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Hand of Fate

Hand of Fate is unique, offering an addictive and incredibly entertaining experience that anyone can enjoy.
Hand of Fate Game Cover
82%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, optimization
88% User Score Based on 4,631 reviews
Critic Score 76%Based on 25 reviews

Platforms

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Hand of Fate Game Cover

About

Hand of Fate is a single player casual hack and slash game with fantasy and historical themes. It was developed by Defiant Development and was released on February 17, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

Hand of Fate is an action RPG with deck-building mechanics, where you face off against the enigmatic Dealer in a game of life and death. Your choices and the cards you play determine your path through a series of challenging scenarios, while combat requires careful resource management and strategic attacks. With a unique blend of tabletop and roguelike elements, Hand of Fate offers a rich and immersive experience.

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Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
Hand of Fate screenshot
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88%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,631 reviews
story281 positive mentions
grinding68 negative mentions
  • Unique blend of deck-building mechanics and action-oriented gameplay, creating an engaging and replayable experience.
  • Atmospheric presentation with excellent voice acting from the Dealer, enhancing the immersive storytelling.
  • Variety of encounters and cards that keep gameplay fresh, with a sense of progression as players unlock new cards and storylines.
  • Combat can feel clunky and simplistic, often leading to repetitive gameplay and frustration during encounters.
  • Heavy reliance on RNG can result in unfair outcomes, particularly in later stages, making progress feel more luck-based than skill-based.
  • The final boss fight is considered overly difficult and poorly designed, leading to a frustrating experience for many players.
  • story
    1,280 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Hand of Fate" is primarily conveyed through a unique card-based system, where players navigate a series of encounters that unfold a narrative filled with quests, challenges, and character interactions, particularly with the enigmatic dealer who serves as both antagonist and narrator. While many players appreciate the immersive storytelling and the depth of lore tied to each card, some find the overall plot to be somewhat thin and repetitive, especially as the game progresses. The combination of deck-building mechanics and a rogue-like structure allows for varied experiences, but the reliance on randomness can lead to frustration, particularly in later stages where difficulty spikes significantly.

    • “The story and sub-stories of single cards progress as you visit those cards.”
    • “The narration and writing of the dealer makes him such an incredible antagonist; from his little snarky sarcastic comments all the way to his demeanor, you really do feel like the game is something you're invested in because of how well the writing is done.”
    • “With its dark, fantasy setting and immersive storytelling, Hand of Fate offers a fresh, dynamic experience every playthrough.”
    • “The story is optional but you need to 'win it', I don't want to spoil it, but suffice to say that it is not in a grindy, repetitive way; however, you can make it grindy if you want. It's entirely up to you, and that is part of the beauty of this game.”
    • “The story itself has some cool design but poor execution; the stories are predictable and it takes too long to progress them because you can constantly get screwed by random chance.”
    • “The story isn't relevant or even exists really, and I'm assuming the sequel will have the same premise.”
  • gameplay
    1,127 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of *Hand of Fate* is a unique blend of deck-building mechanics and action-oriented combat, reminiscent of the *Batman: Arkham* series. Players navigate a dealer's deck of cards that dictate encounters, combining strategic decision-making with real-time battles, though the combat can feel clunky and repetitive at times. While the game offers engaging mechanics and a rich atmosphere, it is often criticized for its reliance on RNG and simplistic combat, which can detract from the overall experience.

    • “Hand of Fate is a creative hybrid that combines deck-building mechanics with action-oriented role-playing gameplay, resulting in a highly engaging and replayable experience.”
    • “The core gameplay revolves around navigating the dealer’s deck, with each card representing a different type of encounter, such as combat scenarios, traps, events, or shops.”
    • “Mastering the timing and tactics of combat adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay, ensuring that every battle feels like a thrilling duel of wits and reflexes.”
    • “The combat mechanics are terrible, with no ability to change the camera angle while you have mobs chasing you around.”
    • “There's a lot to love about the game but the combination of both having to deal with worsening odds (in combat particularly) while wrangling the undercooked fighting mechanics is just an absolute killjoy.”
    • “The gameplay in Hand of Fate relies heavily on chance mechanics (random draws, random encounters, random card picks, etc.).”
  • graphics
    451 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Hand of Fate" have received mixed reviews, with many praising its unique art style and atmospheric visuals that effectively complement the game's dark narrative. While the card artwork is often highlighted as exceptional, some players noted that the combat graphics can feel dated and lack polish. Overall, the game is considered visually appealing, especially for an indie title, though it may not meet the expectations of those seeking cutting-edge graphics.

