[Free with Epic Nov 16th 2023] Earthlock (Festival of Magic) - Two Minute Critiques!
0“Earthlock” is an indie adventure RPG with a refreshing take on turn-based battles. Initially, the game was very poorly received, but was relaunched after undergoing a series of quality of life updates that actively tackled feedback from players to provide an overall much improved gaming experience.
The game’s strengths lie in its gameplay mechanics and world-building. The world is substantial for an indie game, with varied locations. The turn-based combat system has a lot of novelty and depth, with well implemented controls. Each of the 6 playable characters is unique, with their own abilities that add diverse mechanics. The game features a distinctive talent board system, which offers a refreshing and strategic take on the classic skill tree.
However, the combat, while initially interesting, can feel slow and repetitive by the endgame. Although you can avoid the majority of fights by just running past enemies, this inevitably leads to random difficulty spikes, and the need for occassional tedious experience grinding to realistically beat some areas. These concerns aren't overly significant however, as the game can be completed in little over 20 hours, well before it begins to overstay its welcome. Other frustrations include respawning enemies, occassionally bad camera angles, obscure level design, and an old-fashioned save system, where progress can only be saved at statues which are not generously distributed.
In conclusion, “Earthlock” is a solid RPG that offers a nostalgic throwback to the classics of the genre. The gameplay is largely linear, and the narrative is quite basic, but the unique mechanics and controls make the experience stand out. Not all the issues with the game have been ironed-out, but the passion of the developers is evident throughout. It's not going to convert non-turn-based fans, or those easily bored or frustrated, but for enthusiasts of this type of game it is highly recommended.
I give this game 76%
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Title: Earthlock
Summary Festival of Magic is an adventure RPG with a Nordic take on an Eastern genre. Grow spuds, mushrooms and plants and use your harvest as powerful ammunition or spells; craft your weapons and team up your companions for battle. Solve challenging puzzles, collect rare items and explore various dungeons scattered across the world.
Initial Release Date: Mar 8, 2018
Rated E +10 for Everyone +10
Developer: Snow Castle Games
Publisher: Snow Castle Games
Platforms: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Genres: RPG
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