Towerborne

About

Towerborne is a single player and multiplayer role playing game. It was developed by Stoic and was released on September 10, 2024. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

The Belfry stands as a beacon of hope and safety amongst the ruins of humanity and the City of Numbers, with monsters lurking right outside the tower’s walls. You are an Ace, born anew from the spirit realm with the skills, the grit, and the determination to protect the people of the Belfry.

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72%

Audience ScoreBased on 867 reviews

story23 positive mentions

grinding53 negative mentions

The whimsical aesthetic and vibrant art style create a charming atmosphere, making it a delightful virtual hangout.
The combat system is engaging and fun, with a variety of character classes and customization options that enhance gameplay.
The game offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic beat 'em ups, appealing to fans of the genre.

The game suffers from a lack of content and variety, leading to repetitive gameplay and grind.
There are significant issues with matchmaking and online connectivity, making it difficult to play with others.
The absence of key rebinding options and poor control schemes can hinder the overall experience, especially for keyboard and mouse players.

story
211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
82%
7%
The story in the game is generally perceived as bland and underdeveloped, with many players noting a lack of engaging character development and emotional depth. Missions are often repetitive and linear, primarily serving as a means to grind for loot rather than to advance a compelling narrative. While some players appreciate the art and world design, they feel that the storytelling does not match the game's visual appeal, leading to a disconnect between gameplay and narrative engagement.
- “The story, though intriguing, could use more impactful character development and emotional weight to match its rich setting.”
- “The story, the art, the music, and the fights provide hours of adventure as a customized and weaponized ace who can bravely battle alone or choose to join forces with others to protect the tower survivors and reclaim our world.”
- “Overall - it's a fun game with a great art style and has a lot of potential for live game changes to build story and playstyle!”
- “The story does not provide any incentive to continue playing either, as it is both generic and completely lacking any kind of voice acting at the time of this writing.”
- “It feels like a game that is front-loaded with story and exposition, and it feels suitable for the first 2 to 3 hours.”
- “So far, most of the quests are your standard GaaS, MMO-adjacent, menial tasks like 'go here and kill this many of this type of enemy,' 'clear this stage, then go clear this other stage that is literally just the first stage in reverse order,' etc. It's just not particularly exciting and definitely seems like an excuse to have you go out and explore the zones and fight critters.”
gameplay
205 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
55%
5%
The gameplay of the game is generally well-received, characterized by solid combat mechanics, a fun progression system, and a blend of beat 'em up and RPG elements that appeal to fans of the genre. However, many players note issues with repetitiveness, a lack of depth in class variety, and some frustrating mechanics that detract from the overall experience. While the game shows promise with its engaging core loop and cooperative elements, it may require further refinement to maintain long-term player interest.
- “A fun co-op beat'em up with polished gameplay and an easygoing gameplay loop.”
- “The gameplay is smooth and diverse.”
- “The combat mechanics are smooth and satisfying, and the cooperative elements make it even more enjoyable with friends.”
- “What a lot have already said about the repetitive gameplay and shoddy loot I'm adding here too.”
- “The gameplay is repetitive with only 4 types of classes, no mage, archer, summoner, or any other; it's plain and simple, too simple in my opinion.”
- “The gameplay feels slow and sluggish, itemization is as bad as Diablo 4's, classes are boring, progression feels meaningless.”
graphics
134 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
41%
2%
The graphics of the game have received a largely positive reception, with many players praising its whimsical and vibrant art style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, smooth animations, and detailed environments. While some reviews noted minor issues with loading times and certain character designs, the overall aesthetic is described as charming and visually appealing, making it a delightful experience for both casual and dedicated players. However, a few critiques pointed out that the graphics may not be groundbreaking, with some describing them as merely "okay" or "decent."
- “The game’s art style stands out immediately, combining a painterly aesthetic with smooth animations.”
- “The graphics are beautiful with lush backgrounds, creepy caverns, and ruined cities.”
- “The art style is unique, it works for enemies and environments, and the animations are incredibly smooth.”
- “The graphics are not good either.”
- “Much of the reason this game feels bland is the flat, boring art style that the world is draped in.”
- “- the loading times: please devs explain why a game with such short levels and graphically meh environment has to load for way too long, I just don't understand this.”
