"Words of Yendor" is a turn-based, procedurally generated adventure game where players solve word puzzles and engage in word duels to navigate obstacles and defeat opponents. The game features detailed hero portraits, multiple types of word puzzles, and a unique combat system. With personalized endings and the ability to duel opponents with the same pool of letters, "Words of Yendor" offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience.
Words of Yendor combines engaging word puzzles with roguelike elements, set in a beautifully crafted steampunk world, making for a unique and enjoyable experience.
The game features a clever battle system that rewards strategic thinking and creativity, allowing players to experiment with different word combinations.
With a variety of mini-games and challenges, the game offers good replayability and a satisfying sense of progression as players improve their word-building skills.
The game can feel overwhelming due to its complexity and the number of mechanics introduced at once, which may deter some players from fully enjoying the experience.
Some mini-games lack depth and can become repetitive, leading to a feeling of sameness in playthroughs after a certain point.
The learning curve is steep, and certain mechanics are not clearly explained, which can lead to confusion and frustration during gameplay.
gameplay
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
74%
13%
The gameplay is characterized by a steep learning curve and a complex array of mechanics that can be overwhelming for new players, as there is no tutorial and explanations are lengthy. It features engaging word challenges that blend strategy with traditional RPG elements, appealing to hardcore puzzle enthusiasts, though some mechanics lack clarity. While the autosave system is reliable, the overall experience can feel bloated with unnecessary complexity, making it both rewarding and frustrating.
“The gameplay revolves around engaging word challenges where players must construct x letter words from a set of letters or face hangman-style trials.”
“This unique approach adds a layer of strategy and linguistic skill to traditional RPG mechanics.”
“The learning curve is definitely steeper than your average word puzzle, and the roguelike mechanics are sometimes unforgiving, but it certainly makes winning a match more rewarding.”
“Few mechanics carry over between the mini games, and there is no tutorial to speak of.”
“Every mechanic and mini game is just tossed in from the jump, and the help button simply adds more cognitive overhead by having you follow 10-15 explanation steps.”
“A simple case of trying to create depth through needless complexity and mechanic bloat.”
story
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
43%
19%
The game's story is described as lacking depth, with unclear motivations and world mechanics, despite having some engaging lore and decent writing. While the procedural storytelling fails to provide a coherent narrative, it offers familiar situations that can become repetitive. However, the blend of RPG elements and story fluff enhances the overall experience, making it enjoyable for fans of word games.
“Some of the story writing is actually rather good, although you will begin to notice familiar situations as you play more, and it is roughly the same experience on each turn, although the end game keeps getting more difficult.”
“It throws in some RPG elements and has some nice story fluff.”
“It's a thoughtful blend of challenge, story, and style that's sure to captivate.”
“There is lore to the game and some story elements, but nothing is clear, from the player character's motivation to the way the fictional world works (including why and how some words have powers).”
“The procedural storytelling doesn't offer much of a coherent narrative, either.”
“Fun game requiring a lot of puzzling with words, story not very deep though.”
graphics
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
71%
The graphics of "Words of Yendor" feature a charming blend of hand-drawn visuals and steampunk aesthetics, enhancing the game's immersive experience. The attention to detail and stylish UI contribute to its overall appeal, making it visually engaging for players. This artistic approach complements the game's themes and enriches the word puzzle experience.
“The visuals and sound design complement the game's theme perfectly, creating an immersive world where players can explore diverse locations and encounter unique opponents.”
“The attention to detail in the graphics adds to the overall charm of the game, making it visually appealing and engaging.”
“Words of Yendor is a delightful blend of brain-teasing word puzzles and immersive steampunk aesthetics.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
49%
13%
The music in the game is praised for its exquisite and soothing qualities, perfectly complementing the steampunk setting and enhancing the overall atmosphere. While some sounds, like those of assassins and ghosts, add a creepy yet enjoyable element, the music is generally considered fitting and atmospheric, contributing to the game's replayability.
“I love the steampunk setting, and the music is exquisite.”
“Soothing music.”
“Classic word games + roguelite elements + steampunk flavor + stylish UI and visuals + fitting atmospheric music + a pinch of Ambrose Bierce's witty wisdom = a fun and immensely replayable game.”
“The music is okay and the assassins and the ghosts sound creepy, but in a good way.”
replayability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers a solid replayability experience, providing around 8 hours of engaging gameplay with a mix of classic word games and roguelite elements. While some players note that patterns emerge after a while, the overall fun and value, especially at a low price, make it a worthwhile replay.
“Replayability is also great.”
“Classic word games + roguelite elements + steampunk flavor + stylish UI and visuals + fitting atmospheric music + a pinch of Ambrose Bierce's witty wisdom = a fun and immensely replayable game.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect tedious, expressing a desire for more flexibility in swapping letters or a reduction in penalties for each turn, as the current system feels overly punishing.
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a unique blend of classic word games and roguelite elements, enhanced by a steampunk aesthetic, stylish visuals, and atmospheric music. This combination creates an engaging and immersive experience, complemented by witty literary references that add depth to the overall ambiance. Players find the atmosphere to be a key factor in the game's fun and replayability.
“Classic word games combined with roguelite elements and a steampunk flavor create a unique atmosphere. The stylish UI and visuals, along with fitting atmospheric music, enhance the experience, making it fun and immensely replayable.”