The Slormancer

The Slormancer is a pixel-art ARPG developed by a small team, praised for its addictive gameplay, flexible build system, and generous quality of life features. Players appreciate the freedom to respec skills anytime and experiment with various skill and weapon combinations, creating unique builds without penalty. The combat is described as snappy and satisfying, with a good loot system and humorous, lighthearted storytelling. The game offers multiple characters and a substantial amount of content, appealing to both casual and veteran ARPG fans.

However, many players criticize the game for its repetitive grind, especially toward the endgame where progression feels artificially gated by mandatory grinding tasks. Some find the skill depth shallow due to limited active skill slots, and the bosses often feel like stat checks with uninspired mechanics. Visuals and UI receive mixed feedback, with some finding the pixel art charming while others see it as bland or confusing, especially on platforms like Steam Deck. Bugs and clunky interfaces also detract from the experience for some users.

Highlights

Players highly praise the game's flexible build experimentation enabled by free respecs and the unique "Slorm Reaper" weapon system. The combat is fast and satisfying, with distinct classes and a variety of skills that encourage creative playstyles. The loot and crafting systems are well-received for their deterministic nature and depth. Additionally, the humorous story and charming pixel art add personality and enjoyment. The game is noted for its smooth performance and quality of life features uncommon in indie ARPGs.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include an excessive grind that feels like filler rather than meaningful progression, especially near the final chapters. The skill system depth is limited by only allowing a few active skills, making builds feel shallow. Many bosses are seen as uninspired stat checks with repetitive mechanics rather than engaging fights. The graphics and UI can be bland or confusing, with problematic inventory management and unclear key prompts. Several players report bugs affecting skill effects and map display. Lastly, the lack of multiplayer and some clunky design choices reduce replayability for some fans.