music
66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
40%
5%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its beautiful orchestral tracks that enhance immersion and evoke a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of Studio Ghibli and classic Disney films. However, others criticize it for being too mellow or bland, lacking the excitement needed for a beat 'em up experience, leading some players to mute it entirely. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated for its charm and ambiance, it may not suit everyone's taste, particularly in high-energy combat scenarios.
- “The music is fantastic as well and keeps things lively.”
- “The soundtrack is beautiful and suits the tone of the game.”
- “The musical accompaniment creates orchestral emphasis that builds and crescendos at the right time.”
- “Bright and vibrant colors, somehow built to fade into a backdrop and be forgotten, mind-numbing classical music without the rhythm or action to fit a battle-focused symphony, mindless clicking against enemies far too weak to pose even the slightest challenge.”
- “While 'horrible' would be an overstatement, it's unoffensive and bland to the point that I muted the music for boring me half to death.”
- “My biggest complaint at the moment is how lethargic the music is; it's too relaxing and calm for the entire game.”
grinding
55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
2%
96%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in the late game where farming for gear and completing missions can feel like a chore. While some enjoy the grind as part of the experience, especially in co-op play, others criticize the reliance on microtransactions and the lack of engaging content, leading to a sense of wasted time. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate grind-heavy mechanics, but may deter players looking for a more streamlined or varied gameplay experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The game is incredibly grindy with upgrading your gear, especially your weapon.”
- “This game had a lot of potential to start out, but as you keep playing you realize it's just another grinding game full of microtransactions being shoved in your face that tempt you at every twist and turn.”
- “The current 'endgame' entails farming the same semi-random encounters on repeat to get slightly more perfect gear.”
monetization
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
76%
14%
The monetization in the game primarily revolves around microtransactions, with most being cosmetic in nature, which some players appreciate. However, many reviews express concern over the heavy presence of microtransactions and the potential for a grind-heavy experience, leading to a perception that the game prioritizes monetization over gameplay integrity. While some players find the system not overly predatory, others fear it may detract from the overall enjoyment and longevity of the game.
- “The best part, however, is that nearly all the microtransactions are cosmetic.”
- “I really enjoyed the character and weapon customization, and I appreciate that there’s currently no sign of pay-to-win mechanics or heavy microtransactions, aside from some cosmetic outfits.”
- “If they keep this type of monetization/battle pass system for retail launch, it doesn't seem too predatory.”
- “The only downsides to the game, at the time, are repetitiveness and microtransactions.”
- “Overall this game is more concerned about its monetization than integrity or gameplay.”
- “It's a shame that the monetization of this game will inevitably be the killer for it, as there's clearly passionate developers pouring their hearts and passion into the game.”
optimization
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
35%
36%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users noting good performance overall, particularly on the Steam Deck, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, input lag, and confusing UI controls. Many players express frustration with the lack of keyboard/mouse control optimization and the cumbersome navigation of objectives, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Overall, while some aspects of performance are praised, the inconsistency and technical problems detract from the game's potential.
- “Keyboard and mouse control optimization for the UI is well done.”
- “Optimization for the daily/weekly board is needed, as it currently requires a lot of extra scrolling and clicking to view 24 objectives, mixing community objectives with personal ones, which adds confusion.”
- “Optimization is great, fighting is great, and progression is good.”
- “Detected no optimization.”
- “Optimization to the daily/weekly board is needed, because right now it requires a lot of extra scrolling and clicking to see like 24 objectives, and they also mix up community objectives with personal ones, which only adds confusion.”
- “The crashing aside, there's frequent stuttering, disconnects, and latency issues.”
replayability
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
39%
23%
The game offers high replayability through its diverse class options, engaging missions, and a robust loot system, making it enjoyable to revisit with friends. Players appreciate the fluid gameplay and challenging combat, which encourage exploration and experimentation with different characters and gear. Overall, the combination of nostalgic influences and modern mechanics ensures that players can continually find new ways to enjoy the game.