    • “The art style is moody and evocative, perfectly complementing the dark, mysterious tone of the narrative.”
    • “The graphics are vivid, and the voice acting of the dealer is phenomenal.”
    • “The graphics and art of the game are amazing, and every game has a new story to tell.”
    • “The graphics are really bad, and the story/lore tries to be deep and act like you're in kind of an afterlife, where winning makes you keep living, but it's not deep; there's no story hidden in this game.”
    • “The graphics are underwhelming, and though the gameplay is simple, it's also very solid.”
    • “The combat is a snoozefest and the graphics are subpar for a game released in 2015.”
  • replayability
    293 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    "Hand of Fate" offers a high level of replayability, primarily due to its unique blend of deck-building mechanics and roguelike elements, which ensure that each playthrough feels distinct. While some players note that the game can become repetitive after multiple runs, the randomization of encounters, the ability to unlock new cards, and the inclusion of an endless mode significantly enhance its replay value. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay and the variety it brings to each session, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

    • “Hand of Fate is a unique blend of deck building, RPG, and action/adventure with a good, if vague, story and a lot of replayability.”
    • “The replayability of the game is probably its strength as every single game is different and allows for plenty of room for exploration with the deck building aspect of the game to change up every single playthrough.”
    • “The randomized nature of the game and path toward your goal, along with building your deck to make that journey easier on you, makes the replay value surprisingly high.”
    • “The gameplay is a bit repetitive but the replayability is huge.”
    • “My main complaint for this game is the lack of replay value.”
    • “When you first start playing, it's all very charming and wonderful, but by the 400th time of hearing him say the same thing (there's no way to skip or mute his monologues), it gets really annoying and definitely takes away from the replay value.”
  • atmosphere
    265 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised as one of its strongest elements, characterized by immersive storytelling, excellent voice acting, and a rich, engaging world. Players appreciate the unique blend of card game mechanics with a roguelike structure, enhanced by atmospheric music and the enigmatic presence of the dealer, which collectively create a captivating experience. Despite some criticisms of gameplay mechanics, the overall ambiance and thematic depth consistently draw players into its enchanting and sometimes eerie setting.

    • “From the first moments to the last, every play session I have is steeped in top-notch atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere and storytelling is great, and I think any gambling addict will have a ton of fun with this part of the game.”
    • “The atmosphere is great, the comments of the dealer work as a key element, like in Bastion.”
    • “What destroys this atmosphere is the gameplay.”
    • “With a large amount of card unlocks, variable outcomes, and an atmosphere that I cannot emphasize enough, this game is something else.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game benefits from the oppressive difficulty being complemented by the doomsaying narration of the game-master, who takes delight in your misfortune and is angered by your success or luck, giving the game a very characteristic feel.”
  • music
    188 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Hand of Fate" is widely praised for its atmospheric quality, enhancing the game's immersive experience with a haunting soundtrack that complements both exploration and combat. Composed by Jeff van Dyck, the music is noted for its ability to create tension and excitement, although some players find it can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack, along with impressive voice acting, contributes significantly to the game's unique narrative-driven environment.

    • “Coupled with a haunting soundtrack that heightens tension during exploration and combat, the presentation of Hand of Fate draws players deeply into its narrative-driven environment.”
    • “The music is absolutely amazing and combined with the storytelling of the Fate Weaver, it makes the experience even more refreshing.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game, mainly created by the narrator and the music, is incredible.”
    • “In contrast to what I mentioned earlier, the music is very repetitive.”
    • “Cons: there's barely any music, but what little there is, it's pretty good.”
    • “The music is mainly meant to create an atmospheric background noise instead of carrying emotion or story; it is competent in what it tries to achieve, however forgettable.”
  • grinding
    69 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, especially towards the end where unlocking cards and achievements can feel like a chore. While some appreciate the depth and replayability offered by the grinding mechanics, others criticize the combat and random chance elements that contribute to a frustrating experience. Overall, the game can be enjoyable initially, but it risks becoming a slog as players progress, particularly in the later stages.

    • “The dialogues on encounter cards are concise and engaging, making the grinding experience enjoyable.”
    • “Grinding feels rewarding because each encounter brings new and interesting dialogue.”
    • “I appreciate that the grind isn't just mindless; the dialogue keeps it fresh and entertaining.”
    • “Towards the end, the game can get a bit grindy if you're after all unlocks and achievements, but honestly it's kind of not worth it.”
    • “Some cards/stories are very grindy to unlock, due to random chance; I missed some game content due to this.”
    • “The final battle was a bit too drawn out and had tedious quick time events, so after dying on the second wave, I decided to watch the rest on YouTube.”
  • optimization
    43 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, including frequent frame drops and sluggishness, particularly in combat and certain environments. While some users report solid performance on high settings and improvements in recent updates, others highlight that the game remains a resource hog, especially on lower-end systems. Overall, further optimization is needed to enhance the experience and accessibility for a broader audience.

