Path of Achra

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,667 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Path of Achra Game Cover
Play in Arcadia
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Path of Achra is a passion project of a solo developer, inspired by dungeon crawlers, offering a "broken build sandbox" experience. Create a unique hero by merging culture, class, and religion, with over 1000 possible combinations. Wield 50+ elemental powers, discover and equip unique weapons and armor, and unleash explosive synergies for devastating combat effects. Your choices from the demo will carry over to the full game.

  • PC
  • Web Browser
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,667 reviews
gameplay95 positive mentions
grinding20 negative mentions
  • Path of Achra offers an incredible amount of build diversity, allowing players to experiment with various combinations of cultures, classes, and gods.
  • The game is fast-paced and engaging, with runs typically lasting between 30 minutes to an hour, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions.
  • The developer is very active and responsive, frequently updating the game with new content and balancing, which enhances the overall experience.
  • The game can feel overwhelming at first due to the sheer amount of information and options presented, which may deter some new players.
  • Combat can become repetitive as many builds rely on auto-attacking or standing still, leading to a lack of tactical depth in gameplay.
  • Some players have reported issues with balance, particularly regarding certain builds being significantly more powerful than others, which can affect the overall challenge.
  • gameplay409 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and streamlined mechanics, allowing players to focus on building intricate character synergies and combos. While the moment-to-moment actions are basic—primarily involving movement, attacking, and using abilities—the depth lies in the extensive customization options and the potential for creative builds. Players appreciate the fast-paced nature and addictive loop of experimenting with different strategies, although some feel the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks tactical depth.

    • “The gameplay is fascinating and addicting - in theory, the game can be treated as a small game to play for 10 minutes while you are waiting, in practice, you are going to be pulled into it for long hours, because after either a victorious or failed run, you simply get tons of ideas on how to improve the build you were working on, or how to do the same thing differently, or you will be simply urged to test out something entirely different.”
    • “The core gameplay loop of finding and abusing synergies between your starting culture/class/deity, your powers, and your gear is incredibly engaging, bolstered by a relatively simple moveset that conceals a great deal of mechanical depth underneath.”
    • “Amazing fast-paced gameplay with so, so, soooo many build options!”
    • “Moment-to-moment gameplay isn't super interesting.”
    • “The actual gameplay is minimal even by roguelike standards - you can move to an adjacent space, attack an enemy in range, or stand still.”
    • “There's just too little meat to the gameplay, a simple walk through a linear series of chambers you can't even scroll through.”
  • graphics174 mentions

    The graphics of "Path of Achra" are characterized by a charming retro pixel art style that evokes nostalgia for classic 80s CRPGs, effectively creating a dark fantasy atmosphere. While some players find the visuals minimal and reminiscent of older games, many appreciate their simplicity and how they complement the game's lore and gameplay, proving that high-quality graphics are not essential for an engaging experience. Overall, the aesthetic is well-received, particularly by fans of traditional roguelikes, despite some critiques regarding their lack of polish.

    • “The graphics and music do a great job creating a believable dark fantasy setting along with the cool wording and descriptions of stuff.”
    • “Path of Achra lists itself as another game that proves high-quality visuals are not necessary for a truly good game.”
    • “The graphics are simple yet effective.”
    • “The graphics are terrible.”
    • “Even though it's pretty boring and the art-style is really specific.”
    • “I do wish the art style was less in the 8-bit mode as it detracts from what could be quite the fireworks show on the screen.”
  • music120 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, often described as soothing, catchy, and fitting the dark fantasy theme. While many reviewers appreciate the existing soundtrack, there are frequent requests for more variety and additional tracks to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the music effectively complements the gameplay and visuals, creating a nostalgic and engaging ambiance.

