The Pale City
- March 19, 2020
- kylemuntz
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreThe Pale City is a story-driven, dark fantasy RPG with an emphasis on characterization and atmosphere. Explore a dangerous, morally complex world where every detail is personal..
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Incredible writing and world-building that immerses players in a dark, philosophical narrative.
- Challenging and engaging combat that requires strategic thinking, making each encounter feel like a puzzle.
- Unique and interesting setting with well-developed characters, offering a rich narrative experience.
- Graphics are subpar and may detract from the overall atmosphere of the game.
- The game is relatively short, taking around 8-10 hours to complete, which may leave some players wanting more.
- Combat can sometimes feel repetitive, relying on exploiting game mechanics rather than developing new strategies.
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story of "The Pale City" is a compelling dark fantasy narrative that immerses players in a richly crafted world filled with intriguing lore and characters. While it features a protagonist embodying teenage angst and a sometimes overly pessimistic tone, the self-aware humor and exploration-driven storytelling make it engaging and worthwhile. Overall, the narrative is praised for its depth and quality, comparable to that of a well-written book, despite minor grammatical issues.
“I had a lot of fun piecing together his backstory and the way this weird world works.”
“The story compelling enough to finish the game, with sufficient lore and characters in the world to provide immersion.”
“The protagonist is distilled teenage angst, and the story is laughably dark and unnecessarily pessimistic at times, but the NPCs often point this out and the game seems self-aware enough to make it bearable.”
“While The Pale City might be both grim and dark, you’d be absolutely remiss to discount it as 'just another grimdark RPG.' The setting feels like it takes place on a neighboring plane adjacent to Planescape: Torment, and sole indie creator Kyle Muntz’s story-driven narrative is tightly written, propelling the player headlong into the world of The Pale City, 'a city on a platform above an ocean of dark water.'”
“The gameplay is only okay and there's some roughness around the edges, but none of it got in the way, and I would recommend this game to anyone, as long as they're fine with a bit of a depressing story.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally viewed as asset-based and reminiscent of early 2000s ARPGs, which may detract from the overall atmosphere for some players. While they are considered satisfactory for a one-man development effort and can enhance the game's mood, they may discourage potential players who prioritize visual quality. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose but are seen as a letdown by some, particularly for those not deeply invested in the genre.
“Graphically, the game is reminiscent of ARPGs from the late 90s and early 2000s.”
“Although I think that they actually enhance the mood of the game, some may skip this title simply because of the graphics.”
“Graphics are sub-arcanum, satisfactory for a one-man effort and suit the depressive atmosphere.”
“Being the work of a novelist, you have to rely more on what you read than what you see, because the graphics - while serving their purpose - seem to be asset-based and they distract more from the atmosphere than adding to it.”
“Recommended for eager fans of the genre that don't mind some letdowns in graphical presentation.”
“Graphically, the game is reminiscent of ARPGs from the late 1990s and early 2000s.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *The Pale City* is described as mechanically challenging and story-driven, set in a dark fantasy world that captivates players with its unique narrative and atmosphere. While some users note that the gameplay has rough edges, it remains engaging and immersive, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate a more somber storyline. Overall, the game successfully combines its challenging mechanics with a compelling narrative, leaving a lasting impression on players.
“I think this part of gameplay is successful for the Pale City.”
“Story-driven dark fantasy that is mechanically challenging as well.”
“While The Pale City might be both grim and dark, you’d be absolutely remiss to discount it as 'just another grimdark RPG.' Immediately indelible, the setting feels like it takes place on a neighboring plane adjacent to Planescape: Torment, and sole indie creator Kyle Muntz’s story-driven narrative is tightly written, propelling the player headlong into the world of The Pale City, 'a city on a platform above an ocean of dark water.' If you’ve got the fortitude, the game offers an incredible mechanical challenge and an instantly lasting impression.”
“The gameplay is only okay, and there's some roughness around the edges, but none of it got in the way. I would recommend this game to anyone, as long as they're fine with a bit of a depressing story.”
“I think this part of the gameplay is successful for the pale city.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is heavily influenced by its strong writing and music, evoking comparisons to classics like Planescape: Torment and Age of Decadence. While the graphics are considered subpar and somewhat distracting, they still contribute to a fittingly depressive ambiance that aligns with the overall narrative experience.
“Awesome writing, music, and atmosphere; it indeed reminded me of Planescape: Torment and even of The Age of Decadence, which are both big favorites of mine.”
“Graphics are sub-Arcanum, satisfactory for a one-man effort and suit the depressive atmosphere.”
“Being the work of a novelist, you have to rely more on what you read than what you see, because the graphics - while serving their purpose - seem to be asset-based and they distract more from the atmosphere than add to it, in my opinion.”
“Graphics are sub-arcanum, satisfactory for a one-man effort and suit the depressive atmosphere.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of darkly comedic dialogue and varied NPC interactions, which can range from hilarious to gloomy, effectively complementing the game's atmosphere.
“NPCs usually have something to say, whether it's hilarious or gloomy.”
“The dialogue and motives of NPCs are darkly humorous yet perfectly suited for the environment.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its exceptional writing and atmospheric quality, drawing favorable comparisons to classics like Planescape: Torment and Age of Decadence.
“Awesome writing, music, and atmosphere; it indeed reminded me of Planescape: Torment and even of The Age of Decadence, both of which are big favorites of mine.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate that the game features no grinding, allowing for a more streamlined and enjoyable experience without repetitive tasks.