    • “And pretty well optimized.”
    • “I can also see how they optimized the use of the Unity 3D engine in this game.”
    • “Game looks and runs smoothly on the highest settings.”
    • “Even after all these years, it is not optimized.”
    • “The game itself is poorly optimized on the visual side, with frequent frame drops that shouldn't be happening.”
    • “Unfortunately, much more time and refinement needs to be taken with the combat, as well as optimization of the game itself.”
  • humor
    40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of clever quips, particularly from the dealer, whose taunts and remarks add a layer of charm and wit to the gameplay. Players find the humor to be a mix of casual and dark, often eliciting chuckles through absurd situations and character interactions, though some may find the dealer's repetitive lines annoying over time. Overall, the game successfully combines humor with its deck-building and RPG elements, creating a unique and entertaining experience.

    • “The flawless sound design & thick fantasy atmosphere, along with the dealer's clever, wise, and hilarious voice lines and taunts, are more than worth the full price of entry on their own.”
    • “The quests themselves are well written, and a few of them are laugh-out-loud funny.”
    • “It's casually funny; you probably won't be coughing with laughter, but it'll likely get you chuckling quite a bit.”
  • stability
    35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and occasional freezes, particularly with controller support. While some users noted solid performance and minimal issues, others expressed frustration over game-breaking glitches and unresponsive controls. Overall, the game appears to be in need of further polishing, though periodic updates have improved stability for some players.

    • “Runs great even on integrated graphics.”
    • “The aesthetic is absolutely beautiful and it runs great (60 fps) even on a 3-year-old MacBook.”
    • “With the addition of being bug free, it's an absolute pleasure to dip in and out of.”
    • “After that I turned to endless mode and found that there's a huge amount of luck and effort to build up a good character over several hours, only to have it shot down in seconds by a stray event or one of many glitches.”
    • “Unfortunately, even after two years of its release, Hand of Fate is still mired by buggy framerate and an extremely difficult end game.”
    • “My major concern is that the game is very buggy in this state; I can seldom get a few rounds before the game crashes or freezes up.”
  • emotional
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players describe the emotional aspect of the game as a profound experience, often likening it to an emotional rollercoaster that evokes strong feelings, including joy and heartbreak. The narrative and character connections foster a deep investment, making moments of loss particularly impactful. Overall, the game successfully elicits a range of emotions, leaving players feeling both rewarded and reflective about their journey.

    • “This game was an emotional rollercoaster.”
    • “A card game like no other... dive deep into the stories of your fate... some you may regret ever touching, others will guide you to a greater outcome.”
    • “It has been a long time since I felt an emotional connection to a game and let me explain why;”
    • “It can be physically and emotionally painful.”
    • “The emotional impact of the game left me feeling drained.”
    • “I found the emotional moments to be overwhelming and hard to process.”
  • monetization
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, which is a refreshing change in the genre, especially for a collectible card game. However, some users feel that the downloadable content (DLC) is somewhat of a cash grab, offering limited new content, and there are unskippable ads at the start. Overall, while the monetization strategy is generally well-received, concerns about the value of DLC and in-game advertising persist.

    • “And no, there's no microtransactions to buy cards.”
    • “I know that makes this sound like I'm setting up to talk about microtransactions, but this game is entirely free of them, which is quite refreshing.”
    • “They don't pelt us with microtransactions every 4 seconds and expect that to be fine.”
    • “The DLC is a bit of a cash grab though; it just adds some new starting classes and items they start with, but it's still a great game!”
    • “In-game advertising for the DLC (extra characters, which are basically game modifiers), achievements which can only be done with the DLC.”
  • character development
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is enhanced by impressive graphics and detailed character designs, contributing to a vibrant and immersive world. Players appreciate the depth and progression offered through a card-based system, alongside engaging lore and memorable characters, particularly the dealer. Overall, the early access title showcases significant effort in character development, making it a standout feature.

    • “Pros: good lore, fun gameplay, interesting character designs, interesting encounters, a surprising amount of progression, and a ton of depth.”
    • “Despite being early access, a lot of time and love has been put into this game: the graphics and textures all look amazing, the character designs are fitting and great, and the dealer is such a good character.”
    • “Shadows, lighting effects, and detailed character designs work together to create a world that feels alive and foreboding.”
    • “Character development is card-based.”
    • “The characters lack depth and their growth feels forced and unconvincing.”
    • “I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired.”
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76%Critics’ scoreBased on 25 critic reviews
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7h Median play time
9h Average play time
11h Main story
65h Completionist
3-15h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 28 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Hand of Fate is a casual hack and slash game with fantasy and historical themes.

Hand of Fate is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, Mac OS and others.

The main story can be completed in around 11 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 65 hours to finish. On average players spend around 9 hours playing Hand of Fate.

Hand of Fate was released on February 17, 2015.

Hand of Fate was developed by Defiant Development.

Hand of Fate has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Hand of Fate is a single player game.

Similar games include Hand of Fate 2, Thea: The Awakening, Knock on the Coffin Lid, Monster Slayers, For The King and others.