Throne of Lies: Medieval Politics
- September 29, 2017
- Imperium42®, LLC
- 71h median play time
"Throne of Lies: Medieval Politics" is a multiplayer game of deception and investigation. Players take on the roles of nobles in a medieval kingdom and must work together to uncover a group of traitors in their midst while also advancing their own agendas. With a variety of classes, abilities, and betrayals, the game encourages social deduction and strategic thinking. Trust no one and make every decision count in this intense game of medieval political intrigue.
Reviews
- Throne of Lies offers a complex and engaging social deduction experience with a variety of unique classes and abilities.
- The game has a dedicated developer team that actively listens to community feedback and regularly updates the game.
- The community, while occasionally toxic, generally provides a welcoming environment for new players and offers assistance through Discord.
- The player base has significantly dwindled, leading to long queue times and repetitive matches with the same players.
- New players often face hostility and are quickly reported for mistakes, making the learning curve steep and frustrating.
- The game has been criticized for its inconsistent moderation and the developers' dismissive attitude towards negative feedback.
- gameplay227 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Throne of Lies" is praised for its depth, variety of roles, and unique mechanics, particularly the conversion mechanic that adds complexity to social deduction. While many players find the game engaging and rewarding once they learn the intricate systems, the steep learning curve and frequent changes to mechanics can frustrate newcomers. Despite some concerns about community behavior and infrequent updates, the overall consensus is that the gameplay offers a thrilling and immersive experience for fans of the genre.
“Its visual style and intricate mechanics offer a depth that keeps players invested in uncovering the truth and manipulating their way to victory.”
“The variety of roles and the strategic gameplay make each match a unique and thrilling experience.”
“Gameplay is amazing, immersive, and fun.”
“However, it's disheartening to see how changes in gameplay have led to its downfall.”
“The mechanics of entering matches became unjustified, leading to frustration among loyal players who felt their investment was devalued.”
“The only reason I don't recommend this game is because of how ambiguous the mechanics of the game are.”
- graphics93 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the artwork is charming and the environments are well-designed, the overall graphical quality feels dated and reminiscent of early 2000s titles. Some players appreciate the simplistic, cartoonish style, arguing that graphics are secondary to the engaging gameplay, while others express disappointment over the lack of updates and optimization. Overall, the consensus is that while the visuals may not impress, they do not detract significantly from the game's enjoyment.
“The game has some really beautiful environments and the graphics are really well designed and laid out.”
“This game has amazing artwork and is one of the better social deduction games out there.”
“The graphics are simple but charming; the game's exciting and interesting.”
“The overall graphics and UI are half-assed and similar to a flash game from 2008.”
“The graphics are pretty terrible (apart from the art of the character info pages).”
“They promise to improve on the art design and character models and literally never did... it's like they couldn't just pony up and get some help, so instead we have F-grade level graphics and animations that never improved like they promised they would.”
- humor42 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it both hilarious and engaging, particularly in social deduction scenarios where miscommunication and deception lead to funny moments. Many reviews highlight the enjoyment derived from the game's mechanics, such as the ability to create amusing names and the interactions that arise from various roles, making it a fun experience, especially in group settings. Despite some frustrations with the game's community and mechanics, the overall sentiment is that the game offers countless laugh-out-loud moments, making it a memorable and entertaining experience.
“It's hilarious that I once said that this game was like Town of Salem if the game was made by developers that actually gave a damn.”
“Overall the game is insanely fun, filled with hilarious moments, etc. I do highly encourage learning the game by using the wikia or watching people play.”
“The inclusion of certain abilities such as 'trollbox,' which enables you to make someone spout words of your choice, makes for some pretty funny interactions.”
- music31 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to enhance the atmosphere and fit the game's themes, creating a unique experience for each class. However, others criticize certain tracks for being repetitive or grating, leading to frustration during gameplay. Overall, while many appreciate the soundtrack's contribution to the game's ambiance, there are notable concerns about its quality and variety.
“Everything about its presentation, music, and character roles is just top notch.”
“Overall, I majorly enjoy the gameplay style of the game and greatly enjoy the musical selection; it's one of the few games in this style where I don't get bored of the soundtrack.”
“The game has an amazing soundtrack to boot, adding more life and flair to the whole experience.”
“They made the game a lot more buggy, it crashes all the time, games fail to end, the music gave me migraines because it's just a loop of some guitar music with the nails-on-a-chalkboard sound that some songs have from fingers running along the strings.”
“Instead, nothing in-game felt like the art previews; the music was too positive with tracks taken from free bank sources, the design was all over the place, and the illusion kind of faded immediately.”
“So now the game has a bit more content, some improvements on design [which is still questionable and all over the place] and music, but still, it's all over the place with new classes constantly being introduced and old ones being remade because they are broken, meaning developers have no idea how to balance the game.”
- replayability25 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, driven by a vast array of classes and roles that ensure no two games are alike. Players appreciate the depth and variety, which contribute to a steep learning curve but ultimately enhance the experience. Overall, the game's design and ongoing updates provide near-limitless replay value, making it a worthwhile investment.
“The sheer variety of classes gives it a lot of depth, and the replay value is very high considering it's random what classes will appear.”
“Each game is an entirely different experience, so this game has a huge replayability.”
“The sheer volume of information you have to absorb is daunting at first, and the community is rather intolerant of poor play while you learn the ropes, but the dozens of roles on each of the 3 sides - blue dragon (goodies), cult/unseen (baddies), neutrals (either, or neutral killers who hate everyone) - gives you near limitless replay value of near infinite depth.”