    • “The soundtrack can be described as soothing and minimalistic dungeon synth; however, if you really listen to it, it becomes really easy to enter goblin mode and start humming along, out loud.”
    • “The music, although simplistic, genuinely stands out to me; it's catchy, not overbearing, and totally fits the tone of the game.”
    • “The gorgeous pixel art, the short but snappy writing, and the suitably ominous music all come together to make something distinct and intriguing.”
    • “The game is not much to look at and the music and sound are equally simplistic.”
    • “My only complaint is that it doesn't have enough music; I wish there were more tracks than just the theme song for it.”
    • “The only qualm I have with it is that it only has one track for the entire OST; I wouldn't mind some more dungeon-synth type tracks, just like the one that exists in-game already.”
  • replayability102 mentions

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, driven by a vast array of races, classes, gods, and skill trees that allow for countless unique builds and playstyles. Players appreciate the quick, engaging sessions that offer depth and variety, making it easy to dive back in for more. Despite some critiques regarding input complexity, the overall consensus is that the game provides an endlessly replayable experience with significant customization options.

    • “The interplay of skills and equipment along with the crazy amount of races, classes, skills, and gods makes this game very replayable.”
    • “You get so many combinations from your culture, class, the god you worship, abilities, gear, and weapons; the replayability is endless.”
    • “The race/class/god combinations are virtually limitless, allowing you to create any kind of character you want, be it tank, caster, or summoner, which gives the game lots of replay value.”
    • “It's fun, but the lack of any real input definitely kills off replayability for me.”
    • “Runs are short, but there is a vast amount of replayability.”
    • “There is a lot of replayability to be had, despite a short length to the 'end', and if you want to drive up the difficulty, there is always the option.”
  • atmosphere64 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its evocative and immersive qualities, combining beautiful pixel art, fitting music, and engaging world-building to create a rich experience. Reviewers highlight the dark, mysterious vibes and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic games, making exploration and character customization particularly enjoyable. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as unique, atmospheric, and integral to its appeal, enhancing both gameplay and emotional engagement.

    • “The whole atmosphere is right, the music doesn't get annoying and the feel of it pricking those parts of your imagination as you move your way through the areas reminds me of days gone by when I used to play games for just that; the exploration, the progression, the tinkering with your build to make things work for you.”
    • “Something that really surprised me is how engaging and atmospheric the world building is in this game.”
    • “Great art style, music, and inspired lore texts with references from late antique Persian heresies make for a rich atmosphere.”
    • “The graphics, music, and sounds all combine well to create an atmosphere of impending doom...”
    • “Short roguelike with an unmatched atmosphere.”
    • “The dcss / rift wizard inspiration is unmistakable without trampling on the game's identity: the atmosphere is dark, the sprite work is expressive, and I particularly like the simple and effective writing.”
  • story42 mentions

    The game's story is minimal and often vague, focusing more on lore conveyed through item and enemy descriptions rather than a traditional narrative. Players appreciate the bite-sized revelations of the world, which respect their time and avoid overwhelming exposition, though many express a desire for a longer story mode and deeper lore. Overall, the game prioritizes gameplay over storytelling, offering a straightforward experience that some find refreshing amidst more lore-heavy titles.

    • “The theme is excellent; really feel like you're a pilgrim on a holy quest to prove your mettle against a weird and uncaring universe.”
    • “The descriptions of the various areas, items, and enemies are amazingly flavorful and, to me at least, feel like something out of a Robert E. Howard story.”
    • “The game has little plot to speak of, but an elaborate lore conveyed piece by piece, in a souls-like way, through items and enemies descriptions.”
    • “The game has little plot to speak of, but an elaborate lore conveyed piece by piece, in a souls-like way, through items and enemies' descriptions.”
    • “The story is fairly vague and not explained well, but the basic idea is fairly straightforward.”
    • “Only real complaint I have is that I wish there was more lore and story to explore in the game, but that could always be added later by the creator.”
  • grinding24 mentions

    The game is praised for eliminating traditional grinding mechanics, allowing players to focus on character building and quick, satisfying gameplay without the tedium often associated with roguelikes. Players appreciate the ability to experiment with different builds and progress rapidly, making it ideal for those who want a streamlined experience without the repetitive grind. However, some users find the gameplay loop can still become tedious and repetitive despite the lack of grinding.

