Players Like...

❤ Captivating Narrative

Players laud the exceptionally well-written, captivating plot that tackles heavy themes of war, trauma, and family drama. The narrative follows the player-character, the late king's eldest child and royal bastard, who must restore peace to a realm wracked by rebellion.

❤ Meaningful Player Agency

While the narrative maintains a strong sense of direction, players have a significant degree of agency in shaping the story through their choices. Reviews highlight that the choices feel meaningful and impactful, with far-reaching consequences that can alter relationships, battle outcomes, and the protagonist's fate. Players appreciate the nuanced decision-making, often presenting shades of gray rather than clear-cut right or wrong options.

❤ Robust Character Customization

The protagonist's background and personality are well-established, but players still have meaningful control over their character's development. Reviewers praise the depth of the protagonist's characterization, with physical attributes, fighting style, and mental state all influencing the narrative and character interactions.

❤ Engaging Army Management

A unique aspect of the gameplay is the player's role as a military commander, tasked with managing the composition and strategies of their army. Reviewers highlight this mechanic as an engaging and integral part of the experience, requiring careful consideration of troop types, skills, and battlefield maneuvers to achieve victory.

❤ Powerful Emotional Impact

Perhaps the most widely praised aspect is the game's ability to deeply engage players emotionally. Reviewers consistently praise the visceral, unflinching portrayal of the protagonist's internal struggles with PTSD, guilt, and self-loathing, finding it to be a powerful and immersive aspect of the experience.

❤ Substantial Replayability

Despite the linear nature of the overall narrative, reviewers highlight the game's significant replayability, with multiple paths, relationships, and endings to discover. Players enjoy the sense of their choices mattering and shaping a unique playthrough, even if the core story remains the same.