“The game has endless replayability, and the devs seem to be constantly tweaking and adding/removing things.”
“Only 11 hours and a bit of studying the game is wildly fun if you enjoy confusing people and being confused sometimes; ridiculous replayability as almost every game is different and all the roles are different and keep you entertained.”
- stability16 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been a significant concern, with many players reporting frequent crashes, bugs, and glitches that have persisted despite recent updates. While some users acknowledge that the game is still enjoyable and that minor issues are to be expected in its early stages, the overall sentiment indicates that the stability needs considerable improvement to enhance the player experience.
“The most recent updates have almost all been reverted due to them being too buggy or just a bad idea in general.”
“Seriously, the maid should have been hotfixed the day after it was broken, and I can only imagine how many new players abandoned the game as a buggy mess after they saw players get executed as a result of a critical bug that was left unfixed for months.”
“This game has its rough edges and buggy moments for certain, and it's certainly a bit niche in appeal, but I found it tons more engaging than similar products like Town of Salem.”
- story10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is characterized by its lack of traditional incentives and achievements, which diminishes player engagement. However, it compensates with unexpected plot twists and a dynamic narrative that unfolds through player interactions, making even death an entertaining experience. The unique roles and missions of characters add depth, creating a captivating atmosphere reminiscent of a board game night filled with intrigue and speculation.
“The game acting as the dungeon master/storyteller allows for staying in character and not outing yourself accidentally like one might when playing the card game versions.”
“I never thought I'd have so much fun dying in a game and spectating to the end to see all the plot twists and turns that develop, some of my own doing that don't reveal themselves until days after my own death.”
“You will witness some crazy moments and plenty of plot twists to keep you watching even after you die, chatting it up with other dead and speculating who is who or what will happen.”
“In terms of story, there is practically none.”
“There is no incentive to keep playing, no daily quest or whatever, no daily login bonus, no first win victory of the day bonus, no achievements (which played a huge part in keeping the player base active).”
“(Numbers of characters switched to classes for better understanding of the story; I had no info on them whatsoever.)”
- monetization8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's monetization system is generally well-received, with players noting that while there are microtransactions for cosmetics and gold, they are not mandatory and do not affect gameplay balance. Users appreciate that the game allows players to earn in-game currency even in defeat, and overall, the monetization approach is seen as fair and non-intrusive, contrasting positively with other titles in the genre.
“There are no microtransactions, and you earn gold, even on a defeat.”
“This game should be free-to-play with in-game purchases driving the cost.”
“Offers microtransactions for skins, animations, etc., but not in a way that would make it unfair for players that choose not to buy them.”
“There are microtransactions to purchase gold, but they are not mandatory or game-breaking as they provide you a faster way to get cosmetics that do not impact gameplay.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a mix of emotional engagement and frustration with the game. While the satisfaction of winning and the potential for dramatic turnarounds create a strong emotional investment, the presence of toxic players and impulsive behavior detracts from the overall experience. Many feel compelled to share the game with friends, indicating a desire for a more positive communal experience.
“This gave me a couple easy wins but also made me feel as if I did not have to be perfect at my job right away.”
“Winning the game is very satisfying as you tend to be emotionally invested into the game as you could be wrongly framed, caught out being evil but turning it around, etc.”
“I personally enjoyed reading it, which made me feel 'I have to play this game, not alone - share it with as many friends as I know would like it.'”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews; while frequent patches provide balance and performance improvements, players have noted high graphics requirements and subpar frame rates, with some experiencing performance issues despite the game's low graphical demands. Overall, there is a consensus that further optimization is needed to enhance the gaming experience.
“Patches are quite frequent, and most of them bring actual balance, quality of life changes, or performance improvements.”
“A game that doesn't need graphical performance, but doesn't go higher than 30 fps.”
“Another thing I'd like to point out is the stupidly high graphics requirements and lack of optimization.”
“It doesn't seem to be optimized very well.”
“Graphics could be better optimized.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is a mixed bag, with a vibrant, role-playing feel enhanced by ambient music and cartoonish graphics, yet it suffers from a stifling community environment that prioritizes streamers over broader player needs. Many users find the community challenging, particularly for newcomers, due to control-freak mods and trolls that detract from the overall experience.
“Although it is not about roleplay, the whole atmosphere of the game will make you feel like you are playing a role - ambient music, cartoonish graphics, and, most importantly, the goals of a certain role.”
“The developers’ focus on appeasing streamers rather than addressing the broader community’s needs has led to a stifling atmosphere where creativity and experimentation are stifled.”
“The game itself is okay, but most of the mods are control freaks who cannot take the smallest point of sarcasm or jest, which ruins the atmosphere and experience.”
“Typically, games like these are ruined by the group atmosphere and trolls who seek to spoil the fun.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express a strong dislike for grinding, describing it as tedious and frustrating, particularly in the absence of meaningful rewards like seasons or achievements. However, some have adapted to the grind, finding enjoyment in social interactions and discussions that arise during the process.
“It's become so bad and hateful that it seems tedious to even get on.”
“No seasons, stats, or achievements - yes, we all hate unreasonable grinding.”
“In the beginning, I found it a bit tedious, but I've grown accustomed to it and actually enjoy more time to discuss who to lynch and why.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is praised for its stunning design and art, which enhances player engagement. The active and dynamic class system further distinguishes it from competitors, making the characters feel more lively and interactive.
“The character design and art are gorgeous.”
“Character design and classes feel a lot more active and engaging compared to competing titles like Town of Salem.”