    • “No grinding, no micromanagement, no waiting around, no wasting time.”
    • “The immediate gameplay loop is tedious, repetitive, and at times quite frustrating, and I just don't think many people would get too much enjoyment out of it.”
    • “It got tedious really fast and despite having a ridiculous amount of content, it's not enough to make the gameplay any thrilling to me.”
    • “Mainly because the achievements just start to feel very repetitive and tedious pretty quickly.”
  • humor13 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its playful experimentation with character builds, allowing players to create amusing combinations that often lead to unexpected outcomes. Reviewers appreciate the lighthearted approach, noting that the game feels less punishing than traditional roguelikes, which enhances the comedic experience. Overall, the blend of flexibility in gameplay and humorous elements contributes to a satisfying and entertaining atmosphere.

    • “And that's pretty much the fun of the game, you can experiment and try to brute force a funny combo, only to get demolished by something, but it feels nowhere near as punishing as losing in other traditional rogue/dungeon crawlers.”
    • “Pretty awesome, lots of funny builds that you can access early on.”
    • “Build flexibility blurring the lines between 'warrior' and 'wizard' and allowing funny builds is very satisfying.”
  • stability7 mentions

    The game demonstrates excellent stability, running smoothly on Texas Instruments calculators without any glitches. Players can explore a variety of character builds and strategies without encountering issues, indicating a well-optimized experience.

    • “Runs great on Texas Instruments calculators.”
    • “Completely legally, without glitches, and fully intended OP builds?”
    • “You can do everything between a tanky armored fighter who freezes everyone each turn, a teleporting-healing assassin, or a devotee of the phoenix who nukes the screen upon each near-death experience.”
    • “Or an extremely armored, slow warrior who tanks all damage and freezes those who dare attack him?”
  • emotional6 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, describing it as an "emotional rollercoaster" that they thoroughly enjoy. Additionally, the positive interaction with the developer's feedback adds to the overall emotional experience, highlighting a sense of community and engagement.

    • “I am however on an emotional rollercoaster and love it.”
    • “Saw a wholesome reply to some feedback from the developer.”
  • optimization5 mentions

    The optimization aspect of the game is praised for its depth, offering extensive opportunities for min-maxing and theorycrafting, which can satisfy players' desire for optimization. However, some users express a need for quality-of-life tools to better track performance and build effectiveness, indicating that while the game excels in optimization, it could benefit from improved user experience features.

    • “So while I can't really recommend it because I think the vast majority of players will find it more boring than fun, Path of Achra does satisfy an 'optimization itch' for me in a fairly unique and interesting way, and I'll probably continue to play it every so often, e.g., if I'm watching TV.”
    • “So while I can't really recommend it because I think the vast majority of players will find it more boring than fun, 'Path of Achra' does satisfy an 'optimization itch' for me in a fairly unique and interesting way, and I'll probably continue to play it every so often, e.g., if I'm watching TV.”
    • “I'd also love some quality-of-life tools to track my performance and figure out if and how my build is working.”
    • “One of my favorite roguelikes, quite a bit of replayability, quite a lot of variables/combinations to mess around with for different results, tons of min-maxing to do, tons of optimization available, lots of room for theorycrafting.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Path of Achra excels in character development by blending the intricate depth found in classic roguelikes with the fast-paced mechanics of modern roguelites. This unique approach emphasizes character growth and minmaxing, making it a noteworthy addition to the roguelike genre.

    • “Path of Achra strikes a remarkable balance between the deep complexity of character development and the variety of enemies found in classic roguelikes such as Tales of Maj'Eyal or Caves of Qud, while also incorporating the quick flow and speedy loop of modern roguelites like Slay the Spire or Vampire Survivors.”
    • “This is an intriguing contribution to the roguelike genre - streamlined to an extreme, with the focus being primarily on character development and min-maxing.”
    • “This is an intriguing contribution to the roguelike corpus - streamlined to an extreme, with the focus being primarily on the character development and minmaxing.”
    • “Path of Achra strikes a remarkable balance between the deep complexity of character development and the variety of enemies of classic roguelikes such as Tales of Maj'Eyal or Caves of Qud, and the quick flow and speedy loop of modern roguelites such as Slay the Spire or Vampire Survivors.”
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Play time

10hMedian play time
15hAverage play time
2-43hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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