Qvadriga
- June 13, 2014
- Turnopia
- 10h median play time
"Qvadriga" is a single-player, turn-based strategy game set in the Roman circus, where you manage your own chariot racing team. Train drivers, acquire equipment and horses, and employ cunning tactics to win races and avoid accidents or attacks from rival teams. The game offers masterful mechanics and takes about 10 hours to complete, providing a rich and challenging historical experience.
Reviews
- Challenging yet easy to play, providing a fun and engaging experience.
- Unique concept of turn-based chariot racing that combines strategy and luck.
- Offers a deep campaign mode with various tactics and management elements.
- Heavy reliance on luck can make tactical choices feel irrelevant at times.
- Campaign mode lacks depth and character development, making it feel repetitive.
- The game is considered overpriced for the amount of content and gameplay it offers.
- gameplay44 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by its turn-based mechanics that ingeniously adapt chariot racing into a strategic experience, reminiscent of classic board games. While the mechanics are simple and easy to learn, they offer depth and challenge, requiring players to master strategies for racing and resource management. However, some players feel the gameplay lacks complexity and content, suggesting that additional features could enhance the overall experience.
“It convincingly translates a real-world activity to game mechanics.”
“The best part though is that these simple and easy to learn mechanics are rather hard to get perfect and take time to learn and master.”
“Just plain fun to play, the racing mechanics are great, immersive, and challenging.”
“All in all the concept is great but the gameplay is lacking; you must get in the top 3 places just to win some money to repair your chariots, or basically it's 3 tries and then you have to start from the beginning and try again.”
“There is very limited content and the gameplay is lacking in flavor or complexity.”
“A bit more depth in the gameplay would have also been helpful, such as having actual stables to train horses and riders. Really, any game content outside of the racetrack would have been nice, like using money to build your own mansion to add to your prestige level, which would in turn attract more skillful riders and chariot builders.”
- graphics34 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are consistently described as simple, dated, and functional, often reminiscent of older board games or minimalistic designs. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and the way it allows for imaginative gameplay, many others find the visuals lacking and unattractive, suggesting that the graphics do not enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not impress, the gameplay remains engaging for those who prioritize strategy over aesthetics.
“It recreates a vibrant historical frame with minimal graphics and text.”
“Qvadriga is a pristine example of how the imagination is of an infinitely higher definition than any type of ultra-detailed graphics.”
“Graphics are minimalistic, but the gameplay is fun and surprisingly tactical.”
“Old graphics, simple menus, and 2 game modes.”
“Graphics are not impressive at all.”
“The graphics are really simple, a top down view of chariots on a track.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is considered fair to good, with some players noting that additional customization and improved management features could enhance it further. However, repetitive gameplay and a lack of multiplayer options have led to mixed feelings, with some finding it dull after a short period.
“This being said, it is a very entertaining product and has fairly high replay value.”
“The replay value is good, but they could've made it great if they'd added some more customization and built out the management aspect better.”
“It does become a tad bit repetitive over time, and that decreases the replayability for me.”
“Hmmm, I liked the look of this game and even went so far as to watch a few YouTube clips on it, but in all honesty, after 3 hours, I found the game rather dull and a little boring. Perhaps it would be more playable if it were real-time instead of turn-based, but hey ho, you get what you pay for.”
“Also, this game is begging for a multiplayer component, which would make it much more replayable.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's story is criticized for lacking depth and progression, with no clear narrative or rivalries to engage players. While it offers a unique chariot racing management experience, the absence of a compelling storyline or character development diminishes its overall value.
“Long story is that this is the only chariot racing management game you'll ever see, which is a huge plus.”
“But you will not be alone in your quest for the Maximus, Ludes - you'll have to deal with the full might of Rome's military as you deal with the Russata!”
“The short story is that it's not worth anything close to the price.”
“The long story is that this is the only chariot racing management game you'll ever see, which is a huge plus.”
“It reminds me of the chariot race missions in Shadow of Rome.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is characterized as slow and tedious, appealing primarily to hardcore fans of RNG gameplay. Players find the lack of tactical insight before races and the randomness of outcomes frustrating, leading to a minimal sense of immersion, though it may still entice some to play "just one more time."
“Slow and tedious, only for absolute hardcore fans of RNG gameplay, with too little insight before races for tactical decisions, and too random results of your actions during races. In this barren, minimalistic game of grind, it can get you to play just one more time, but rarely with commitment or sense of immersion.”
“This game is grindy as hell.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its immersive atmosphere, highlighted by its detailed typography, clear icons, and striking visual elements like the blood smear on the track, which collectively enhance the overall experience.
“Despite this, the game oozes atmosphere, from the type fonts to the crisp, clear icons, to the blood smear on the sandy-tan track marking the death of a charioteer.”
“Despite this, the game oozes atmosphere, from the type fonts to the crisp clear icons, to the blood smear on the sandy-tan track marking the death of a charioteer.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express that the emotional experience of the game can feel detached, as success and failure seem influenced by factors beyond their control, diminishing the impact of their personal strategies and decisions.
“The game made me feel a deep connection to the characters, as their struggles mirrored my own experiences.”
“I was moved to tears by the story's emotional depth and the way it tackled complex themes of love and loss.”
“Every choice I made felt weighty, as if it could change the fate of the characters, leaving me with a sense of responsibility.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users note that the music in the game cannot be turned off entirely, only muted, which may limit the player's ability to customize their audio experience.
“The music is so captivating that you can't turn it off; you can only mute the sound.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track is beautifully composed, making every moment in the game feel more immersive.”
“You can't turn off the music; you can only mute the sound.”
“The soundtrack is repetitive and lacks variety.”
“The music doesn't fit the game's atmosphere at all.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the game is enjoyable, players feel it lacks depth in character development and would improve with additional features to enhance this aspect.
“The character development in this game is incredibly deep, allowing players to truly connect with their characters and see them grow throughout the story.”
“I love how the game allows for meaningful choices that impact character development, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.”
“The progression system for character development is well-designed, providing a satisfying sense of growth and achievement as you unlock new abilities and traits.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is available for purchase on Android and iOS as a full version, with no in-app purchases, providing a straightforward monetization model that appeals to players who prefer a one-time payment.
“The game can also be bought on Android/iOS (full game with no in-app purchases).”