Spellmasons
- January 31, 2023
- Jordan O'Leary
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"Spellmasons is a turn-based strategy roguelike, offering both single-player and local/online co-op modes for 2 players. In this game, you'll combine spells to fight enemies and navigate procedurally generated levels, saving friends and battling a dark wizard. With each level, you'll unlock new spells and hone your skills, leading to increasingly powerful magical combinations."
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The spell combination system is incredibly fun and allows for creative and powerful spell crafting, leading to satisfying gameplay moments.
- The game is enjoyable both solo and in multiplayer, with a strong emphasis on experimentation and strategy.
- The developer is actively engaged with the community, providing regular updates and improvements based on player feedback.
- The game currently lacks content and variety, leading to repetitive gameplay after a few hours.
- Multiplayer can be buggy, with issues such as desynchronization and enemies respawning unexpectedly.
- Balancing issues exist, particularly in the late game where players can become overpowered and trivialize challenges.
- gameplay55 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this game is highly praised for its unique and engaging mechanics, particularly the spell combination system that encourages creativity and experimentation. Players appreciate the solid core gameplay loop, diverse spell options, and the active development that continually enhances the experience. While some users note areas for improvement, such as the need for more content and strategic depth, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is satisfying, fun, and offers great replayability.
“One of the most unique roguelike mechanics I've seen that is incredibly fun to work with!”
“The core gameplay is very solid: puzzling out a turn just right, seeing the payoff of a nice chain, figuring out new ways to manipulate the systems, it all feels tight and makes me want to keep playing.”
“The diverse spells cater to a wide range of play styles, and the new class options provide a blast of excitement, especially when collaborating with friends to craft complex, awe-inspiring spells, with class-specific passives and mechanics.”
“The maps add no real strategic depth to the gameplay apart from can I target this enemy and avoid being targeted.”
“Gameplay-wise, I love it; my only criticism would be that the perks you pick at the start of each level get a little more rewarding and even. I either become a tank with no mana or a mana-obsessed squishy.”
“While having rather simple visuals, the gameplay is well crafted.”
- music15 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its charm, quality, and ability to enhance the overall experience. While the soundtrack is described as phenomenal and fitting well with the game's visuals, some players noted that it can become repetitive after extended play. Overall, the combination of engaging sound design and a vibrant soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“Great music, fun builds, go at your own pace, great with friends, quality of life and UI is workable and looks nice, overall great game.”
“Phenomenal game, dopamine-receptor-abuse gameplay, shockingly great soundtrack, wonderful dev(s).”
“The music and sound design fit the game very well, and the visuals are great, clear and easy to understand.”
“I really liked the soundtrack, but it's short and started to feel repetitive by the 3-hour mark, which was about the time I had completed everything in single player.”
“Edit 1: There are some issues with the music playing multiple tracks at once, and a few quality of life improvements could be made.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming and simplistic pixel art style that, while not groundbreaking, effectively complements the gameplay. Players appreciate the clear visuals and animations, noting that the art adds to the overall fun and addictiveness of the experience, especially in multiplayer settings. Despite some levels feeling visually sparse, the graphics are generally well-received for their serviceability and appeal.
“A very neat spellcrafting roguelike with a charming art style.”
“The graphics aren't mind-blowing, but they are perfectly serviceable and I quite like the charm of them.”
“Great pixel art graphics, especially the death scenes of enemies, a pleasant OST, and a really fun combat system.”
“I did not expect performance for this game to be an issue with how simple the graphics are.”
“The graphics aren't mindblowing, but they are perfectly serviceable and I quite like the charm of them.”
“Don't let the simple graphics, straightforward game design, and the fact it could run on a literal potato fool you... it is addictively fun, especially with friends!”
- stability13 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is a significant concern, particularly in multiplayer mode, where users report frequent bugs and connectivity issues that can disrupt gameplay. While some players find the experience enjoyable despite these problems, many express frustration with the game's performance, especially during intense scenarios involving multiple characters and spells. Despite ongoing updates, stability remains a notable issue, leading some players to temporarily refrain from playing until improvements are made.
“Great game, but even after all the updates still buggy and laggy as all hell.”
“Had to refund because, unfortunately, the online multiplayer is pretty buggy.”
“Multiplayer support is unstable at best, everything from glitches to poor connectivity.”
- humor12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its comedic potential, particularly when playing with friends, as players can create amusing spell combinations and engage in hilarious antics. The game's design allows for both funny outcomes and fair consequences, leading to memorable moments of chaos and laughter. Overall, it combines creativity and mayhem, making it a delightful experience for those who enjoy lighthearted multiplayer gameplay.
“Good game with friends, lots of funny combos to work out.”
“Especially funny to play with friends.”
“Hilarious, creative, mayhem.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the unique gameplay and variety of spell combinations that enhance replay value, others criticize the lack of content and meta progression, which limits long-term engagement. Procedural generation and random spell selection contribute positively to replayability, but overall, the game may not offer enough variety to sustain interest over time.
“Literally unique gameplay with solid spell variety, great replayability, and dozens of dopamine hits from solving unsolvable or flashy moves.”
“The variety of spell combinations is probably its strongest aspect, giving it some much appreciated replayability.”
“Procedural generation, random level-up spells you have to pick from, and a large cast of foes offer replayability, especially if you're into both solo and multiplayer co-op.”
“I can't recommend this game because it doesn't have enough content, replayability, or polish.”
“With no meta progression or even a log of things you've discovered, the replayability hinges on randomizing the same few parts.”
“On top of this, the game doesn't feel like it has replay value either.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has seen significant improvements through regular updates, addressing stability and performance issues, particularly in higher stages. Players appreciate the ability to strategize and optimize their actions during gameplay, although some still experience occasional performance hiccups. The developers' active engagement and commitment to ongoing enhancements are promising for future updates.
“New updates come out regularly, usually for balance or optimization, but new content is also introduced every so often and there's clear passion by the devs to expand even more.”
“Being able to craft spells at your own turn-based pace lets you put as much optimization as you wish into your actions, puzzling out the best outcomes possible in any given situation.”
“Edit: the stability and performance of the game has been greatly improved in recent patches.”
“I did not expect performance for this game to be an issue with how simple the graphics are.”
“One of my only complaints currently is about stability and performance in the higher stages, but other than that, great game.”
“The developers seem active so hopefully the UI and weird performance issues get sorted out within a reasonable timeframe.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game lacks a cohesive narrative, with minimal storytelling elements primarily conveyed through brief mob descriptions, resulting in a sparse and unengaging experience for players seeking exploration or a developed plot.
“There is no story, just scattered mob descriptions here and there.”
“The game lacks a coherent story and offers no opportunities for exploration.”
“The narrative is virtually non-existent, leaving players without any engaging storyline.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express that the game immerses them deeply in its world, evoking strong emotions and a sense of belonging, particularly through engaging narratives and character interactions. The experience is likened to being part of a unique and fantastical community, enhancing the emotional connection to the gameplay.
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is praised for its engaging and enjoyable designs, contributing to an overall fun gaming experience.
“The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to form meaningful connections with each character.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making each decision feel impactful.”
“The backstories and growth of the characters are so well-written, it really enhances the overall experience.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews suggest that the game's monetization strategy may be hindered by insufficient advertising, potentially limiting its visibility and revenue generation.
