"Netherguild is a single-player Fantasy Turn Based Strategy game, where you lead expeditions to cure a plague by descending into dungeon-like environments. Construct bonfires to rest and manage your resources, and engage in combat with enemies, where mastering different strategies and utilizing abilities is crucial for survival. With permadeath and evolving character builds, each playthrough offers a unique challenge."
Engaging turn-based combat with a good mix of melee and ranged options, allowing for diverse tactical strategies.
Charming pixel art and unique biomes enhance the visual experience, making the game visually appealing.
The developer is highly responsive to feedback and actively works on updates, showing commitment to improving the game.
The user interface is clunky and unintuitive, making navigation and gameplay feel frustrating at times.
There are still many bugs and crashes, particularly during battles, which can disrupt the gaming experience.
Limited content in the early access version may leave players wanting more, as some gameplay elements feel repetitive.
gameplay
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
29%
8%
The gameplay is characterized by simple yet engaging mechanics, reminiscent of titles like Darkest Dungeon, with a focus on squad-based combat and roguelike elements that enhance replayability. Players appreciate the dynamic combat system, diverse classes, and strategic depth, although some minor UI improvements are suggested. Overall, the game offers a fun and balanced experience, complemented by charming art and sound design.
“The combat mechanics are dynamic and well-executed, enhanced by the initiative system that adds a strategic layer.”
“The core gameplay loop is intuitive and fun, with more than enough depth to keep you engaged.”
“The gameplay loop is reminiscent of Darkest Dungeon (albeit a bit simplified).”
“From a gameplay perspective, it's a roguelike with team organization similar to Darkest Dungeon, and combat similar to Final Fantasy Tactics.”
“The voxel art style is charming -- I am generally not a huge fan of voxel art but it works here as the foundation of a cute aesthetic mashed up with tactically dense gameplay.”
graphics
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
72%
9%
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming voxel art style that many players find appealing, despite some initial reservations about the aesthetic. The unique biomes and easily distinguishable unit types enhance the visual experience, while the cute art complements the game's tactical gameplay. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the immersive atmosphere, making it a standout feature for fans of indie roguelike dungeon crawlers.
“The graphics are charming, and the atmospheric music adds to the immersive experience.”
“I'd highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a rogue-like turn-based strategy dungeon crawler with nice voxel graphics.”
“I usually prefer more realistic aesthetics, so I wasn't initially drawn to this style.”
“[b]Armor changes do not seem to reflect on the character[/b]; this option seems very possible given the chosen art style of the game.”
“The voxel art style is charming -- I am generally not a huge fan of voxel art, but it works here as the foundation of a cute aesthetic mashed up with tactically dense gameplay.”
story
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
65%
15%
The game's story is described as present but not intrusive, featuring an overarching main quest complemented by engaging faction dynamics and side missions. While some find the narrative amusingly absurd, it effectively motivates players to explore and complete various objectives throughout their adventures. Overall, the story enhances the gameplay experience without dominating it.
“The narrative framing is also engaging; while I wouldn't characterize this as a story-driven game, there's an overarching narrative that's evocative and makes me want to play more to learn what exactly is going on here.”
“I like the idea of an overarching main quest interspersed with backstabbing factions.”
“The quests and such give each 'run' a nice objective, more than just the overarching objective of 'get the cure'.”
“The story is hilariously stupid; might as well have just skipped it.”
“On the surface, we hire adventurers, buy provisions and weapons, take hunting quests, and interact with various factions.”
“While I wouldn't characterize this as a story-driven game, there's an overarching narrative that's evocative and makes me want to play more to learn what exactly is going on here.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
37%
13%
The music in the game is generally described as high-quality and atmospheric, enhancing the overall experience and immersion. While some reviewers note that the soundtrack and sound effects are inoffensive and may not stand out, they are still considered delightful and easy on the ears, contributing positively to the game's charm.
“I must mention the high-quality soundtrack and sound effects, which create a fantastic atmosphere and enhance the overall experience.”
“The game's core mechanics are fun, the art is simple and charming, and the music and sounds are delightful.”
“The graphics are charming and the atmospheric music adds to the immersive experience.”
“Inoffensive soundtrack and sound effects won't win any prizes, but they will be easy on your ears.”
atmosphere
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting the high-quality soundtrack and sound effects that significantly enhance the experience. The charming graphics, particularly the voxel environments and effective use of color, contribute to an immersive and captivating atmosphere.
“I must mention the high-quality soundtrack and sound effects, which create a fantastic atmosphere and enhance the overall experience.”
“The graphics are charming and the atmospheric music adds to the immersive experience.”
“I enjoyed the voxel environments in particular, very good use of color, great atmosphere.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's humor is characterized by cute art and witty dialogue, though some players find the story to be absurdly silly, suggesting it could be overlooked entirely.
“The art style is very cute and the dialogue is humorous too.”
“The story is hilariously stupid, might as well have just skipped it.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate that Netherguild offers flexibility in grinding, allowing both casual quick sessions and extensive gameplay for those who enjoy longer grinding experiences. The game saves progress seamlessly, making it accessible for all types of players.
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its high emotional stakes, creating a deeply engaging experience that resonates with players. The combination of intense gameplay and emotional drama enhances its overall impact, making it a standout in the roguelite genre.
“A thoroughly engaging, brilliantly realized roguelite where the stakes are high, and the emotional drama is higher.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players highlight the strong gameplay loop as a key factor contributing to the game's high replayability, especially considering its affordable price. This combination encourages repeated playthroughs without significant drawbacks.
“The gameplay loop enables lots of replayability, and you really can't complain about the game's affordable price.”