Pathway

75%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,353 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Pathway Game Cover
Crisp combat let down by boring enemies, repetitive missions and a disconnected story.
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Pathway is a single-player Warfare Turn Based Strategy game with an interesting plot, good game mechanics, stellar graphics, and an exceptional soundtrack. The game now features a Hardcore Mode, tactical improvements, a new loot system, additional combat arenas, and more exploration opportunities with the Adventurers Wanted update. Despite having some bugs and being very grinding, Pathway offers plenty of humor, a dense atmosphere, and high replayability.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Epic Games
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

75%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,353 reviews
story97 positive mentions
grinding52 negative mentions
  • Great pixel art and charming atmosphere reminiscent of Indiana Jones.
  • Fun and engaging turn-based combat with a variety of characters and abilities.
  • Decent replayability with randomized events and character progression.
  • Combat can become repetitive and lacks depth compared to other tactical games.
  • Limited enemy variety and encounters lead to a feeling of monotony.
  • Some UI issues and bugs can detract from the overall experience.
  • story407 mentions

    The game's story is often described as engaging yet somewhat shallow, with a light narrative that draws inspiration from classic adventure themes reminiscent of Indiana Jones. While players appreciate the charming pixel art and the episodic structure of the missions, many express a desire for a deeper, more cohesive overarching plot and more substantial character development. The missions, though varied in encounters, can feel repetitive, and the overall brevity of the story leaves some players wanting more depth and complexity.

    • “The story is good though and exploration is fun.”
    • “The story may not be overly complex, but it doesn’t need to be, because the thrill of adventure and discovery is what drives this game.”
    • “The game is fun, the characters are memorable, the soundtrack is one of a kind, the art style is amazing and the story is super charming but the game is miserably short in typical chucklefish fashion.”
    • “Because the game is split into 5 missions, some of them lengthy and involving multiple map boards full of travel points, I expected some sort of overarching story, but there isn’t one.”
    • “The story line is pretty short - you'll finish the game in only a few hours.”
    • “The overall idea of an Indiana Jones homage is solid, but the execution here stumbles in the story department.”
  • gameplay321 mentions

    The gameplay of this title combines elements from FTL and XCOM, featuring turn-based tactical combat set in an Indiana Jones-inspired adventure. While the mechanics are generally straightforward and accessible, many players find the gameplay repetitive and lacking depth, with a steep learning curve that can lead to frustration. Despite its charming aesthetics and potential for engaging scenarios, the overall experience is often described as shallow and uninspired, with limited variety in combat and decision-making.

    • “Excellent little retro blend of just the right amount of turn-based tactical combat, party-based RPG mechanics, resource management, and map exploration decisions.”
    • “Pathway masterfully blends turn-based strategy with a pulpy 1930s adventure, delivering a game that’s not only a treat for fans of Indiana Jones but also for those who enjoy deep, tactical gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay loop simply feels amazing.”
    • “The gameplay got boring fast; it is really, really shallow.”
    • “Unfortunately, the gameplay is very boring and repetitive, and this is where the game mostly falls short of the mark.”
    • “The indiana jones setting has so much potential, but the narrative and gameplay just feel boring.”
  • graphics234 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming pixel art style, which evokes nostalgia and complements the adventurous theme reminiscent of classic Indiana Jones adventures. Many reviewers highlight the stunning visuals and effective use of lighting, creating an engaging atmosphere, although some criticize the simplicity and occasional lack of clarity in the graphics. Overall, the pixel art is considered a significant strength of the game, enhancing the overall experience despite some gameplay shortcomings.

    • “Gorgeous pixel graphics and evocative music.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, easily some of the best I've seen from an indie game in this style.”
    • “The visuals in this game are stunning and the pixel art in itself is impressive, but it’s further enhanced with great use of lighting and a lot of very distinctive and diverse environments.”
    • “I didn't know it would be possible to make a turn-based tactical game into a shallow, plodding, boring affair, but then when developers don't know how to do video game graphics properly and resort to pixel crap, you just know the rest of the game is going to be built with the same lack of professionalism and quality.”
    • “A choice was made to use obsolete, decades-old retro pixel 'art' as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
    • “While there are options to change the resolution for the game, all this does is scale up the simplistic 2D art assets used to make the game, which makes little or no difference to the graphics quality.”
  • music152 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its evocative and nostalgic qualities, often compared to the adventurous scores of Indiana Jones films, enhancing the overall atmosphere and experience. While many reviewers appreciate the solid soundtrack and its ability to complement the pixel art, some note issues with repetition and bugs that cause multiple tracks to play simultaneously. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and immersion.

    • “The music, art, and tone of the game are fantastic.”
    • “The music is epic.”
    • “Incredible soundtrack and stunning pixel art too.”
    • “There is also a music bug where two songs play simultaneously.”
    • “The music seems ripped straight from Indiana Jones movies.”
    • “Music of the game is very plain and boring.”
  • replayability79 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the variety of characters, unlockables, and randomly generated events that enhance replay value. However, some reviewers express concerns about repetitive gameplay and a lack of depth, suggesting that while there is potential for replayability, it may not be as extensive as expected. The game is generally seen as enjoyable for completionists and those who appreciate different play styles, but it may fall short for players seeking a more robust roguelike experience.

