Nordicandia
- September 2, 2022
- Garden of Dreams
- 4h median play time
Nordicandia is a semi-idle action RPG with a deep and unique crafting system. Collect epic loot, craft and merge items, and level up your character to beat the World Bosses! Adventure forth as a mighty Warrior, agile Hunter or a powerful Mage. Assign Attributes to specialize your Character, and unlock unique Active and Passive Skills as you progress.
Reviews
- Nordicandia features an engaging crafting system that allows for deep customization and enhancement of gear, reminiscent of popular ARPGs like Path of Exile.
- The game offers a unique blend of idle and active gameplay, allowing players to choose their level of engagement while still enjoying satisfying loot drops and progression.
- The developer is highly responsive to community feedback, actively working to improve the game and address concerns regarding monetization and gameplay mechanics.
- The game suffers from a monetization system that can feel predatory, with many essential features and upgrades locked behind a paywall, leading to frustration among players.
- There are significant bugs and performance issues, including crashes and problems with online connectivity, which detract from the overall experience.
- The graphics and user interface are considered simplistic and unpolished, which may turn off players expecting a more visually appealing experience.
- gameplay47 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Nordicandia is characterized by a blend of idle and active mechanics, featuring a complex crafting system and a satisfying loot experience that keeps players engaged. However, many reviews highlight issues such as a dull gameplay loop, unrefined combat mechanics, and predatory pay-to-win elements that hinder the overall experience. While some players appreciate the addictive nature of the gameplay and customization options, others find it repetitive and lacking depth, particularly in comparison to more polished titles in the genre.
“Nordicandia offers interesting gameplay with an engaging crafting system that allows players to customize and enhance their gear.”
“It offers a unique blend of idle and active gameplay, a complex crafting system, and a wide variety of loot and character customization options.”
“The true gem of Nordicandia lies in its addictive gameplay and satisfying loot drops.”
“It was clearly made for mobile gameplay and it shows; it's nowhere near Path of Exile's level of fun and complexity.”
“However, I don't appreciate finding crucial gameplay elements such as skill slots locked behind a paywall. Even if you can technically unlock them for free, it will take a while, and since skill slots are per-character unlocks, you will have to unlock them again on each new character.”
“The lack of real animations, gameplay depth, or interesting classes/skills makes this basically useless as a Diablo/Path of Exile style game. The lack of proper, equally viable idle support makes this useless as a second monitor 'look at it and enjoy numbers go up' idle game.”
- monetization28 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 32 % negative mentions
The monetization system of the game has received mixed reviews, with initial complaints about it being pay-to-win (P2W) gradually improving due to recent updates that have made in-game purchases more favorable for free players. While some players appreciate the changes and the availability of in-game currency, others still criticize the intrusive nature of monetization and express concerns about its overall fairness. Overall, the developers are actively working to refine the monetization approach, which has led to a more positive outlook among some players.
“I hear it started a bit bad on monetization but seems to be fantastic now for free players, and for paying players... well, please come on in.”
“The newest update (1.05) completely reworks the in-game purchases, it's now pretty amazing, definitely give it another shot.”
“Opals (the in-game currency/monetization) are excessively/easily earned as you progress through the game.”
“The in-game monetization is real and getting worse.”
“All monetization, all the time, and the tutorial is one of the most intrusive and obnoxious I've run across yet.”
“Monetization is actually garbage.”
- graphics26 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users describing them as basic, dull, or simplistic, often comparing them unfavorably to other titles in the genre. Despite this, some players emphasize that the visuals should not deter potential players, as the game's engaging gameplay, complex crafting system, and satisfying loot mechanics compensate for the lack of polish in the graphics. Overall, while the visuals may not impress, the game's depth and community support are highlighted as redeeming qualities.
“Its immersive storyline and stunning visuals outshine many, yet, its combat mechanics need refinement.”
“While the visuals might put you off from even trying this game, the dopamine hit from getting loot drops and crafting is just as satisfying.”
“The graphics are quite unique but also simple, but that's fine; we are not here for that necessarily.”
“One thing to be open about, the graphics are very basic.”
“Graphically speaking, the game is rather dull looking.”
“Graphics are moving image plates and pretty low-key.”
