FATE

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"Fate is a single-player Fantasy Role Playing game with outstanding gameplay, pretty visuals, and compelling music. The game offers a classic dungeon crawler experience, with vicious creatures to battle, unique weaponry to collect, and powerful spells to learn. Fate also includes new Steam features like trading cards, badges, emoticons, and profile backgrounds, making it very replayable."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,046 reviews

gameplay75 positive mentions

story27 negative mentions

story
234 mentions
11 % positive mentions
77 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and largely non-existent, serving primarily as a backdrop for the repetitive dungeon-crawling gameplay. Players engage in simple, randomized quests that often involve defeating enemies or retrieving items, with little narrative depth or character development. While the lack of a compelling story may disappoint some, the focus on gameplay mechanics and the freedom to create personal narratives through character progression and generational play are appreciated by fans of the genre.
- “The ability to select the order of quests and when to start them gives the player a lot of freedom.”
- “You have to work your way through each level fighting monsters, completing quests from townsfolk, and gradually collecting nicer and nicer gear/weapons/spells until eventually you kill the big bad, retire, and have the option of continuing the game as your descendant, handing them down an 'heirloom' (gear/weapon) that remains the level you gift it at and can continue to be handed down generation to generation.”
- “The random quests and (presumably) endless central dungeon mean that you could technically play this until you die, increasing your character’s power by increments until you ‘retire’ them and start it all over again with a descendant who will start out their own epic (random) quest with slightly better attributes as the fruits of your former incarnation’s labour.”
- “Length of the game depends on how you play as everything is basically a sandbox with no story, just a 'final boss' randomly generated at floors 40-50.”
- “There is no real story like with a traditional RPG - it is a 'kill everything or die trying, and grab all the loot and sell most of it' game that fans of Torchlight 1 & 2 will find somewhat familiar and easy to fall into.”
- “The story is essentially non-existent and the gameplay is pretty shallow - you basically just run through randomly-generated dungeons killing hordes of monsters while completing meaningless quests.”
gameplay
225 mentions
33 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this retro dungeon crawler is characterized by its straightforward mechanics, allowing for easy navigation and engagement, making it accessible for both new and veteran players. While the core loop of dungeon crawling, loot collection, and character progression is addictive, it can become repetitive over time, especially given the game's lack of a deep storyline. Despite its dated graphics and some balancing issues, the game remains enjoyable due to its unique features, such as pet mechanics and procedural generation, which enhance replayability.
- “Fun dungeon crawler, probably one of the best out there. Originally coming out in 2005, the game was ahead of its time in regards to solid gameplay loops, decent combat mechanics, and a procedurally generated dungeon where no two dungeon runs will be the same.”
- “The gameplay is still as good as ever, and I think it holds up as a classic dungeon crawler.”
- “The addictive loot-driven mechanics provide a constant sense of reward and progression, as players discover powerful weapons, armor, and magical artifacts to customize their character.”
- “The gameplay is too dull and balancing is terrible.”
- “The gameplay is very repetitive, but it is of course a dungeon crawler.”
- “That said, the story is essentially non-existent and the gameplay is pretty shallow - you basically just run through randomly-generated dungeons killing hordes of monsters while completing meaningless quests.”
graphics
192 mentions
30 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered outdated, reflecting its 2005 release, but many players find them charming and adequate for the gameplay experience. While some reviews note limitations such as low resolution and repetitive environments, others appreciate the colorful art style and nostalgic appeal, suggesting that the visuals still hold up reasonably well given the game's age. Overall, the graphics may not impress by modern standards, but they contribute positively to the game's overall enjoyment for fans of classic dungeon crawlers.
- “The colorful and vibrant visuals brought the fantastical world to life, with its whimsical characters, detailed environments, and stunning spell effects.”
- “The art style is charming and the music used in town is to be instantly loved.”
- “The graphics hold up surprisingly well for a game from 2005, although the resolution is a little low.”
- “The graphics are outdated and the audio is clunky, and the gameplay gets grindy as the story takes a backseat for your character to get stronger.”
- “The bad: the graphics have not aged well.”
- “The graphics may leave some to be desired, but are not horrible for its age.”
music
101 mentions
47 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic and catchy tunes, effectively enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersion. While many players appreciate the variety and quality of the soundtrack, some note that it can be repetitive, with a limited number of tracks. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and appeal.
- “The music, the voices, the visuals... all of it really takes me back.”
- “From epic orchestral melodies during intense battles to serene tunes in peaceful moments, the music enhances the overall immersion and adds another layer of enjoyment to the experience.”
- “The music is soothing in the town, but as soon as you step into the dungeon, the music makes your skin crawl.”
- “The soundtrack is repetitive.”
- “The game makes you listen to the same music track over and over again.”
- “There actually aren't many songs in this game at all.”
grinding
59 mentions
2 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the game is heavily grind-focused, often requiring players to invest significant time in leveling up and farming for loot, which can lead to a tedious experience. While many players appreciate the nostalgic charm and simple gameplay, they also note that the grinding can become monotonous, especially in later stages where enemy difficulty spikes and dungeon layouts can be frustrating. Overall, the game appeals to those who enjoy classic dungeon crawlers and are willing to endure the grind for the sake of progression and loot.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “This is a game that I never finished as a kid, not because it's hard, but because it requires a mind-numbing amount of grinding to beat without cheating.”
- “However, if you are an experienced player, you can see that higher levels of difficulty often turn only into longer playtime and more grinding.”
- “The game did begin to feel quite grindy by about 12 hours in.”
replayability
41 mentions
56 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to its random dungeon generation, character customization, and unique mechanics like the retirement system that allows players to pass on items to descendants. Many reviewers highlight that no two playthroughs are the same, making it an engaging experience that encourages repeated play. Overall, it is considered a classic with virtually endless replay value, appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers alike.
