Pendragon

64%
Game Brain Score Based on 97 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Pendragon Game Cover
Pendragon is a game of both strategy and story, offering a different kind of gameplay experience while digging into historical mythos.
Starting at $6.79Buy now
Get on Steam

"Pendragon" is a single-player, historical role-playing game that offers a good story and takes about 7 hours to complete. It is a turn-based strategy game where every move you make drives the narrative, and every story twist opens new gameplay opportunities. Conversations are as tense as battles, and there is not always a clear distinction between the two. Your characters' actions and decisions shape their relationships and impact the outcome of the game.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

64%
Audience ScoreBased on 97 reviews
story13 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique blend of tactical chess-like combat and narrative storytelling, allowing for engaging and varied playthroughs.
  • The art style and atmosphere are beautifully crafted, enhancing the overall experience with a melancholic tone that fits the Arthurian theme.
  • The writing is well done, with interesting character interactions and campfire stories that add depth to the narrative.
  • The combat mechanics can feel confusing and unbalanced, often leading to frustrating stalemates and a lack of meaningful choices.
  • The game is relatively short, with playthroughs lasting around an hour, which may leave players wanting more content and variety.
  • There are issues with repetitive dialogue and encounters, making the narrative feel less impactful over multiple runs.
  • story92 mentions

    The story in Pendragon is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its engaging writing and character depth, while others find it shallow and repetitive, lacking the intricate storytelling expected from inkle games. The integration of tactical gameplay with narrative elements is praised, but many feel that the combat mechanics detract from the overall story experience, leading to a sense of disconnection. Overall, while the game offers a unique take on Arthurian lore with replayable narratives, it may not satisfy those seeking a robust and varied storyline.

    • “The writing is gorgeous, but the tiny snippets of writing interspersed throughout the combat are so brief and so common they become more distracting than welcome, because when I am engaged in the tactical decision making I no longer feel like I am part of the story.”
    • “Pendragon is a story-telling strategy game with a main focus on replayability.”
    • “If you enjoy getting story piece by piece, living through the legend of King Arthur and his knights, give it a go.”
    • “I can't put my finger on what is off about this game, but if I were to try to identify the most serious flaw, it would be that the story feels undeveloped. The fighting parts feel confusing with visual clues missing, and the ending is just so disappointing.”
    • “Finishing the story does not expand the story or the player's abilities, so it ends up becoming more like a melancholy chore than an adventure.”
    • “I encountered the same lines repeated at me through multiple playthroughs, sometimes by different characters, that ended up having no bearing on the story or the outcome of the game.”
  • gameplay46 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is polarizing, with many players finding it frustrating and lacking depth, particularly those expecting traditional mechanics or a more engaging tactical experience. While some appreciate the unique integration of narrative and strategy, likening it to chess, others criticize the repetitive combat and unclear mechanics that detract from the overall experience. Ultimately, the game seems best suited for those who prioritize story over gameplay, as the mechanics often feel disconnected and underdeveloped.

    • “Overall, the game is a great poetic experience with a unique atmosphere and a simple yet effective gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is unique and has a lot of surprise elements, making each run more amazing than the last.”
    • “Pendragon is a game of both strategy and story, offering a different kind of gameplay experience while digging into historical mythos.”
    • “If you want roguelike Arthurian tactics with a decent game length and solid mechanical depth, this is 10000% not that, and you will have an awful and frustrating time if you play it in that mindset like I did.”
    • “Pretty boring combat and the 'emergent' narrative gameplay is pretty bare-bones or non-existent.”
    • “First and foremost, even the most circuitous play-through will take less than an hour, which is unfortunate because the content is so repetitive after two hours of gameplay you'll be quite bored.”
  • graphics16 mentions

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a unique and beautiful 2D art style that effectively creates an engaging atmosphere, reminiscent of titles like "Heavens Vault." While the art direction is praised, some reviewers note that the animation is simplistic and lacks depth, and the overall visual experience may not appeal to those seeking high-end graphics or dynamic combat visuals. Despite these criticisms, many players find the visuals compelling and integral to the game's storytelling and strategic gameplay.

    • “The redeeming features are the atmosphere and the style of the artwork.”
    • “A fun and enjoyable game with a great art style.”
    • “The art style drew me in at first; it's simplistic, yet beautiful and different.”
    • “The art style didn't reach out and grab me, either.”
    • “Even the artwork is a tad lazy.”
    • “Like the art style, the writing is almost completely stripped of color.”
  • replayability12 mentions

    The game offers strong replayability due to its procedural level generation, unlockable characters, and rogue-like elements that encourage multiple playthroughs. Players appreciate the dynamic storytelling and branching choices that enhance the experience, making each run feel unique and engaging. Overall, it is considered a worthwhile investment for those who enjoy replayable narrative-driven games.

