The Conquest of Go
- December 7, 2020
- Wolfey Studios
"The Conquest of Go" is a digital board game that brings the ancient strategy game of Go to life with a twist. Players can compete on various challenging maps, using units and special abilities to claim territory and outmaneuver their opponents. With multiple game modes, including single-player and multiplayer, it offers a fresh take on the classic game of Go.
Reviews
- Excellent introduction to the game of Go, with a beautiful interface and engaging tutorials that make learning enjoyable.
- The game features a unique campaign mode that gamifies the experience, allowing players to conquer territories while learning Go strategies.
- AI analysis after matches helps players identify mistakes and improve their skills, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and intermediate players.
- The campaign mode lacks depth and a compelling story, making it feel somewhat superficial and disconnected from traditional Go gameplay.
- Some users report that the AI can be either too challenging or not challenging enough, leading to frustration for players of varying skill levels.
- The game is still in early access, with bugs and performance issues that can disrupt gameplay, particularly during AI matches and reviews.
- graphics27 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beauty and artistic style, with many users appreciating the customizable themes and clear visual aids that enhance the learning experience for beginners. While some critiques mention that the graphics can feel simple or generic, they are generally considered pleasant and effective in conveying game mechanics. Overall, the combination of appealing visuals and ambient music contributes to a satisfying gaming experience.
“The graphics are beautiful, and the sound is great.”
“The graphics are simple and generic, yet satisfying and artistic.”
“The graphics and music are very pleasant, and there's a good tutorial to teach beginners how to play.”
“The music, graphics, and UI are rough around the edges and can be improved; and the campaign looks like it will be short.”
“I don't feel like I'm really building anything in the game with my resources, but the graphics spice up Go a touch.”
“It feels like there's a notion of castles around territories, but I feel like besides graphics, that idea isn't elaborated on further.”
- music21 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as soothing and fitting, enhancing the overall atmosphere without being intrusive. While some players find it mellow and relaxing, others note that it lacks variety and uniqueness. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's aesthetic, making it enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned players.
“The animations, music, and sound effects are pleasant and give the game a nice atmosphere, making me want to stay in-game.”
“Beautiful aesthetic, soothing music, great quality of life features for new players.”
“The music is mellow, and there aren't too many songs.”
“The music is not special, but fitting.”
“The music, graphics, and UI are rough around the edges and can be improved.”
- story14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many users noting that it feels minimal or entirely absent. Suggestions for improvement include the addition of a narrative-driven campaign mode, more strategic elements, and interactive puzzles to enhance the overall experience. Overall, players express a desire for a more compelling story to accompany the gameplay.
“It's a go game, and it might be hard to blend some stories and themes into it, but I can see some story may be possible on those invasion maps.”
“Just a minor thing: the campaign idea could be more engaging by incorporating a bit of story or some long-term objectives to achieve.”
“Campaign mode still needs some polishing; more story to it would provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.”
“Con: as of now, a real story is missing.”
“- there is no story.”
“The campaign is boring (no story, the map looks minimalist), there is no review option.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay is praised for its innovative campaign and resource mechanics that enhance player skill and engagement, though some users feel that certain teaching elements of the game could be improved. While the presentation and core mechanics are generally well-received, there are concerns about the depth and excitement of the game elements, with some players encountering bugs that affect their experience. Early access has generated excitement, but there is a desire for further improvements and content to fully realize the game's potential.
“But these are small compared to the available gameplay and vision of the project. I'm super excited to have found this (and that I can play it in early access)!”
“Really smart how the developers incorporated a campaign with resource mechanics into the game, centered around improving the player's skill.”
“This is a really nice presentation of the game, and it adds some fun little mechanics to keep things from being just another stamped-out GUI for a game engine.”
“Although I am an avid Go player, the conquest mechanics are not as exciting as I thought they could be. The game advertises itself as a teaching game, yet it does not provide some of the basic lessons of playing Go while keeping you entertained (joseki, fuseki, life or death problems, etc).”
“Gameplay, I have encountered an uncomfortable bug.”
“Support Go gameplay.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is notably problematic, with users reporting frequent bugs, including AI errors and freezing during gameplay. While the integration features are appreciated, the overall experience is marred by these technical issues, detracting from the game's appeal.
“The AI play can be buggy and seems error-prone, plus the review options as of now are limited.”
“I really want to like this version of Go, and while it is very pretty, it is also very buggy.”
“For example, it very often freezes on the AI's turn (including on its first move), forcing me to exit to the main menu and back.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users report that the game's optimization is lacking, particularly on Mac systems, with one player noting subpar performance on a Mac M2 Pro.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by pleasant animations, music, and sound effects, creating an immersive experience that encourages players to remain engaged.
“The animations, music, and sound effects are pleasant and create a captivating atmosphere, making me want to stay in-game.”
“The immersive environment and attention to detail truly enhance the overall atmosphere, drawing me into the game's world.”
“The combination of stunning visuals and an evocative soundtrack creates an unforgettable atmosphere that keeps me engaged.”