Godhood
- August 11, 2020
- Abbey Games
- 7h median play time
In Godhood, players create their own religion by tending to their flock of disciples as a young god. Set in ancient lands and viewed from an isometric perspective, the player’s followers cannot be directly controlled but are influenced by the choices and direction of their god. From selecting different virtues and vices, to building monuments and nurturing powerful prophets, the options available …
Reviews
- The game features a unique and engaging god simulation experience, allowing players to create and customize their own religion.
- The art style is charming and the strategic gameplay offers depth and immersion, making every decision feel impactful.
- The emphasis on shaping and guiding followers' beliefs and rituals adds a rewarding layer to the gameplay.
- The game can feel repetitive and lacks sufficient content, leading to a sense of monotony after a few playthroughs.
- Combat is automated and lacks player control, which can make battles feel unengaging and anticlimactic.
- The learning curve is steep, and the game does not adequately explain its mechanics, making it difficult for new players to grasp.
- gameplay204 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Godhood" is characterized by a mix of resource management and strategic decision-making, with players developing and managing a band of disciples to spread their religion through ritualized combat. While the mechanics are easy to grasp, many players find the gameplay repetitive and lacking depth, leading to a sense of monotony after a few hours. Despite its charming aesthetics and potential for varied strategies, the game struggles with balancing complexity and accessibility, often leaving players feeling disconnected from the action and reliant on RNG outcomes.
“Godhood contains a lot of mechanics, which you don't all need to play (and maybe even win your first game), but which are crucial to win on higher difficulties and in my opinion also are the appeal of the game.”
“Wonderfully flavorful ways to build your religion, little events that reflect the choices you've made, diverse god-abilities and worshipper classes that keep gameplay interesting, and a battle system whereby swaying the watching crowd works just as well as breaking the opponents you're facing.”
“With its charming art style, strategic gameplay, and deep customization options, every decision feels impactful and rewarding.”
“The gameplay is highly repetitious and frankly after you've completed two islands, you're already bored of the game--there's next to no challenge, as there's little to no investment on the part of the player.”
“The game expects you to read a bunch of different pages and paragraphs of text to understand the mechanics of the game when an applied learning method (perhaps pausing fights for a short period to explain damage types, damage resistances, weaknesses, etc.) would be much better appreciated and more readily received.”
“But the lack of depth and the overall gameplay (which gets stale very fast, as it is basically the same from start to finish) made me to get a refund for this game.”
- graphics75 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming, colorful, and cartoonish art style, which effectively captures a unique aesthetic inspired by Mesoamerican imagery. While many players appreciate the visuals and find them appealing, some express a desire for more customization options and variety among characters. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, making it a visually enjoyable experience despite some limitations in detail and depth.
“The graphics are beautiful and the atmosphere is very nice.”
“With charming graphics, animations, and in-depth mechanics, some might call it a godly game.”
“The graphics are lovably cartoonish, and the design aesthetics borrow heavily from Mesoamerican imagery.”
“The graphics are very cute, but they have no impact on the game, and to top it off, this is all paired with the most clinical interface I have ever seen; it simply doesn't fit together.”
“I decided to buy it and download it on my Mac, but the artworks (the villagers, buildings, etc.) are not shown or not visible.”
“Tried loading in with the graphics at all the different settings, but still unable to see any of the characters on any of the battle or waiting screens, and therefore unable to play.”
- story53 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 89 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a backdrop for missions, with a deity and religion theme that feels underdeveloped and often corny. Players engage in missions to convert followers and build a village, but many express a desire for a more robust narrative and character development, as the current structure leans heavily on stat management and timed missions. Overall, while there are interesting mechanics and some unique missions, the story lacks depth and coherence, leaving players wanting more engaging storytelling elements.
“The story can be very corny but is generally solid and a good backdrop for the missions.”
“I really like the development and the little story bits that reveal as you progress.”
“My loving suggestion would be to add more story elements on what happens in your village, what happens with other factions, with your disciples, etc. The game needs that system emphasized, otherwise it is reduced to a 'football team manager' stylish approach of your disciples team.”
“Don't expect much in terms of story.”
“The deity and religion theme is only a story element; this game mechanically is purely stat management.”
“Worst of all, the intro, where you meet your prophet and first follower, makes it seem like there might be a story element, as if all gods are fighting for praise and adoration and you're trying to make it as a newly manifested god; heck, they have a testament system which lends itself towards a whole 'I'm writing/living the beginnings of the religion that will change/dominate the world,' but that also falls flat.”
- replayability39 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting a high potential due to diverse strategies, character classes, and customization options. However, some reviewers express concerns about repetitiveness and a lack of variety in gameplay, which can diminish the overall replay value over time. Overall, while there are elements that encourage multiple playthroughs, the experience may become stale for some players.
“With many schools and classes, I see plenty of replay value ahead.”
“The multiple paths you can take your religion makes the replay value of this game really high!”
“Replayability is high as well, with different combinations of traditions, island progressions, luck, and familiarity with the mechanics all making each run a little different.”
“The game is pretty boring; it has some replayability, but after a while, you've seen every possibility.”
“That lack of variety is what really kills its replayability, and I can see myself growing bored of it after a while.”
“Because if I start over... there is no replay value; the islands are the same, the enemies are the same, and the tactics, no matter what choice you take, will end up being sort of the same.”
- music30 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its relaxing and immersive qualities, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere. While many players appreciate the soothing soundtrack and its fitting themes, some feel it can become repetitive over time. Overall, the combination of great art and music enhances the game's charm, making it a pleasant experience, even if the music isn't considered groundbreaking.