- “Love the charming art style and especially the music. They've definitely had all the best influences from Studio Ghibli anime. The gameplay is great as well; it's very fluid and reminds me of the side-scrolling brawler games like Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and Double Dragon, but with deeper mechanics and a great loot system with loads of replayability.”
- “Small (it's actually huge) and super fun fantasy beat 'em up/looter that feels like a love child of Golden Axe, Zelda, and any fantasy ARPG of your choice. There are lots of gear and different ways to play the classes/weapons, with high replayability and a huge focus on team play, which means it's a blast if you are playing with friends.”
- “The combat is challenging enough to keep things fresh, and the replay value is high.”
- “Its simple, yet extremely replayable recipe is definitely reminiscent of old school Smash Brothers or the likes of Mario Party, where the fun just keeps going with friends - you put it down for a bit - then come back and rediscover its amazing ability to keep you enthralled for a few hours or more!”
- “The combat is challenging enough to keep things fresh and the replay value is high.”
- “The game’s loop offers plenty of replayability.”
stability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
83%
Overall, the stability of the game is a mixed bag, typical of early access titles. While some players report significant issues like permanent freezes and glitches, others find the game generally stable with good performance and enjoyable gameplay. Many acknowledge the presence of bugs but appreciate the fun and artistic elements, suggesting that improvements are needed for a smoother experience.
- “The game runs great so far, and the controls handle really well. The voice work is good, and the audio in general is very impressive.”
- “Everything runs smoothly now, and the pacing of the game is well-suited for its design.”
- “Unplayable in the current state, perma freezes.”
- “Try to play it, stuck at character customization... another buggy early access.”
- “Ultimately, I'd summarize Towerborne as an unfortunate clash of conflicting ideals and game design elements which is currently very buggy, lacking several quality of life features.”
character development
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
86%
43%
While the game features impressive character designs and extensive customization options that enhance player expression, reviewers feel that the character development lacks depth and emotional resonance, failing to fully engage with the rich narrative setting. Overall, the aesthetic appeal is strong, but the emotional connection to characters could be improved.
- “The character design and customization is fantastic, and you can change your character at any time.”
- “The world of Towerborne feels alive, with rich environments and detailed character designs.”
- “Character designs are cute, and there is a near ungodly amount of customization options for your character, which can lead to some very funny and/or horrifying players running around the game's central hub.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- “Despite the extensive customization options, the characters themselves lack depth and personality, leaving players feeling detached from their avatars.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, players find the game's emotional impact lacking, with a desire for deeper character development to enhance the rich setting. While the visuals and music evoke a sense of wonder, the gameplay can feel repetitive and empty, leading to moments of disengagement. Despite these critiques, some players enjoyed their initial experiences, hinting at potential depth yet to be uncovered.
- “The grasslands biome looks straight out of a fairy tale, and the classical music made me feel like I was exploring the inside of an impressionist's painting.”
- “Every class made me feel like it was 'the one' on some level; I had to really try them all to get a feel for which to main.”
- “The story, though intriguing, could use more impactful character development and emotional weight to match its rich setting.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its whimsical quality, reminiscent of classic Disney films, bolstered by a dynamic and engaging soundtrack that enhances the overall experience without being overpowering.
- “The music is great and creates a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of what I love about old-school Disney movies.”
- “First of all, I love the atmosphere of this!”
- “The atmosphere is enhanced by a dynamic soundtrack that keeps you engaged without ever becoming overwhelming.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's humor is largely derived from its cute character designs and extensive customization options, which can result in amusingly bizarre or horrifying appearances. Players find it funny that despite the inclusion of modern social elements like vitiligo and pronouns, the oversized armor often obscures these details, adding a layer of irony to the customization experience.
- “Character designs are cute, and there is a near ungodly amount of customization options for your character, which can lead to some very funny and/or horrifying players running around the game's central hub.”
- “Customization includes the latest virtue signaling elements like vitiligo, pronouns, and other such features, which is rather humorous given how bulky and oversized most armor is, so you can barely see your character regardless.”