knowing what the challenge even was.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with some players finding them average and not particularly appealing, while others appreciate the user-friendly UI and solid animation quality. Overall, the art style is considered a point of contention, but many agree that the graphics are commendable for an indie title.
“It's easy to play, the UI is user-friendly and attractive, and of course, the graphics, animation, and sound combined make Farabel a solid game.”
“The mechanics are top-notch and the graphics are very good for indie titles.”
“Personally not a fan of the art style though.”
“A turn-based fantasy game with average story and graphics.”
“I didn't mind the UI and liked the graphics well enough.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a unique mechanic of leveling down instead of up, which some players find enjoyable and original, particularly in the context of a turn-based strategy game. However, many reviewers criticize the overall simplicity and lack of strategic depth, noting that the absence of rewards, story, or RPG elements diminishes the experience and leads to a loss of engagement over time. While the mechanics and visuals are praised, the gameplay ultimately fails to provide a satisfying or compelling experience.
“Leveling down instead of up is not a mechanic I've seen before, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
“A good turn-based strategy game; I like the visual style and the campaign is an original twist with the leveling down mechanic.”
“The mechanics are top notch and the graphics are very good for indie titles.”
“The one thing that obviously stands out (playing backwards in time, starting fully skilled and becoming less and less powerful as the campaign goes on) loses its charm relatively quickly, followed by the rough realization that the gameplay offers no actual strategy or tactics and takes away any choice.”
“The very simplistic gameplay is just not fun and there is nothing rewarding at the end of the levels to keep you going: no story, no loot, no upgrades, no level up, no RPG elements, etc.”
“Leveling down instead of up is not a mechanic I've seen before, but it ultimately feels unfulfilling and lacks depth.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised as very funny and hilarious, contributing to an enjoyable experience. Reviewers highlight the polished presentation and the clever, light-hearted concept that enhances the overall fun of the light strategy gameplay.
“Hilarious and fun light strategy game!”
“A fun concept, very polished, nice humor, and a lite-strategy TBS flavor.”
“Very funny.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while the scripted nature of the initial levels and the time-reversal mechanic detract from long-term engagement, optional challenges and a versatile battle sandbox offer significant replay value for players seeking additional content.
“The optional challenges for each level provide replay value and the battle sandbox with two variations (win a series of battles or survive on a single battlefield for as long as possible against spawning foes) provide plenty of value.”
“That said, the whole going backwards in time gimmick is annoying and I wasn't compelled to keep playing after the first few levels (which appear to be completely scripted, so forget any replayability).”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, citing issues like reverse leveling mechanics and unexpected battle surprises that disrupt their strategies and require them to replay levels. Overall, this element detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
“The reverse leveling nonsense feels more than a little annoying and gimmicky. The battles love springing last-minute surprises that spoil your plans and force you to replay the whole level. The whole thing is more tedious than fun.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is initially praised for its quality, but players note that it becomes somewhat repetitive over time.
