Yaengard
- May 5, 2022
- Planeshift Interactive
Get on Steam"Yaengard is a single-player, party-based RPG inspired by classics like Dungeons & Dragons. Its mechanics shine in strategic, hassle-free combat and a dynamic trait system that lets you shape personalities and unlock new powers. Hundreds of rare items and the promise of unique builds each playthrough make Yaengard a must-click for RPG fans."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique class and personality system that allows for deep customization and replayability, making each run feel distinct.
- Combat mechanics are engaging and provide a satisfying challenge, with various strategies available based on character builds and weapon combinations.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback and actively work on updates, showing commitment to improving the game.
- The game suffers from a lack of content, with repetitive encounters and limited loot options, leading to a feeling of stagnation after a few playthroughs.
- Combat can be frustrating due to RNG elements, with players often feeling at the mercy of luck rather than skill, especially in difficult encounters.
- The user interface and controls can be clunky, leading to accidental actions and a steep learning curve that may deter new players.
- gameplay28 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this title is characterized by a unique blend of mechanics that can be challenging to grasp initially, leading to a steep learning curve for new players. While some users noted the lack of guidance and confusing mechanics, many appreciated the depth, replayability, and engaging combat system that evolves as players progress. Overall, the game offers a fun and strategic experience, despite its rough edges in graphics and some frustrating mechanics.
“Quite a nice roguelike game with an unusual mechanic where personality has a great impact on the gameplay.”
“The gameplay grows organically, and it makes characters shift and grow in a way that is actually engaging even though you are with them for a relatively short time.”
“Lots of hidden depth and replayability, and I really enjoy the interesting takes on old genre staples and new mechanics.”
“Don't expect a polished title, and some mechanics are obtuse, but it works.”
“Even with some experience with other tactical, turn and party-based games, Yaengard felt like it had a steep learning curve that I didn't fully understand the mechanics of until well into Act 2 or the first ten or so hours in my case.”
“It's very confusing to start and took me a whole act to understand the mechanics, but once I did, it was just the same thing over and over again.”
- story17 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered basic, revolving around a classic quest to defeat an ultimate evil, which some players found unengaging. However, the narrative is enhanced by meaningful choices that affect gameplay, allowing for varied experiences in each run. While some players appreciated the balance of story and gameplay, others felt overwhelmed by the amount of reading and found the linearity of the plot limiting.
“As the story progresses, it creates a unique situation where you pivot classes based on weapon level or sometimes really like the party setup and pass on weapons to continue with the class archetype or weapon skills.”
“Each individual run through the story is relatively short, and it is intended to be run multiple times with different characters.”
“That said, Yaengard's potentially risky decision to allow your character's personality and story choices to have so much influence over your combat playstyle and character stats really paid off in my opinion.”
“The story ruined it for me.”
“Being constantly faced with these choices makes the decisions you make along the way feel meaningful, even though the story is basically non-existent.”
“You have to follow the story, so it's really linear and I got bored of the reading.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are polarizing, with some players appreciating the unique and simplistic art style that enhances gameplay clarity, while others criticize the visuals as subpar or "atrocious." Overall, opinions vary widely, suggesting that the graphics may appeal to some players but detract from the experience for others.
“The graphics and design are unique and interesting.”
“The art style, while simplistic, is easy on the eyes and you can always tell what's happening on screen (even when I was watching it on SplatterCat).”
“Graphics are atrocious, but gameplay is really fun and the choices and RNG are compelling.”
“Bold gameplay design decisions make Yaengard worth a try... but be warned; this game has some wonky graphics and visual assets!”
“The graphics are reminiscent of 'For the King', but that's where the similarity ends.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's high replayability due to extensive character customization, diverse party-building options, and multiple choices throughout the gameplay. The unique mechanics and personality traits of characters further enhance the experience, encouraging players to explore different strategies and approaches. Many reviewers express a desire for additional content, such as DLC, to expand the game's already significant replay value.
“Lots of hidden depth and replayability, and I really enjoy the interesting takes on old genre staples (the grid system, for example) and new mechanics (storm is a fantastic status effect!).”
“There are a ton of ways to build your party of adventurers, which grants a load of replayability to the game.”
“There is tons of character customization and unique ways to build your party, which for a roguelite, creates tons of replayability.”
“A lovely game; the stats of the characters being shown at the end would be a nice touch. Other than that, I was really happy with the game. Lots of choices to make in Act 1 and Act 2. The personality traits helped make the characters very unique both in battle and out. I would love to see DLC or other stories told through this gameplay style. Making a toolbox for players to create their own adventures would give this an almost endless replay value and is something I would like to see them consider.”
“I was scared the price tag was a bit high at first, but the replayability seems really high.”
- character development3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is highly praised for its integration of player choices and weapon selection, which significantly influence the progression and skills of characters. Reviewers appreciate the depth of class development over time, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
“I really enjoy the way they implemented skills and character development.”
“I really liked that your choices, as well as your weapons, influence your character development.”
“The character development is pretty great, especially regarding class development over time.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its charm and pleasant experience, contributing to a fun and forgiving fantasy rogue-like environment. Reviewers appreciate the combination of simple mechanics and an engaging atmosphere that enhances overall enjoyment.
“Fun and forgiving little fantasy rogue-like, great atmosphere, simple mechanics, nice job!”
“It looks charming, and the atmosphere and experience are very pleasant; I like the game.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game evokes a rollercoaster of feelings, from frustration and rage that may lead to quitting, to a sense of empowerment and triumph upon overcoming challenges.
“It beat me down into rage quits until it made me feel like a god.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's music features a typical yet enjoyable fantasy soundtrack that complements its appealing art and theme.
“The art and theme of the game are very appealing, and the soundtrack is typical of the fantasy genre, but still enjoyable.”
“The music perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.”
“I love how the soundtrack evolves with the gameplay, making each moment feel unique and immersive.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to certain enemies repeatedly using fortitude restore, which prolongs battles unnecessarily.
“Grinding becomes tedious, especially when certain enemies spam fortitude restoration.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the game feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
“I find myself stuck in an endless loop of grinding, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
