Stolen Realm
" Engaging tactical RPG adventure with deep customization and co-op but steep difficulty spikes "
Stolen Realm Review
Stolen Realm is a turn-based co-op RPG that combines classic dungeon crawling with roguelike elements, offering a rich tactical experience. Players create versatile characters with a "classless" system, allowing mix-and-match skill trees and extensive build customization. The game features procedural level generation, ensuring varied runs and high replayability. Combat is tactical and rewarding, emphasizing synergy between heroes and environmental interactions. The pixel art style is charming, functional, and complemented by atmospheric sound design.
Its two main modes, Campaign and Roguelike, provide distinct experiences catering to different playstyles. Multiplayer supports up to six players, enhancing the fun and strategic depth. However, the game has a steep difficulty curve and some balancing issues, especially at higher levels. Bugs, occasional crashes, and AI-generated content without disclosure have been noted, which can detract from immersion. Despite these flaws, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay, build diversity, and cooperative fun, making it a worthwhile experience especially for fans of tactical RPGs and roguelikes.
Highlights
Players highly praise the deep and flexible classless build system, allowing freedom to mix skill trees and create unique characters.
The tactical turn-based combat is engaging, rewarding strategic planning and team synergy.
Co-op multiplayer with up to six players significantly enhances the experience, making gameplay fast-paced and fun.
The procedural generation ensures varied and replayable runs in both Campaign and Roguelike modes.
The pixel art style and atmospheric sound design add charm and immersion, while the minimalistic story provides context without overshadowing gameplay.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include a steep difficulty spike at higher levels and some bosses considered overtuned or unfair.
Several bugs affect gameplay, including quest-related freezes, UI issues, and occasional crashes.
Players note the lack of enemy intent or movement range indicators, reducing strategic clarity.
The use of AI-generated narration and loading screen art without disclosure has caused concern for immersion and transparency.
Some find the graphics simplistic and the story minimalistic, which may not satisfy players seeking deep narrative or modern visuals.
Balance issues and repetitive combat encounters were also mentioned, impacting long-term engagement.
Pros
- • Flexible classless system allows extensive character build customization and respec options.
- • Engaging tactical turn-based combat rewarding strategy and team synergy.
- • Procedural generation creates high replayability and varied gameplay experiences.
- • Supports up to six-player co-op, enhancing fun and reducing downtime.
- • Distinct Campaign and Roguelike modes offer different playstyles and pacing.
- • Pixel art style is charming and functional, aiding battlefield clarity.
- • Atmospheric sound design and music complement the dungeon-crawling mood.
Cons
- • Steep difficulty spikes and some overpowered bosses frustrate players.
- • Quest-related bugs and crashes can halt progress and require restarts.
- • Lack of enemy intent or movement range reduces tactical clarity.
- • AI-generated narration and art used without disclosure undermines immersion.
- • Simplistic graphics may disappoint players expecting modern visuals.
- • Repetitive combat encounters reduce long-term engagement for some.
- • Balance issues favor certain stats and skills over others.
Rating Criteria
Stolen Realm is a simultaneous turn-based tactical dungeon crawling looter with action RPG elements where you control up to 6 heroes, solo or through online co-op, venturing forth in adventures set in a high-fantasy, low-poly world.