Just a Cleric: Scholar of the First Wuss
- April 4, 2016
- Del_Duio
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreIncludes the free expansion pack, "Scholar of the First Wuss"!UPDATE 9/13/16: Added a gear storage feature at the town tree stump!--"He's just a cleric, we can't deny!" "He's just a cleric, he's gonna' die!"Play the acclaimed retro action RPG extravaganza almost nobody's been talking about (but should be!)Take up your mace, dust off that cross, whip out that bible and check this puppy out! Do it f…
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique and catchy soundtrack with humorous lyrics that many players find enjoyable.
- Just a Cleric offers a fun and challenging gameplay experience with RPG elements, allowing for character customization and strategic play.
- The developer is actively engaged with the community, responding to feedback and making improvements to the game.
- The graphics and controls can feel clunky, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- There are issues with the game's resolution and font readability, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Some players have reported game-breaking glitches and a lack of options for farming or grinding between missions.
- music45 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game is a polarizing aspect, with some players finding it quirky, catchy, and humorous, while others describe it as cringe-worthy and dreadful. Many appreciate the unique, self-produced soundtrack featuring actual instruments and vocals from the in-game band, which adds a distinct charm to the experience. Overall, the music is seen as a highlight for those who enjoy its eccentric style, though it may not appeal to everyone.
“The thing that makes this game stand out, and the reason I'm writing this review, is the music.”
“The music is played with actual instruments by the in-game group the Booger Myers Band, and almost every track has vocals, which is something that I normally don't like in a video game but which quickly grew on me.”
“It's so goddamn awesome, I'd recommend this game solely for the soundtrack already, but that's not the point here.”
“The music is horrible!!!”
“It's so bad I spam the B button on the startup, as if my life depends on it, trying desperately to avoid listening to the ear-bleeding intro music.”
“The music doesn't fit the game and is dreadful.”
- story27 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story is engaging and humorously presented, featuring a variety of quirky quests and witty dialogue that enhance the gameplay experience. While not primarily story-driven, players appreciate the eclectic soundtrack and the charm of the eccentric characters encountered throughout the missions. However, some quests can be frustrating, and the lack of grinding opportunities between missions may hinder progress for some players.
“I enjoyed the story way too much.”
“The writing and humor in these quests is fantastic and definitely the best part of the game (even the soundtrack is both hilarious and catchy).”
“As a cleric out to kill a dragon in revenge for his fallen allies, you start out in a small hub where you can buy and upgrade equipment before leaving to perform certain tasks on a series of missions.”
“This game really wasn’t made to be story driven.”
“My only major problem is that you can't grind between quests so if you're ever stuck there's not much you can do besides tough it out.”
“So it'll take 15 - 30 minutes to complete this quest and it just seems like you need to get lucky.”
- humor20 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its unexpected and entertaining elements, with many reviewers highlighting the clever writing, situational gags, and hilarious NPC interactions. The soundtrack, featuring catchy and funny lyrics, complements the game's cutesy 8-bit graphics and adds to its unique charm. While some humor may be crude, it resonates well with players, making it a standout aspect of the overall experience.
“I was entertained and humored by the story and music, had a blast with the gameplay, and delighted in collecting each and every achievement.”
“The writing and humor in these quests is fantastic and definitely the best part of the game (even the soundtrack is both hilarious and catchy).”
“The humor in this game is so awesome, almost every NPC is admirable and throws out one gag after another.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are primarily pixel art, designed for a low resolution of 160x112, which has drawn mixed reactions from players. While some appreciate the charming sprite and item designs that complement the game's humor, others criticize the graphics as low-effort and clunky, detracting from the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the pixel art style is seen as fitting for the game's tone, though it may not appeal to everyone.
“I loved the sprite and item graphics, and all the little unique items you find.”
“The cleric class from the old-school RPGs (take Baldur's Gate from Bioware as an example), the deadly traps you know from dungeon crawlers and side-scrollers (like Castlevania), a lovely pixel-art graphic style (which only adds to the charm of the game, I couldn't imagine this game being 3D or whatever), everything in this game kind of matches.”