“The music and atmosphere overall makes the game really relaxing.”
“The soundtrack is very chill and the game is entertaining.”
“The art style is superb, the music is greatly composed, and the jokes and references are super fun.”
“I love the soundtrack for this game, but not the game itself, which is a real shame.”
“The music isn't anything truly special, but it does create a fairly relaxing atmosphere, and even the little quips from your disciples during the sacraments gives the whole thing some personality.”
“Each 'section' of the game has only 1 soundtrack, which gets too samey for me.”
- humor18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever and entertaining dialogue, often poking fun at religious themes and absurdities without being cynical. Players enjoy the quirky customization options for their deities and find the combat interactions amusing, contributing to an overall lighthearted and engaging experience. While some players note that the humor can become repetitive over time, it remains a standout feature that enhances the gameplay.
“This game is hilarious and addicting!”
“For some reason, I always find myself laughing when one of my disciples 'defies' a morale-based attack and commands, 'silence, blabbermouth!' before launching a devastating counterattack.”
“The graphics are fun, and the customizability of your 'god' made me laugh (betentacled dark goddess of lust? Lizard-headed, big hat-wearing god of war?).”
- grinding16 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is described as both relaxing and tedious, with limited opportunities for farming and character progression constrained by aging mechanics. Players find the need to constantly reassign disciples and manage follower happiness to be cumbersome, leading to a sense of repetitiveness and lack of meaningful choices. While the game offers a strategic experience, many reviewers feel that the grinding elements detract from overall enjoyment, making it feel overly tedious and less immersive.
“Characters stay with you until they die of old age (a few hours), and progression is the standard 'you've only got so many fights per world' - no farming, but it's generous enough.”
“Overall, it feels a bit too grindy with not enough exciting synergies that I could see.”
“It's not fully immersive as I'd like to see, nor do I see any consequences, but mostly grinding to find the right disciples and using them before they age.”
“Having to reassign the disciples every week gets extremely tedious; there are only a couple of different miracles you can get from each location, and your control over the village is greatly limited.”
- atmosphere13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally described as relaxing and well-crafted, featuring soothing music and beautiful graphics that enhance the experience. Players appreciate the unique vibes created by different religions and the game's "old school" charm, though some feel that the sense of community and depth could be improved. Overall, while the atmosphere is enjoyable and offers potential, it is somewhat hindered by repetitive gameplay and a need for better balancing.
“It's a well polished managerial strategy game steeped in the atmosphere of Mesoamerican art.”
“The graphics are beautiful and the atmosphere is very nice.”
“It's wonderful, with a ton of creative choices/builds to make and a relaxing atmosphere.”
“The music isn't anything truly special, but it does create a fairly relaxing atmosphere, and even the little quips from your disciples during the sacraments give the whole thing some personality.”
“Overall: great concept and idea with a large amount of customization for characters but lacks because of repetitive gameplay and a god-like atmosphere.”
“In its current state, I cannot recommend it, though the overall atmosphere of the game and the neat graphics show potential.”
- optimization5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Overall, users express frustration with the game's optimization, noting that even after adjusting settings and resolution, performance improvements are minimal. Comparisons to other titles, like Stellaris, suggest that the game falls short in this area. However, some players appreciate the strategic optimization elements within gameplay mechanics, indicating a mixed reception.
“I turned down settings and resolution, and it only helped a little bit. I think Stellaris is better optimized, and that's saying something.”
“Developing a revolving team of disciples and determining whose potential is most worth investing in ends up being a fun optimization game, and the flavor is good.”
“Fixing a poorly optimized build can take years in-game.”
“The next problem is the optimization.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a mixed emotional response to the game, with players expressing disappointment in the emotional depth and connection to their disciples. While the game features rituals and interactions, some feel it lacks a sense of obligation towards follower welfare, which could enhance emotional engagement. Overall, there is a longing for a more profound emotional experience that resonates with the game's craftsmanship.
“It's going to be heart-breaking if this lovingly crafted game proves to be their swansong.”
“I also wish some of these buildings made me feel like I'm obligated to plan for my followers' welfare (good types and food, etc.).”
- stability4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game demonstrates stability issues, particularly freezing after about an hour of play, though users report no significant glitches or disconnects. As it is in early access, players acknowledge that some bugs are expected, but overall, the experience remains enjoyable despite these challenges.
“No glitches or disconnects that I normally expect at this stage.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes or performance issues.”
“I appreciate the consistent performance; it makes for a much more enjoyable experience.”
“It works for about an hour, but then it freezes every time.”
“First of all, it is early access, so you need to understand that some things are not implemented yet or may be buggy.”
“Awesome game 10/10, but it's a bit buggy.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, indicating that players feel it prioritizes profit over player experience.
“This is nothing more than a cash grab.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development in the game emphasizes the importance of player choices, as decisions regarding interactions with the city and disciples shape the protagonist's disposition and influence how they are perceived by the world. Players are encouraged to engage with the narrative organically rather than adhering to a predetermined path.
“Don't decide beforehand that you wish to be a peaceful, loving god; make choices on character development and city interaction that force your disciples to reveal your disposition to the world.”
“The character development system is incredibly deep, allowing for a wide range of choices that truly shape the narrative and the relationships you build.”
“I love how the game encourages you to evolve your character based on your actions, making every decision feel impactful and meaningful.”
“The character development feels incredibly shallow, with limited choices that don't impact the story or gameplay in any meaningful way.”
“I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; they lacked depth and failed to surprise me.”
“The lack of meaningful character progression made it hard to feel invested in the story or the characters themselves.”