- “As far as I'm concerned, this game has infinite replayability as there are too many directions you can build in to not want to give it another go eventually.”
- “What sets Fate apart is its dynamic and endlessly replayable gameplay.”
- “The dungeons are randomly generated, you're free to make your character to suit whatever your playstyle is, so its replay value is quite high.”
- “For a nearly 2-decade-old game, it doesn't feel fair or worth it to price it at $8. The summer sale had it at $0.79, so I got it; otherwise, I'd maybe pay $5 for this game. It does get repetitive yet has a lot of replay value.”
- “A cute little Diablo clone, worth it to play through at least once. Once you complete the game, there is a descendant system where your main hero retires and passes on an item of your choosing. It becomes an heirloom with boosted stats to help your descendants early on in their adventure. So there is some replayability, but the maps, monsters, and quests are randomly generated, making it a bit repetitive.”
- “It does have any value in replayability.”
optimization
15 mentions
27 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, particularly during busy scenes with multiple enemies, leading to frustrating frame drops and sluggish gameplay. While some users report decent performance on higher-end systems, others find the game poorly optimized, especially compared to the original version, making it challenging to enjoy without a powerful rig. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game struggles to run smoothly, particularly for those with less capable hardware.
- “I have yet to experience a game crash or error and the performance is pretty good, a few frame drops with some of the busier dungeons but otherwise it runs decent for an older title.”
- “Runs smoothly, great gameplay, solid replayability.”
- “It is easy to learn and runs smoothly (unless you have a crappy laptop like I do).”
- “The performance is also dreadful.”
- “Game is unoptimized (the game lags when there are multiple enemies being rendered on the screen. My PC specs are overkill for the requirements of this game and I'm still lagging).”
- “This version is poorly optimized; you will regret playing this game if you don't have a powerful rig.”
stability
12 mentions
17 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
83 % negative mentions
The game's stability is mixed, with some players reporting texture glitches and optimization issues during large enemy encounters, while others experience no bugs at all, particularly on Linux. However, many users note that the game is generally buggy, especially regarding achievements and certain mechanics like fishing. Overall, while some enjoy a smooth experience, others find significant stability issues that detract from gameplay.
- “Amazing game, no glitches or bugs. I played way back in my childhood, and let me just say this brings back memories!”
- “No glitches, although I wish the cheat functionality wasn't removed.”
- “Don't bother with the sequels; they are pretty buggy.”
- “This game is very very buggy.”
- “The Steam integration is a little buggy and the pet AI.”
atmosphere
10 mentions
60 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive qualities, combining haunting music and sound effects that enhance the eerie and adventurous experience, particularly in dungeons. Players appreciate the balance of a wholesome adventure feel with darker elements, creating a captivating environment that supports both exploration and tension. Overall, the atmospheric design significantly contributes to the game's enjoyment, making it a standout feature.
- “From the moment I stepped foot into the town of Grove, I was spellbound by the game's immersive atmosphere.”
- “A very enjoyable game to play; Fate really brings out a creepy and sometimes jump scare-inducing atmosphere from using different sounds, monsters, and the overall gameplay.”
- “The dungeons have an eerie atmosphere comprised of haunting sound effects, eerie music, and of course all the monster noises, grunts, death cries, etc. Overall, the dungeon atmosphere is top notch.”
- “A very enjoyable game to play; fate really brings out a creepy and sometimes jump scare-inducing atmosphere from using different sounds, monsters, and the overall gameplay.”
emotional
8 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, often driven by nostalgia and the joy of reliving childhood memories. The bond formed with pets through training and development enhances the overall experience, leading to moments of genuine emotional reflection, including tears of joy. The game's wholesome atmosphere and open-ended conclusion further amplify these feelings, creating a memorable and touching adventure.
- “My older sister and I loved to play this game; it was one of our top favorites, so playing this made me feel like a kid again.”
- “The ability to train and equip pets, as well as witness their growth and development, creates a strong emotional bond between the player and their trusty companion.”
- “Hearing the menu music made me cry from nostalgia.”
humor
7 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players enjoying its quirky elements, such as transforming a dog into a spider and encountering amusingly named characters. While the gameplay may be repetitive, the random generation of funny names and situations adds a lighthearted charm, making it an entertaining experience overall. Players appreciate the comedic moments, especially during multiplayer sessions, contributing to a fun atmosphere.
- “3.5/5 you can fish and turn your dog into a funny spider.”
- “For my Twitch stream, I started a new file and on the first floor I got a crazy overpowered weapon called 'Le Chop' and we all died laughing.”
- “The gameplay is solid, if not a bit repetitive, but it has its randomly generated bits, which quite often spawn some pretty hilarious names (i.e. headfighter and nightshiner).”
character development
4 mentions
50 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is largely criticized, with reviewers noting a lack of storyline and depth, describing it as one of the most generic RPGs available. While some appreciate the character designs, particularly of the monsters, the overall consensus is that the game fails to provide meaningful character progression or engaging narratives, making it feel monotonous over time.
- “There is not much to be said in terms of story or character development.”
- “The most generic RPG since Progress Quest; there is literally zero storyline, character development, or driving impetus to get to the next level, which is really the only thing to do in the game.”
monetization
1 mentions
200 % positive mentions
-400 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a desire for games without microtransactions, indicating a preference for a more traditional purchase model that avoids additional costs post-launch. Players appreciate when games offer a complete experience upfront, rather than relying on ongoing monetization strategies.
- “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel intrusive.”
- “I appreciate that the game offers cosmetic items without affecting gameplay balance.”
- “Imagine a game with no microtransactions?”
- “The constant push for in-game purchases ruins the overall experience.”
- “It's frustrating to see essential content locked behind a paywall.”