    • “Good replayability thanks to the procedural level generation and the different unlockable characters, each with their own motives.”
    • “Between the roguelike elements, the narrative choices you get to make along the way, and the deeper-than-it-seems strategy of battle, I feel like this game will have very high replayability.”
    • “The rogue-like nature appeals to me, with short replayable runs that are big on dynamic storytelling, with dialogue choices and branching routes affecting the characters I meet and abilities I unlock.”
    • “Pendragon is a story-telling strategy game with a main focus on replayability.”
    • “The rogue-ish aspect of the game adds a lot of replayability.”
  • music10 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its ability to enhance the storytelling experience, featuring a beautiful and atmospheric soundtrack that evokes themes of melancholy, adventure, and hope. Composed by Laurence Chapman, the music complements the visuals and gameplay, creating an immersive and relaxing journey through the game's world. Overall, while some find the music generic, many appreciate its quality and how it supports the narrative.

    • “All of this is reinforced by the frankly beautiful presentation, both visual and musical.”
    • “Melancholy, adventure, mystery, hope - these themes shine wonderfully through the soundtrack, and effectively support the action on screen.”
    • “Special shoutout to the game's art and atmosphere too: the music, environment sounds, slick 2D character models and UI, and subtle animated effects, means for an incredibly absorbing (and even relaxing) journey through muddy medieval Britain.”
    • “The music is generic.”
    • “The music does not stand out and feels forgettable.”
    • “While the music fits the atmosphere, it lacks originality and depth.”
  • atmosphere8 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its poetic and immersive qualities, enhanced by well-crafted artwork, engaging music, and compelling storytelling. Players appreciate the unique blend of fantastical elements and realistic settings, which create an absorbing experience throughout the game's journey. Overall, the atmosphere significantly contributes to the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “Overall, the game is a great poetic experience with a unique atmosphere and a simple yet effective gameplay.”
    • “The different tales at the campfire are all very well written and help set that atmosphere - these stories are usually a lot more fantastical than what actually happens in the game, the beasts grander.”
    • “Special shoutout to the game's art and atmosphere too: the music, environment sounds, slick 2D character models and UI, and subtle animated effects, means for an incredibly absorbing (and even relaxing) journey through muddy medieval Britain.”
    • “They contribute much to the atmosphere of the game, and some of them are pretty hilarious.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    Players express a mixed emotional experience with the narratives; while some feel a strong emotional connection, such as guilt from in-game actions, others report a growing detachment from the stories. The emotional depth is highlighted through complex character dynamics, particularly in the portrayal of morally ambiguous figures like Mordred.

    • “Sacrificing a pawn has never made me feel more guilty, and I mean that as a compliment.”
    • “In Pendragon, Arthur’s emotionally disturbed and tyrannical son Mordred has turned a bunch of starving peasants to his side and has sent out groups of evil knights to do evil things.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Overall, the game is praised for its stability, with users noting that the intricate design contributes to a bug-free experience. While the story variety may be limited, the presence of unlockable characters adds depth and interest.

    • “The game runs incredibly smoothly, with minimal bugs or glitches, allowing for an immersive experience.”
    • “I appreciate the stability of the gameplay; it feels polished and well-tested, which enhances my enjoyment.”
    • “The lack of story variety is offset by the game's intricate design and the absence of major issues, making it a reliable choice.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted through the fireside stories, which not only provide comedic moments but also enrich the characters and overall narrative.

    • “The fireside stories can be hilarious and add depth to the characters and story.”
    • “The witty dialogue and clever puns kept me laughing throughout the game.”
    • “I love how the game uses humor to lighten serious moments, making the experience more enjoyable.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Reviewers highlight the strong emphasis on player agency in character development and relationship building, allowing for meaningful choices that significantly impact the narrative and character dynamics. This aspect enhances immersion and personal investment in the story.

    • “The game offers incredible agency in character development and relationship building.”
    • “I love how the character development allows for meaningful choices that impact relationships.”
    • “The depth of character development really enhances the emotional connections in the game.”
    • “The game lacks meaningful agency in character development and relationship building.”
    • “Character development feels shallow and uninspired, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “There is little to no growth in the characters throughout the game, leaving their arcs feeling flat.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players express frustration with the grinding required to unlock higher difficulty levels, as it involves replaying a rushed journey on lower difficulties, which detracts from the overall experience.

    • “I'm told the journey is extended on higher difficulties, but to unlock those I would need to repeatedly play through the unsatisfyingly rushed journey on lower difficulties - effectively grinding.”
    • “The grinding feels tedious and unfulfilling, making the game more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
    • “I find myself stuck in a loop of repetitive tasks just to progress, which takes away from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

71% average critic score

Buy Pendragon

Play time

7hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
5-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News