Yaengard
- May 5, 2022
- Planeshift Interactive
"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."
Reviews
- The game features a unique class and personality system that allows for deep customization and replayability, making each run feel distinct.
- Combat is engaging and tactical, with a variety of strategies available based on weapon combinations and character traits.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback and regularly update the game, showing a commitment to improving the player experience.
- The game suffers from a lack of content, particularly in the later acts, leading to repetitive encounters and a feeling of staleness over time.
- The RNG mechanics can be frustrating, as they heavily influence loot drops and character builds, often leaving players at the mercy of luck.
- The user interface and controls can be clunky and unintuitive, leading to frustration during gameplay, especially in combat situations.
- gameplay39 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this title is characterized by a unique blend of mechanics that emphasize personality traits and tactical decision-making, offering a challenging yet engaging experience. While the learning curve can be steep and some mechanics may feel obtuse, players appreciate the depth and replayability afforded by the diverse class and trait systems. Despite some graphical shortcomings and occasional pacing issues in combat, the core gameplay loop is enjoyable, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of roguelike and turn-based strategy games.
“Quite a nice roguelike game with an unusual mechanic where personality has a great impact on the gameplay.”
“The combination of classes determined by what weapons you wield mixed with the traits mechanics makes for fun combinations.”
“The tactical mechanics in this game, coupled with the amount of RNG you go through, make this game such an enjoyable and, most importantly, replayable experience.”
“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.”
- story23 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally viewed as basic and linear, often revolving around a classic quest to defeat an ultimate evil, which some players found unengaging. However, the narrative is complemented by meaningful choices that influence gameplay, character development, and replayability, with a well-crafted lore that balances depth and accessibility. While some players appreciate the customization and character-driven elements, others feel overwhelmed by the amount of reading and the lack of a compelling narrative.
“The story is well crafted, giving you enough lore to understand the world without being overly complex, so you won't feel the need to skip through it.”
“Something about being a peasant on a noble quest to defend your home and overthrow a bloodthirsty oppressor hits differently.”
“Each individual run through the story is relatively short, and it is intended to be run multiple times with different characters.”
“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.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the unique and simplistic art style that is easy on the eyes, while others criticize the visuals as being subpar or "atrocious." Many note a polygonal design with rough edges, reminiscent of "For the King," but ultimately feel that the graphics do not detract significantly from the enjoyable gameplay experience. Overall, opinions on the graphics are subjective, with some players finding them charming despite their flaws.
“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.”
“The graphics appear to be polygonal with rough defined edges but all with a nice smoothness.”
“Graphically, it seems like something is not quite there.”
“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!”
- replayability10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability due to extensive character customization, diverse party-building options, and multiple paths that lead to varied outcomes. Players appreciate the tactical mechanics and random elements that enhance the experience, making each playthrough feel unique. Many reviewers express a desire for additional content, such as DLC, to further expand replay value.
“The tactical mechanics in this game, coupled with the amount of RNG you go through, make this game such an enjoyable and most importantly replayable experience.”
“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.”
“I was scared the price tag was a bit high at first, but the replayability seems really high.”
“Replayability: as mentioned above, picking your own path offers a variety of different outcomes that could shape future playthroughs.”
- 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.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its charming visuals and pleasant overall experience, creating an engaging fantasy rogue-like environment. The music complements the atmosphere effectively, enhancing the experience without being distracting. Overall, players find the atmosphere to be fun and inviting.
“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.”
“The music is atmospheric without being a distraction.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's soundtrack is characterized as enjoyable and atmospheric, fitting well within the typical fantasy genre while enhancing the overall experience without being distracting.
“The art and theme of the game is very appealing; the soundtrack is typical of fantasy, but enjoyable.”
“The music is atmospheric without being a distraction.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect tedious, particularly due to certain enemies repeatedly using fortitude restore, which can lead to monotonous gameplay. While there are occasional opportunities for variance through side quests or battles, they feel limited in this context.
“Especially when certain enemies will spam fortitude restore, which becomes tedious.”
“There is a little window for variance (side quests or two, grinding battles), but that is not the case here.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a rollercoaster of intense feelings, from frustration leading to rage quits to a powerful sense of triumph and empowerment, ultimately creating a deeply engaging experience.
“It beat me down into rage quits until it made me feel like a god.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by engaging and often silly writing that consistently delivers laughs, making it a standout feature.
“The writing is engaging, sometimes silly, and almost always hilarious.”
“The humor is clever and keeps you laughing throughout the game.”
“I love the witty dialogue and the absurd situations that make every moment enjoyable.”