Malevolence: The Sword of Ahkranox
- April 8, 2019
- Visual Outbreak
- 12h median play time
Get on SteamMalevolence: The Sword of Ahkranox is a first-person, turn-based roguelike game set in an infinite dream-world, where you play as a sentient sword protecting the realm from shadows. Inspired by classic RPGs, the game features infinite loot, quests, and possibilities, with a steep learning curve and no hand-holding. Your character starts as a scavenger, and success must be earned through patience and determination.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features an infinite procedurally generated world, providing endless exploration opportunities.
- It successfully emulates the classic CRPG gameplay style, reminiscent of games from the 90s, appealing to fans of old-school RPGs.
- The turn-based combat and strategic gameplay elements add depth, making it engaging for players who enjoy challenging dungeon crawlers.
- The game suffers from long loading times and repetitive dungeon designs, leading to a lack of variety and immersion.
- Graphics are outdated and do not meet modern standards, which may deter players looking for a visually appealing experience.
- The game has been criticized for its lack of content and features, with many players feeling it is not worth the current price, especially in its early access state.
- graphics37 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been widely criticized for being outdated, often compared to early 2000s PC visuals or even Amiga textures, with limited variety in layouts. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and engaging gameplay, many warn that the visuals are not a strong point and may require adjustments for optimal display. Overall, those seeking modern graphics should look elsewhere, as the game's appeal lies more in its classic RPG mechanics than in its visual presentation.
“Graphics: not state of the art by any means, but stay true to what exactly the developers are trying to achieve with this game.”
“Graphics take a wee bit of getting used to and the limited tiles for dungeons just now do make them a bit samey but it is the gameplay that shines and this game does have a lot to come which can only enhance a great game.”
“Purchase this if you want to re-live the RPGs of yesteryear including graphics and difficulty.”
“Warning though... the graphics are terrible.”
“Do not buy this if you think graphics make a game because the textures look like a PC game from the early 2000s.”
“Graphics in 2022 should be a little better than Amiga textures.”
- gameplay24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by classic turn-based mechanics reminiscent of 90s RPGs, focusing on dungeon exploration, loot collection, and strategic resource management. While it offers an infinite procedurally generated world and nostalgic elements, players note that the experience can be repetitive and frustrating due to its rough execution and limited mechanics. Overall, it has potential for enjoyment, especially for fans of blobber games, but requires significant polish to fully realize its capabilities.
“If you like blobber games where you delve into dungeons, look for loot while avoiding and disarming traps, fight monsters turn-based and have to think a little and ration your potion supplies, and want an infinite gameplay version of that, this game is for you.”
“Infinite procedurally generated world, classic CRPG gameplay, dark basic :D hell yeah, sign me up.”
“It's got a lot to offer and a rarely done style of gameplay, but in its current state is incredibly rough around the edges, pretty much all over, but it'll give you quite a lot of enjoyment if you don't mind the general wonkiness it has, and given plenty of polish could be something absolutely wonderful.”
“The game is not vast and filled with different mechanics and build abilities like some rogue-like games such as Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup.”
“They sacrificed many potential gameplay options in order to pay 'homage to the 90s era RPGs.'”
“Btw, most of the things they say they are missing because the game is 'a homage,' are actually missing because their engine (which runs poorly because they chose a larger world over improved gameplay) can't handle it.”
- story14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story is considered shallow, primarily revolving around repetitive quests that involve finding dungeons and defeating enemies, with a lack of variety in both monsters and quest types. While it lacks depth and graphical superiority, it remains engaging enough to keep players invested over time. Future DLCs are expected to introduce more content, such as guild quests and crafting.
“I was looking for procedural, medieval roguelikes with a story and I found this.”
“Now this isn't graphically superior, or story rich, but it is definitely engaging and will keep one playing a lifetime if they wish.”
“The quests are shallow, really just go find this dungeon, which is not easy in this vast world, kill a certain amount of x creatures or the big bad boss.”
“The game suffers from a lack of monster variety, and the randomly generated quests need more variety as well.”
“You play as a single character, which I usually don't like in an RPG, and take various quests to gain prestige, power, and the ability to purchase greater goodies.”
- music14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players initially finding it decent but later growing to appreciate it more. Notably, the soundtrack enhances the game's atmosphere, particularly during loading screens and town entries, although the inability to turn off or lower the volume has been a point of frustration for some. Overall, while the music is generally well-regarded, its repetitive nature during long load times can detract from the experience.
“I like the sounds and the music.”
“Sound: fantastic music; especially the piece in the loading screens while waiting to enter towns.”
“Also of note is the music which sets the mood for the game.”
“Now I will not talk about the music which cannot be turned off nor can you reduce the volume!”
“Sound and music... decent, no better.”
“- Long load times (there's a music jingle that plays if you enter a town... only once it actually ends can you play again... the jingle is about 30 seconds long, I think).”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is praised for evoking nostalgia, reminiscent of classic RPGs while eliminating the cumbersome user interface and confusion often associated with older games. This creates an immersive experience that appeals to both new players and veterans of the genre.
“The feeling, atmosphere, and layout feel like a trip back to the RPGs of old without the hassle of a confusing UI or the unintentional confusion that comes with playing my old favorites in a modern setting.”