- grinding19 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while it offers a nostalgic loot grinding experience reminiscent of classics like Diablo and Path of Exile, many players find the process tedious and overly reliant on RNG for essential items. Some appreciate the game's complexity and community support, but others criticize the need for excessive time or money to progress effectively, leading to a sense of frustration rather than enjoyment. Overall, it caters to those who thrive on repetitive grinding but may deter players seeking a more balanced gameplay experience.
“So grinding for items becomes just pointless.”
“Yes, you can get all the stuff by simply grinding forever, but for starters, opals (the 'premium currency') don't drop that much, and you need quite a few for, say, unlocking skill slots.”
“You will spend 1 month (minimum) farming opals to finally choose what you will unlock with them, and you will be limited to that only; you will not play for fun, but to farm opals to unlock the game, and then start actually playing.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a mixed reception regarding the story aspect, with some praising the immersive environments while criticizing the plot as lacking depth compared to other fantasy RPGs. Several users noted the absence of a meaningful narrative, suggesting that the game prioritizes gameplay mechanics over storytelling. Overall, the consensus indicates that while the visuals and gameplay may be engaging, the story is either minimal or poorly developed.
“Its immersive storyline and stunning visuals outshine many, yet, its combat mechanics need refinement.”
“I have never met another dungeon grind game that voids the unnecessary storyline, offers a sophisticated crafting system and (I dare say) the most versatility regardless of class chosen.”
“Captivating Norse landscapes, but lackluster plot compared to other fantasy RPGs.”
“There is no story.”
“Story is nonexistent.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback; while some users appreciate the optimized loot filter, others report performance issues on certain devices, indicating a need for further improvements.
“The game’s strongest point is the limitless amount of crafting that can be done and how optimized the loot filter is.”
“But it could use more optimization in my opinion.”
“Well done, good inspirations; the only negative might be poor optimization, so it runs poorly on some phones.”
“The game’s strongest point is the limitless amount of crafting that can be done, but the optimization needs improvement.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of Nordicandia is highly praised for its immersive qualities, drawing deeply from Viking lore to create a unique experience that sets it apart from other fantasy RPGs. Reviewers highlight its ability to outshine competitors in the genre through its rich and engaging environment.
“Nordicandia, with its immersive atmosphere, outshines competitors in the fantasy RPG genre.”
“Drawing from the rich atmosphere of Viking lore, Nordicandia offers a unique experience compared to other RPGs.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The music and sound effects in the game are considered adequate, with a pleasing presentation that complements the graphics. Overall, the audio experience is functional and enhances playability on both desktop and mobile platforms.
“Music, sound effects, and graphics are presented nicely, and it is playable on desktop and mobile.”
“Music and sound effects are passable.”
“The music lacks variety and becomes repetitive quickly.”
“The soundtrack feels generic and doesn't enhance the gameplay experience.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its amusing narrative and the ironic commentary on the value of time versus money, particularly in relation to the cost of in-game purchases like stash tabs.
“Funny story, but free time matters so much more than how fat your wallet is.”
“The money you should pay for just one stash tab is hilarious.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised, receiving a score of 9 out of 10, thanks to its extensive options for character customization, gear modifications, and account personalization, catering to a wide range of player preferences.
“With all of the options for character development, gear modifications, and account customization, there's something for everyone!”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, including frequent freezes and disconnections that can lead to in-game deaths and the need to log back in. Additionally, a buggy interface has been noted to cause item deletions, further detracting from the overall experience.
“After a year-long pause from this game, myself and others are encountering the same inexplicable freezes and disconnections that result in deaths and having to log back in.”
“The buggy interface deletes items.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find the emotional aspect of the game to be unexpectedly impactful, often catching them off guard and eliciting strong feelings despite their initial lack of focus.
“It was emotionally jarring because I wasn't even paying attention.”
“The story hit me hard; I felt a deep connection with the characters.”
“I found myself tearing up during several key moments; the emotional depth is incredible.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Replayability is enhanced through seasonal content, but it is heavily tied to the battle pass system, which incentivizes players to spend money for better rewards and progression. This reliance on paid content may limit the experience for those who prefer not to invest financially.
“The game offers incredible replayability with its seasonal content, encouraging players to engage repeatedly to unlock new rewards and climb the ladders.”
“Each season introduces fresh challenges and a battle pass system that enhances the replay value, making it worthwhile to dive back in and experience the new content.”
“With the continuous updates and seasonal events, there's always something new to explore, ensuring that players keep coming back for more.”