The Grindstone
- February 25, 2023
- Wolfs Moon Studios
- 30h median play time
Get on Steam"The Grindstone" is a challenging puzzle game where players swap and match colorful blocks to clear a path for a brave miner. Navigate through treacherous caves, face menacing enemies, and solve increasingly complex puzzles to uncover valuable gems and treasures. With its unique blend of match-three gameplay, RPG elements, and strategic battles, "The Grindstone" offers a deep and immersive experience for both casual and hardcore players.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a wide variety of classes and character customization, allowing players to create unique party combinations.
- There is a significant amount of gameplay with numerous side quests, crafting options, and a nostalgic turn-based combat system that many players enjoy.
- The developer is responsive and active in the community, providing support and updates, which enhances the overall player experience.
- The game lacks a cohesive story or main quest, making it feel more like a grind than a traditional RPG experience.
- Dungeons have slow movement speeds and tedious backtracking, which can detract from the enjoyment of exploration and quest completion.
- Many quests are repetitive and involve collecting large quantities of items, leading to a monotonous gameplay loop.
- story27 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely absent, focusing instead on a grind-heavy dungeon crawler experience with minimal overarching narrative. Players engage in repetitive side quests that often feel like mere errands rather than meaningful adventures, leading to a sense of boredom and lack of character development. While some enjoy the freedom of emergent storytelling and character progression, many prefer games with a more substantial plot and cohesive storyline.
“Just because there isn't an overarching plot to this game doesn't mean there can't be smaller plots in some of the areas (especially with the reputation system in place).”
“There are so many things that you can do and what is interesting is when completing side quests opens a lot of new things.”
“It's practically 'side quest - the game', and it's fun for what it sets out to achieve.”
“Not only does it not actually have a story... just go to this dungeon then to another to get more levels... no, it is also just totally boring.”
“I don't mind having a plotless game (as I'm a very big fan of the saga series, which the plots of which take a very distant backseat to gameplay and mechanics), but considering that all the quests I found were literally 'get me (x) of (y)' (sometimes not even getting the amount needed other than 'some'), it just made me feel like a group of errand runners than adventurers.”
“First off this game has no storyline - it is purely a grind game leveling up each character in the chosen team - that being said it is a great game, first of all the player gets to choose the team he/she wants from humans, amzars, dark elf, elf or monsters.”
- grinding10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a mixed experience with grinding in the game. While some players find it tedious due to slow movement and combat pacing, others appreciate the depth it adds to character progression and crafting, describing it as a "good" kind of grind that can be rewarding for those who enjoy it. Activities like fishing and mining offer a welcome distraction from the grind, enhancing the overall experience.
“I want to like this game, but the fact that you walk so slow in dungeons and there is no way to speed up combat just makes this game seem more tedious than fun.”
“Restarting after 20 hours because you didn't like your choices means more grinding, but faster this time because you already did it once.”
“Progress to the next area, uh oh, fights are harder now, more grinding.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a dungeon crawler style with numerous side quests that enhance loot and progression, offering over 30 hours of playtime and high replay value through character creation and party combinations. While the mechanics are solid and nostalgic, many quests feel repetitive and lack depth, reducing the sense of adventure to mere errands. The game incorporates modern RPG Maker MV features, including a veteran experience system, crafting, and dynamic dungeon elements, which contribute to its engaging gameplay despite some shortcomings.
“Dungeon crawler style of gameplay with side quests that reward you with more loot and means of progressing the game world.”
“There are many hours of gameplay and the replay value is very high with the character creation and party combos possible.”
“Thanks to the modern amenities of RPG Maker MV, the game utilizes a lot of interesting mechanics and systems, such as a veteran experience system, an extensive crafting system, skills that can be leveled up through usage in battle, and some dungeons that feature partially regenerating treasure chests and bosses.”
“I don't mind having a plotless game (as I'm a very big fan of the saga series, which the plots take a very distant backseat to gameplay and mechanics), but considering that all the quests I found were literally 'get me (x) of (y)' (sometimes not even getting the amount needed other than 'some'), it just made me feel like a group of errand runners rather than adventurers.”
“The grind is real, but the gameplay is nostalgic and very well done.”
“"Players can expect over 30 hours of gameplay" uhhh *looks at 70 hours* yep, big emphasis on the 'over' in that sentence.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its uniqueness and quality, contributing positively to the overall experience alongside impressive graphics and soundtracks. Players appreciate the challenge of selecting a team of four from diverse musical themes associated with different groups.
“The game features lots of unique music.”
“As expected from this developer, the graphics, soundtracks, and overall experience are very good.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the high replayability of the game, citing extensive gameplay hours and the diverse character creation options and party combinations that encourage multiple playthroughs.
“There are many hours of gameplay, and the replay value is very high due to the character creation and party combinations possible.”
“The game offers a variety of choices that significantly change the outcome, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple endings and diverse character paths, I find myself coming back to explore every possibility.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express disappointment in the emotional depth of the game, feeling that the lack of a compelling plot and repetitive quest structure reduces their experience to mere errands rather than an engaging adventure. This sentiment highlights a desire for more meaningful narrative elements to enhance emotional investment.
“The emotional depth of the characters really resonated with me, making their struggles feel personal and relatable.”
“I was genuinely moved by the story; it tugged at my heartstrings and left a lasting impression long after I finished playing.”
“The game masterfully captures the essence of human emotions, allowing players to connect with the narrative on a profound level.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are highly praised, with users noting that they meet the high standards expected from the developer, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience alongside the soundtracks.
“The graphics, soundtracks, and overall experience are very good.”
“The visuals are stunning and truly bring the game world to life.”
“The attention to detail in the graphics is impressive, making every scene a visual treat.”
