Nox Archaist

  • January 28, 2021
80%
Game Brain Score Based on 42 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • music
Nox Archaist Game Cover
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Nox Archaist is a new Ultima-style CRPG with a deep and engaging story, where you control characters traveling through the world of Vali, visiting towns, castles, exploring dungeons, and fighting monsters. As your characters gain wealth, experience, and skills, they will face increasingly difficult challenges and foes, in a quest to save the world from a mysterious danger. Notable figures, including Lord British and Richard Garriott, have endorsed this game, which is available as a digital download and collector's boxed set for Windows, MacOS, and original Apple II hardware.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 42 reviews
story7 positive mentions
  • Nox Archaist is a brilliant homage to classic RPGs, capturing the nostalgic feel of the Apple II era while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics.
  • The game features an engaging story, strategic combat, and a wealth of content, including numerous quests, items, and characters to explore.
  • Quality of life improvements, such as a quest log and tactical combat options, enhance the overall experience while maintaining the charm of old-school RPGs.
  • The font and UI are often criticized for being difficult to read, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • Input lag and slow response times can frustrate players, making the game feel less fluid and enjoyable.
  • Some players find the need to take extensive notes and draw maps cumbersome, as the game does not provide sufficient guidance for navigation.
  • story21 mentions

    The story of the game is a classic "save-the-world" narrative enriched by a vast world filled with numerous quests, characters, and items to discover. Players appreciate the engaging and immersive experience that encourages exploration and note-taking, reminiscent of old-school RPGs, while also benefiting from modern quality-of-life features like a quest log. Overall, the unique world design and depth of content make for a rewarding gameplay experience, appealing to fans of traditional RPG mechanics.

    • “Its engaging story, strategic combat, and charming retro visuals create an immersive experience that feels both authentic and innovative.”
    • “But the great and real strength of Nox Archaist is the fascinating, unique world design and concept of the title, which makes the hours spent in-game so rewarding: it's fun to explore, uncovering piece by piece more of the complex storyline, which adds depth to the old-school playing experience.”
    • “Yes, this game is worthy of the comparison to those great titles, and carves its own path with a unique story and world at the same time!”
    • “The story itself is your typical save-the-world kind of story.”
    • “Like the Ultima games, it expects that you will keep your own notes to track quests, the plot, secrets, etc. There is a quest tracker, but it doesn't care about the many other non-critical adventure threads that turn up casually in conversation with NPCs.”
    • “If you want quest markers or hand-holding, this may not be for you.”
  • graphics13 mentions

    Nox Archaist features retro graphics that pay homage to classic RPGs, particularly the Apple II era, creating a nostalgic yet immersive experience. While some may find the visuals rough by modern standards, the game's charm lies in its ability to evoke imagination and nostalgia, reminiscent of the depth found in older titles like Ultima. Overall, the graphics serve as a deliberate stylistic choice that enhances the game's authenticity and gameplay richness.

    • “Nox Archaist is a brilliant homage to classic RPGs, blending nostalgic Apple II-era aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics.”
    • “Its engaging story, strategic combat, and charming retro visuals create an immersive experience that feels both authentic and innovative.”
    • “The art style, music, and immersion provide unparalleled charm and beauty.”
    • “My only complaint is; the graphics are a bit rough (mainly the font).”
    • “If you want 2020 graphics, this isn't for you (though you are missing out).”
    • “It was coded in 6502 assembly, the graphics were made for the Apple II.”
  • music8 mentions

    The music in the game is praised for enhancing the nostalgic experience, particularly with its dungeon synth tracks that evoke a sense of atmosphere reminiscent of classic titles. However, some players express disappointment over the limited frequency of music playback, noting that it only plays during specific events rather than continuously. Overall, the original soundtrack is well-received, comparable to beloved classics like Baldur's Gate 1, contributing to the game's immersive charm.

    • “A fall evening, darkness outside, dim lights, nice music, and a game like this truly is an experience!”
    • “The art style, music, and immersion provide unparalleled charm and beauty.”
    • “I miss listening to a music track 24/7 though... the game only plays a very short music track when you enter an area or a battle.”
    • “The game ships with the OST (MP3).”
    • “While playing Nox, you can play these OSTs and immerse yourself in the wonderful and challenging game world.”
  • gameplay3 mentions

    Nox Archaist successfully combines nostalgic Apple II-era aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics, offering a satisfying traditional RPG experience that pays homage to classic titles.

    • “Nox Archaist is a brilliant homage to classic RPGs, blending nostalgic Apple II-era aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics.”
    • “Very satisfying traditional RPG gameplay.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a consistent sense of curiosity and exploration, enhanced by well-placed Easter eggs and occasional comedic moments that add an enjoyable layer to the experience.

    • “The curiosity never leaves, and the exploration is so funny.”
    • “The well-placed Easter eggs and the occasionally spread humor are a nice bonus on top.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting it as a heartfelt and lovingly-crafted tribute that resonates deeply with players.

    • “Kudos to the developers for such a heartfelt and lovingly made tribute; I love it!”
    • “The emotional depth of the story left me in tears; it truly resonated with my own experiences.”
    • “I was completely immersed in the characters' struggles and triumphs; their journeys touched my heart.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Character development in the game is highlighted as a strategic and intricate process, allowing players to equip and level up a diverse cast of party members while engaging in turn-based combat and exploration typical of classic CRPGs.

    • “It combines a strategic, turn-based world (complete with combat), an intricate planning and character development layer, a bunch of cool party members to find, equip, and level up, and classic CRPG exploration!”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Workshop 6502" is highly praised for effectively capturing the essence of traditional 80s RPG systems, reminiscent of the iconic Ultima series. The tile-based visuals contribute to a nostalgic and immersive experience that resonates with fans of the genre.

    • “The enthusiastic team at 'Workshop 6502' did a brilliant job capturing the spirit and atmosphere of a traditional 80's RPG system, with the tile-based look inspired by the legendary Ultima series from Origin Systems.”
    • “The game's atmosphere immerses you in a nostalgic world that feels both familiar and enchanting, reminiscent of classic RPGs.”
    • “Every detail in the environment contributes to a rich and engaging atmosphere that draws players into the story.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players appreciate the absence of grinding in the game, highlighting its focus on pure RPG elements without level scaling or rigid class structures. This design choice enhances the overall enjoyment and immersion in the gameplay experience.

    • “There is no grinding, no level scaling, no hard-set classes, just pure RPG goodness.”
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