    • “High replayability, different characters and specialties, different maps, very customizable.”
    • “Tons of replayability with the unlockables and variety of runs.”
    • “Nearly endless replayability and team combos to experiment with.”
    • “There's also essentially no replayability.”
    • “Though the game is designed to be replayable, don't be fooled, there isn't enough content for a second playthrough of each campaign.”
    • “So again, in terms of replayability, your campaigns will basically look the same; there isn't a lot of content that's restricted to certain play styles, so the replay value is marginal.”
  • grinding52 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it repetitive and tedious, particularly in combat and resource management. While some appreciate the optional nature of grinding for achievements and character upgrades, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to a lack of engagement as the game progresses. Overall, the grinding can be seen as a necessary but often frustrating element that impacts the game's pacing and replayability.

    • “I'm at about 18 hours of gameplay and I'm wrapping it up, with the exception of those grindy achievements.”
    • “The idea for this game is great, but the implementation is tedious and boring.”
    • “You can upgrade skills, gear, and unlock new characters, but the combat gets tediously repetitive very quickly.”
  • atmosphere50 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its engaging and immersive qualities, often compared to the adventurous feel of Indiana Jones, enhanced by charming pixel art and fitting music. While many players appreciate the unique settings and well-crafted storytelling that contribute to the overall ambiance, some note that the gameplay can become repetitive, which detracts from the experience. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature that adds significant value to the game.

    • “In short stints, this is just a marvelous game; the artwork, atmosphere, and gameplay go very well together.”
    • “A really great atmosphere and tone to the game serve to really carry you through the missions.”
    • “The music goes very well with the mechanics and atmosphere of this title.”
    • “Pulpy atmosphere and cute graphics can't save repetitive gameplay.”
    • “Brilliant setting and atmosphere, but repetitive combat.”
    • “Music, lengthen and add please; the atmosphere in this game gives it its true charm and if they even changed that alone it would be a massive upgrade.”
  • stability15 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and freezing issues, particularly when using a controller or during extended play sessions. While some users have noted improvements through patches and found it runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck, others have experienced significant technical glitches that detract from the overall experience. Overall, stability remains a concern, with unpredictable freezes and performance issues being common complaints.

    • “Super fun and runs great on Steam Deck!”
    • “Once again, runs great on Deck.”
    • “The game runs bug-free, it entertains from the first moment and is not a rip-off.”
    • “The game also sometimes freezes, making me waste time fighting the same battle again.”
    • “Love the concept, a very engaging game ... until it crashes and freezes your computer as though it were ray tracing the eye glints of a thousand dwarves.”
    • “Glitchy, buggy, and super resource demanding where you would not expect it.”
  • humor13 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its creativity and funny character catchphrases, though some feel it lacks depth and payoff in combat scenarios. While the game features amusing elements, such as quirky themes and situations, it can become repetitive and may not sustain interest over time. Overall, it strikes a balance between humor and strategy, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a lighthearted approach to turn-based gameplay.

    • “Love this game: love the gameplay, atmosphere, story, and humor.”
    • “It's as addictive as it is satisfying, challenging, adorable, hilarious, quirky, and most importantly - fun!”
    • “Ultimately excellent at what it sets out to be, with lots of humor and good, or rather excellent ways of developing your party.”
  • character development5 mentions

    Reviews indicate that character development is a significant weakness, with many players feeling it lacks depth and meaningful choices that would enhance their engagement in the journey. While there are RPG elements like leveling and skill trees, the overall execution is seen as oversimplified and poorly designed, leaving players wanting more complexity and content.

    • “World map movement is akin to FTL, events are standard multi-choice, combat is like XCOM, and character development has RPG elements such as leveling and skill trees.”
    • “It needs more character development and more character choice in the random events to make us feel like we are part of the journey, like Around the World in 80 Days.”
    • “It needs more character development, more character choice in the random events to make us feel like we are part of the journey, like Around the World in 80 Days.”
    • “Character development and progression is poorly thought out.”
    • “Lacking content and oversimplified combat/character design.”
  • optimization5 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with users noting significant performance issues that lead to lag and frustration during gameplay. While it features 4K compatibility, the overall experience is hindered by a mediocre user interface and unoptimized performance, particularly for a game with a retro aesthetic.

    • “If they could fix the performance issues, I am sure this would be a great game.”
    • “Seems a bit laggy/unoptimized sometimes.”
    • “+ 4K optimized/compatible.”
    • “The performance is garbage for a 16-bit style game.”
    • “It seems a bit laggy and unoptimized sometimes.”
    • “The mediocre UI leads to frustrating mistakes made in combat.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the heartwarming encounters with characters like Donut and Fenris, which provide a sense of connection amidst darker themes. However, some players feel that the mediocre writing undermines the overall emotional impact, lacking the urgency and danger that could enhance the experience.

    • “Meeting Donut and Fenris at these dark times was a truly heartwarming experience.”
    • “It was quite emotional.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The game features a one-time purchase model with no microtransactions, providing players with a straightforward and enjoyable experience without ongoing costs.

    • “No microtransactions, and you pay one time for a fun little game.”
    • “The game offers a fair pricing model with no hidden costs.”
    • “I appreciate that I can enjoy the entire game without being pressured to spend more money.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

74% average critic score

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Play time

15hMedian play time
17hAverage play time
10-20hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 22 analyzed playthroughs

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