“Challenging gameplay, the best humor in a game I've seen for a long time, and the charming pixel graphics make this game what it is.”
“The steam community has rightfully commented on some clunk factor with graphics and combat.”
“Once you get past the horribly low effort graphics, the gameplay is very weak, something like Zeliard but made more annoying because of the poor graphics and somewhat clunky controls.”
“Graphically, the game resembles something that you'd play on Sega's battery-munching Game Gear system.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mix of platforming and RPG elements, featuring a fair difficulty curve that starts easy and becomes progressively challenging. While the controls are generally smooth and responsive, some minor issues arise with combat mechanics, particularly when matching weapon types to enemy patterns. Overall, players appreciate the humor, charm, and nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic titles, despite some graphical and control shortcomings.
“I've got to say, I've never seen this done in a game and I found it added a whole new dimension to the gameplay.”
“Just a Cleric is a platformer with RPG elements where you can level up, upgrade your stats, and collect and equip different gear. It has a pretty fair difficulty curve, starting off easy to help you get the hang of the controls and mechanics, but it progressively gets harder, providing a nice challenging yet fair experience.”
“Challenging gameplay, the best humor in a game I've seen for a long time, and the charming pixel graphics make this game what it is.”
“Once you get past the horribly low effort graphics, the gameplay is very weak, something like Zeliard but made more annoying because of the poor graphics and somewhat clunky controls.”
“I like the style, the music, and the humor, but the gameplay and controls are a tad wonky.”
“The actual gameplay is simple at a glance, with simple controls and very little in the way of mechanics to get used to.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
"Just a Cleric" offers high replayability through its New Game+ feature and various self-imposed challenges, including a demanding hardcore mode for achievement hunters. Players can experiment with different character builds and equipment, encouraging multiple playthroughs and diverse gameplay experiences. Overall, it is highly recommended for those seeking a game with significant replay value.
“Just a Cleric is a clear example of a game you can pick up at any time and have a blast. The replayability is high with the New Game+ feature, and if you enjoy self-imposed challenges, this game is great for that. You can also try the hardest in-game challenge, 'Hardcore Mode,' which is bound to give achievement hunters a run for their money.”
“Overall, if you want a nice, inexpensive game with a ton of replay value, I can't recommend Just a Cleric enough.”
“I'm pretty boring in how I play, so I generally just pump all of my stat points into strength and constitution. However, you can really experiment with your character's stats and equipment to the point that replayability is highly encouraged.”
“After completing the game once, I found that there wasn't much incentive to go back and play again. The story doesn't change significantly, and the side quests feel repetitive.”
“While the game offers different character builds, the core gameplay loop remains the same, making it hard to feel motivated to replay it.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report encountering several game-ending glitches that can be frustrating, especially due to the lack of an auto-save feature and the presence of random elements in the game. Overall, stability appears to be a concern for players.
“For one thing, there are a few game-ending glitches, which can get annoying because there's no auto-save feature and there are some RNG elements in the game.”
“Finally, I found some glitches by accident.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a charming and whimsical vibe, enhanced by humorous NPCs that seamlessly integrate into the cutesy environment.
“The NPCs are hilarious and blend perfectly with the charming atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is enchanting, drawing you into its whimsical world.”
“Every detail contributes to a captivating atmosphere that keeps you immersed.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking any real sense of immersion.”
“Despite the colorful visuals, the overall ambiance is surprisingly dull and lifeless.”
“The game tries to create a whimsical atmosphere, but it often falls short and feels forced.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players note a significant absence of farming or grinding mechanics for leveling up or acquiring items, which may lead to a less engaging experience for those who enjoy these elements in gameplay.
“There is a lack of farming and grinding for levels or items, making progression feel stagnant.”
“The game suffers from minimal grinding opportunities, which limits the ability to enhance character skills and gear.”
“Without sufficient grinding mechanics, the game feels too easy and lacks depth in character development.”
