Guile & Glory: Firstborn
- November 1, 2018
- Elston Studios
Get on SteamTurn-based tactical RPG where enemies can only be dispatched by using environmental hazards.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Engaging tactical puzzle gameplay that encourages clever positioning and strategic thinking.
- Rich pixel art style and a compelling narrative that enhances the overall experience.
- Variety of characters and upgrades that allow for customization and different play styles.
- Limited leveling options and often only one correct solution per level can lead to frustration.
- Sound effects, particularly character voices, are of low quality and can become annoying.
- Lack of quality of life features, such as an undo button or faster enemy movement, can hinder the experience.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its solid and engaging puzzle mechanics, combining turn-based strategy with pixel graphics. Players enjoy a gradual introduction of new interactions that enhance the experience, while the core focus on positioning and clever block manipulation adds depth to the gameplay. Overall, it successfully blends simple mechanics with thoughtful challenges, reminiscent of classic titles.
“It's a solid puzzle game that makes the most of its simple but effective mechanics.”
“I've been having quite some fun learning new mechanics and interactions, and new interactions are being presented at a good pace.”
“From there it's a drip feed of new mechanics and ideas, but always focusing around this core of positioning.”
“The gameplay is deceptively deep.”
“Turn-based RPG puzzle + pixel graphics + unique gameplay = clear each stage by pushing blocks and monsters into traps to reach the exit.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally well-received, featuring a fun campaign that offers an epic quest experience alongside a roguelike side quest for added variety. While some players expressed mixed feelings about the latter part of the narrative, the overall adventure in the drowned lands is enjoyable and engaging, blending story elements with puzzle-solving effectively.
“I just completed Guile & Glory: Firstborn (it took me 17 hours -- story + delve runs), and I had a great time adventuring in the Drowned Lands.”
“It's nice to feel like you're playing through some epic quest and not solving room after room of puzzles.”
“Story is okay, even if I'm not a fan of the direction it took in the last third.”
“There's a story campaign that I finished over the course of several evenings, and there's also a roguelike mode that I didn't really want to explore afterwards.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a detailed pixel art style that evokes nostalgia for classic RPGs, complemented by a top-down view typical of indie tactical games. The vibrant visuals enhance the unique gameplay, where players navigate through stages by strategically pushing blocks and monsters into traps, all while engaging with rich character dialogue and lore. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's immersive and crunchy aesthetic.
“This world is depicted in a fantastic pixel art style with incredible attention to detail, and a great deal of text both in the form of character dialogue and lore fragments about the setting.”
“It's top-down view is pretty standard for indie tactical games, but with graphical touches reminiscent of pixel RPGs of yore, it feels like it has more depth and, again, I love this word, crunchiness.”
“Take NES-style graphics and mechanics, turn-based strategy, and thoughtful puzzling, and you've got a unique gaming experience.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“The pixel art style is charming, but it often feels too simplistic and doesn't do justice to the game's potential.”
“While the gameplay is engaging, the graphics are a major letdown, making it hard to immerse myself in the experience.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as well-crafted retro-style tracks that enhance the experience, but players express a desire for more variety to prevent repetition. While the music is engaging, the limited number of tracks can lead to saturation during gameplay.
“Simple but engaging gameplay, interface, and music.”
“The retro style music is well done, but there could be more variation in maps to avoid repetition.”
“The retro style music is well done, but there is a lack of variety in the tracks, which leads to repetition saturation.”
“There needs to be more music variation in the maps; the current tracks are limited and become repetitive quickly.”
“The music is well composed, but the few available tracks make the gameplay feel monotonous over time.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by clever writing and memorable one-liners, particularly from the scoundrel character, who stands out as a source of comedic relief. Players appreciate the character diversity, which not only introduces new challenges but also enhances the overall enjoyment through humor.
“The writing is quite good, with a few funny one-liners from the scoundrel, especially. I love that with each new character comes new challenges and an entirely new play style.”
“I was surprised how much I liked the characters - especially the scoundrel; he was really funny.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game, particularly the need to replay levels for solutions, to be tedious, although a quick escape option alleviates some frustration. However, the engaging fantasy of embodying a powerful barbarian adds an enjoyable layer to the repetitive gameplay.
“Replaying levels to figure out the exact solution is important, and the dialogue quickly becomes tedious when doing so. However, the mythos of being a hulking Conan-esque barbarian killing enemies that 'cannot be felled by any mortal blade' by throwing them into spikes or down pits is pretty cool.”
“The grinding in this game feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged with the story.”
“I find myself doing the same tasks over and over just to level up, which takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Guile & Glory: Firstborn" effectively combines elements reminiscent of the Golden Axe series, creating a nostalgic yet engaging environment that complements its gameplay inspired by Into the Breach. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a classic feel while maintaining a fresh experience.
“Guile & Glory: Firstborn is described by its developers as being inspired by Into the Breach (gameplay) and the Golden Axe series (atmosphere), and this is exactly what the game delivers.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers limited replayability, but many players feel it provides good value for its modest price.
“The replayability is quite low, which makes it hard to stay engaged after the initial playthrough.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”
“I found the lack of replayability disappointing; it feels like a one-and-done experience.”
