Ringlorn Saga
- November 7, 2022
- Graverobber Foundation
Get on Steam"Ringlorn Saga" is an action RPG inspired by Japanese PC classics, where players control Prince Gerhard on his quest to investigate a mysterious magic barrier and his father's disappearance. The game features simple but nuanced mechanics, with 8-bit style visuals and sound. Players can explore the world, find new gear, and fight a variety of enemies while stumbling upon hidden events and quests. The game includes a CRT filter for an authentic retro experience and a bard to provide guidance if players get lost.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Reviews
- Ringlorn Saga offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic 8-bit action RPGs, combining simple yet engaging gameplay with a charming retro aesthetic.
- The combat system is dynamic, allowing players to switch between different attack types to exploit enemy weaknesses, adding depth to the otherwise straightforward mechanics.
- The game features a well-crafted world with enjoyable exploration, a soothing soundtrack, and a variety of NPCs that enhance the overall experience.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more content and replayability.
- The world map can feel large and repetitive, leading to moments of aimlessness and confusion during exploration.
- Some players may find the combat and overall gameplay too simplistic, lacking the complexity and challenge found in more modern RPGs.
- story15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The story is straightforward, short, and simple, lacking complexity or plot twists, but it effectively unfolds through character interactions and quests. Players appreciate the seamless blend of main missions and side content, which encourages exploration and engagement with NPCs for progression. While the writing is competent, it does not offer a deeply compelling narrative, focusing instead on a clear and structured storytelling approach.
“I had to go for guides and maps very early, but still enjoyed the well-crafted story quite a bit.”
“The story is just enough, and the lore of the game world unfolds naturally as you interact with characters and solve the various quests.”
“For such a small game, the NPCs have quite a lot of stuff to say, and you can never be really sure you have exhausted all their answers, as some of them are part of the main quest and you have to come back to them repeatedly.”
“The story is straightforward, short, and simple.”
“While the writing is competent here, don't expect a complex plot or a story that pulls you along.”
“There are no plot twists or any complexity to the story: it delivers a clear start and a clean finish.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and engaging mechanics, allowing players to quickly grasp the world and combat through trial and error. With a focus on a streamlined experience, it features a unique bump-attack mechanic with three attack types and two stances, providing a satisfying core loop reminiscent of classic 2D adventure RPGs. Overall, it offers a solid, enjoyable experience that leaves players wanting more without overwhelming them with complexity.
“Simple yet engaging gameplay loop and a game world small enough you can remember without making maps.”
“All in all, you'll find a rudimentary and comfortable video game experience with a sweet core gameplay loop that'll only grow on you the more you play it, and ending the game will leave you hungry without making you feel empty.”
“I completed the game in about 3 hours, with my progress accelerating as I naturally figured out the world and combat mechanics through some mild trial and error.”
“The combat is driven by a push mechanic, and you have three attack types and two fighting stances.”
“It has that uncompromising rigidness about the gameplay that reminds me of old Nintendo games.”
- music7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its captivating and soothing qualities, featuring a dungeon-synthy and FM soundtrack that keeps players engaged without becoming repetitive. While some users express a desire for more tracks, the overall consensus highlights the soundtrack's nostalgic appeal and ability to enhance the gaming experience.
“The soundtrack had a pleasant dungeon-synth feel to it that never got old.”
“The soundtrack is a soothing and mesmerizing FM soundtrack that'll be sure to keep you hooked with its catchy tunes, never letting a single loop get tiring if you're into VGM.”
“Equipped with an MSX palette and a classic soundtrack, this wonderful little adventure is sure to bring a smile to older fans.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players have mixed feelings about the grinding aspect of the game; some find it excessive and would prefer more music tracks, while others enjoy the grinding experience and feel it enhances exploration. Notably, the game can be completed without grinding, allowing for a more relaxed playstyle. Overall, while grinding may be a concern for some, many appreciate the enjoyment it brings.
“There's just a tad too much grinding for my taste, and I'd love some more music tracks, but all in all this is awesome stuff.”
“The game can also be completed without any grinding; simply clearing the screens as you explore is plenty enough.”
“The game threw me for a loop for a while because I had overlooked something, but because it was just so enjoyable going around grinding monsters, I didn't mind (though I did end up a bit over-leveled).”
- graphics2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of Ringlorn Saga are a faithful homage to retro art styles, embracing the limitations and palette swap techniques of classic games. Despite a low color count, the artwork is well-executed and feels cohesive, successfully capturing a nostalgic aesthetic.
“Many indie games try to mimic a retro art style, and over time indie developers have taken the liberty to enhance/modernize the concept, but Ringlorn Saga is extra faithful to the graphic limitations and palette swap trickery of yesteryear. This makes it feel genuinely retro; its color count is low, yet all the art falls right into place and feels at home.”
“Many indie games try to mimic a retro art style, and over time indie developers have taken the liberty to enhance/modernize the concept, but Ringlorn Saga is extra faithful to the graphic limitations and palette swap trickery of yesteryear, which makes it feel genuinely retro. Its color count is low, yet all the art falls right into place and feels at home.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability, particularly appealing to those who enjoy experiences similar in length to classic 8-bit cartridges.
“It's also easily replayable if you enjoy games the length of an average 8-bit cartridge.”
“The variety of choices and paths keeps me coming back for more.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh due to the different strategies you can employ.”
“It's also easily replayable if you enjoy games that are the length of an average 8-bit cartridge.”
“The lack of varied content makes it hard to find motivation for a second playthrough.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to return due to the repetitive gameplay.”
