Knights of the Chalice
- August 23, 2019
- Heroic Fantasy Games Dot Com
Get on Steam"Knights of the Chalice" is a turn-based RPG set in a high-fantasy world. The game offers a party-based system, where players control a group of up to 6 characters. It boasts a complex combat system with strategic options, and a rich, engaging storyline with multiple branching paths. Players will encounter numerous creatures, have dialogues with various NPCs, and make important decisions that will affect the outcome of their journey.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a fantastic implementation of D&D 3.5 rules with engaging and challenging tactical combat.
- Customization options for crafting and gear enhance the gameplay experience, allowing players to strategize effectively.
- The encounter design is superb, providing a variety of interesting and well-balanced challenges throughout the game.
- The game can be excessively difficult, often requiring players to reload saves frequently due to challenging encounters and RNG elements.
- Limited class and race options restrict character diversity, which may disappoint players looking for more variety in gameplay.
- The AI behavior can feel unfair, as enemies consistently target spellcasters first, leading to frustrating situations for players.
- graphics44 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple, dated, and reminiscent of classic titles like Ultima 6/7, which some players find charming and immersive. While the pixel art style is appreciated by some, others criticize it for being low quality and unclear, impacting readability and overall aesthetic. Despite these graphical limitations, many reviewers emphasize that the gameplay experience compensates for the visuals, making it a worthwhile tactical RPG.
“Even these 'MS graphics' are honestly better and more colorful and vibrant (and simple enough) that it's excellent immersion in fantasy.”
“Love the graphics, reminds me of Ultima 7, but combat is easy to keep on top of.”
“The graphics really struck a chord with me as they really scream 'Ultima'.”
“The graphics aren't great.”
“I'm fine with the pixel style, but it's low quality in this game with unclear graphics, low aesthetic, and sometimes even texts that are uneasy to read.”
“It sounds like a lot of people are turned off by the graphics.”
- story38 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story in "Knights of the Chalice" is minimal and primarily serves as a framework to facilitate combat encounters, lacking depth and character development. Players seeking a rich narrative experience akin to classic RPGs like "Baldur's Gate" or "Planescape: Torment" will likely be disappointed, as the focus is heavily on combat and character advancement rather than storytelling. Overall, the narrative is straightforward and reminiscent of old D&D adventures, but it does not provide a complex or engaging plot.
“The story is interesting without being complex.”
“This takes you through a lot of the storylines from classic adventures, and is like a romp through AD&D with 3E rules.”
“The story is much like what you find in old D&D games.”
“The story is bare bones and exists solely to showcase the various combat situations you find yourself in.”
“If you are looking for a long involved story then that itch will not be scratched here.”
“Expect no story here, no developed characters, and essentially very limited amount of actual roleplay.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its combat mechanics, closely aligning with the 3.5 edition of Dungeons & Dragons, even if not all base mechanics are included. Additionally, the game features an exceptional in-game help menu that effectively explains mechanics through a user-friendly hyperlink system.
“Probably my favorite D&D game as far as the combat mechanics.”
“If not all base mechanics of 3.5e are implemented, there's still a lot.”
“It includes one of the best in-game help menus I have seen, with all the mechanics explained using a hyperlink system.”
- music6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered forgettable, with some users likening it to the soundtracks of early 90s educational games. While opinions vary, it is described as "okay" overall, lacking a distinctive or memorable quality.
“The music is okay, in my opinion.”
“The music is a little forgettable.”
“The music reminds me of educational games from the early 90s, and the graphics and controls are like Ultima 7!”
“The music is just okay, in my opinion.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly for newcomers who may be concerned about the complexity of learning the rules. However, there is reassurance that the experience is manageable despite its repetitiveness.
“It was just tedious.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is intricately tied to its excellent turn-based combat system, requiring players to strategically enhance their characters to succeed. This integration of character growth and combat mechanics adds depth and complexity, making it essential for players to engage thoughtfully with both aspects.
“The whole point of this game is the combat; the turn-based system is excellent, and character development complements it. You need some brains to do well in both.”
