Words of Yendor
- November 1, 2023
- SandorHQ
"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.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique fusion of RPG elements and word puzzles, creating an engaging and rewarding experience.
- The steampunk setting, art style, and music are well-crafted, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.
- Replayability is high due to the variety of word puzzles and the roguelike mechanics, making each playthrough feel fresh.
- The game suffers from complexity and a lack of clarity in its mechanics, making it difficult for players to grasp the rules and gameplay.
- Many of the mini-games feel basic and uninspiring, leading to a lack of satisfaction in the word game aspect.
- There are issues with the game's design and balance, such as playthroughs bleeding together and certain mechanics being overly convoluted.
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay is initially overwhelming due to its complexity and lack of tutorials, with many mechanics introduced simultaneously, leading to a steep learning curve. However, it features engaging word challenges that blend strategy and linguistic skill, appealing to hardcore puzzle fans while offering a rewarding experience despite some unclear mechanics. The autosave system is reliable, mitigating the impact of occasional crashes during gameplay.
“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.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
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 visual appeal, making it a captivating choice for fans of word puzzles and roguelite elements. Overall, the graphics effectively complement the game's theme and atmosphere.
“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.”
“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 graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“The character models are poorly designed and lack detail, making them feel lifeless.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's story features intriguing lore and elements, but lacks clarity regarding character motivations and the mechanics of its fictional world. While it incorporates RPG elements and offers engaging narrative fluff, the procedural storytelling fails to deliver a coherent narrative. Overall, the blend of challenge and story enhances the experience, particularly for fans of word games.
“It's a thoughtful blend of challenge, story, and style that's sure to captivate.”
“If you enjoy Scrabble, Hangman, or similar games, this is good fun and the story makes it more enjoyable than the plain old word games.”
“It throws in some RPG elements and has some nice story fluff.”
“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.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its exquisite and soothing qualities, effectively complementing the steampunk setting and enhancing the atmospheric experience. While some users find it merely okay, the overall consensus highlights its fittingness and ability to evoke a sense of creepiness that aligns well with the game's themes.
“I love the steampunk setting, and the music is exquisite.”
“Soothing music.”
“The music is okay, and the assassins and the ghosts sound creepy, but in a good way.”
“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.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's strong replayability, attributing it to its blend of classic word games and roguelite elements, enhanced by a stylish steampunk aesthetic, atmospheric music, and clever writing. This combination creates a fun experience that encourages players to return for more.
“Replayability is also great.”
“Classic word games combined with roguelite elements, steampunk flavor, stylish UI and visuals, fitting atmospheric music, and a pinch of Ambrose Bierce's witty wisdom create a fun and immensely replayable game.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect tedious, expressing a desire for more flexibility in swapping letters or a reduction in penalties for each turn, which would alleviate the repetitive nature of the gameplay.
“Grinding feels like an endless chore, with little reward for the time invested.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the game feel more like a job than a fun experience.”
“I find myself stuck in a loop of grinding, which takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its unique blend of classic word games and roguelite elements, all wrapped in a stylish steampunk aesthetic. Complemented by fitting atmospheric music and clever literary references, it creates an engaging and immersive experience that encourages replayability.
“The combination of classic word games and roguelite elements, all wrapped in a steampunk aesthetic, creates a uniquely immersive atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
“The stylish UI and visuals, paired with fitting atmospheric music, enhance the overall experience and draw you deeper into the game world.”
“With a touch of Ambrose Bierce's witty wisdom, the atmosphere is not only fun but also intellectually stimulating, making it immensely replayable.”