Players Like...

❤ Tactical Turn-Based Combat

Players take control of a party of characters and must strategically position them, utilize their abilities, and exploit environmental factors to overcome enemies in turn-based combat. The system is similar to XCOM, requiring careful consideration of movements and actions each turn. Reviewers praise the depth and tactical complexity, noting the wide variety of abilities, synergies between party members, and importance of positioning. Players can take advantage of cover, the environment, and their characters' unique skills to gain the upper hand, with abilities ranging from direct attacks to support functions. Building an effective party composition is crucial, especially on higher difficulty settings.

❤ Expansive RPG Systems

The game uses a d100 system for character stats and abilities, offering players a large skill tree with numerous options for specializing their party members. Reviewers highlight the depth of character creation and development, with classes, backgrounds, and abilities significantly impacting playstyle. The skill system is described as complex but rewarding, with meaningful choices at each level up. Beyond character builds, the game features ship upgrades and management, as well as opportunities to expand the player's influence and holdings across the Koronus Expanse, adding another layer of depth to the overall experience.

❤ Narrative Choices and Consequences

Reviewers praise the game's branching storylines and the way player decisions can significantly impact the course of events, the fates of NPCs, and even the overall alignment of the protagonist (dogmatic, iconoclast, or heretical). The dialogue system is described as robust, with meaningful choices that go beyond simple good/evil binary options, allowing players to navigate the game's morally ambiguous world in a variety of ways. These narrative elements, combined with the deep RPG mechanics, provide an immersive, choice-driven experience with a high degree of roleplaying and replayability.

❤ Pacing and Difficulty Balance

While the gameplay is generally praised, some reviewers note issues with the pacing and difficulty balance, particularly in the later stages. The combat can become increasingly challenging, with enemies capable of quickly wiping out unprepared parties. Some players found that certain builds or strategies became overpowered, allowing them to trivialize many encounters, while others struggled with the difficulty spikes. The game's length, reportedly over 100 hours for a single playthrough, is mentioned as a double-edged sword, with the expansive content leading to some pacing issues or a sense of fatigue towards the end.