Obsidian Prince

Developer : Unleash The Giraffe
Released:
Platforms :
Indie
RPG
Strategy
Obsidian Prince Poster

" Deep indie RPG with tactical turn-based combat and deck-building, but plagued by performance issues "

Obsidian Prince Review

Obsidian Prince is a turn-based tactical roguelike with deck-building elements and a quirky, humorous style. Players control a single hero navigating procedurally generated dungeons with strategic, puzzle-like combat. The game offers both a campaign mode with base-building and a pure roguelike mode, catering to different playstyles. The gameplay loop is praised for its depth and variety, with many classes, weapons, and abilities that encourage experimentation and tactical decision-making.

However, many players report that the game feels like an early access title rushed to full release. Common issues include performance problems, bugs, and UI/UX shortcomings that hinder readability and clarity during combat. Some also find the difficulty spikes and progression pacing frustrating, especially given the long dungeon runs and punishing mechanics. Despite these flaws, the developers are seen as passionate and responsive, regularly updating the game and engaging with the community. Overall, Obsidian Prince is considered a promising but imperfect tactical roguelike that rewards players willing to look past its rough edges.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the deep and engaging turn-based tactical combat, which combines movement, positioning, and deck-building mechanics. The variety of classes and equipment allows for diverse playstyles and strategic experimentation.

The voxel art style is widely appreciated for its charm and expressiveness, and the game’s humor and witty writing add personality to the experience. The soundtrack is noted as above average, enhancing the atmosphere.

Both campaign and roguelike modes provide substantial content, with many players highlighting the game’s replayability and unique blend of genres as strong points.

Criticisms

Many reviewers highlight performance issues and bugs, including frame drops, UI lag, and occasional softlocks that interrupt gameplay. These technical problems detract from the experience, especially during longer dungeon runs or boss fights.

The user interface and visual clarity receive criticism for being cluttered or hard to read, with confusing mechanics and poorly telegraphed enemy attacks. Some players find the map and progression systems overwhelming or unintuitive.

Difficulty spikes and grind-heavy progression, especially in early game dungeons, frustrate some players. The lack of pure keyboard controls and limited multiplayer/team options are also noted as drawbacks.

Pros

  • Deep and strategic turn-based combat with meaningful tactical decisions.
  • Varied classes and equipment encourage diverse playstyles and experimentation.
  • Charming voxel art style with expressive characters and environments.
  • Humorous and witty writing adds personality and lighthearted tone.
  • Campaign and roguelike modes offer substantial content and replayability.
  • Developers are passionate and responsive, regularly updating the game.
  • Good soundtrack that complements the gameplay atmosphere.

Cons

  • Performance issues including frame drops and lag during intense fights.
  • Bugs and softlocks that can halt progress and require restarting.
  • User interface and visuals can be cluttered and hard to interpret.
  • Difficulty spikes and long dungeon runs lead to frustrating grind.
  • Lack of clear explanations for some game mechanics and effects.
  • Limited keyboard controls, no pure keyboard mode for roguelike fans.
  • Procedural generation sometimes leads to confusing or overwhelming content.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Obsidian Prince released?

Obsidian Prince was released on May 24, 2022.

Who developed Obsidian Prince?

Obsidian Prince was developed by Unleash The Giraffe.

Is Obsidian Prince available on Mac?

No, Obsidian Prince is not currently available on Mac according to our data.

Is Obsidian Prince available on Linux?

No, Obsidian Prince is not currently available on Linux according to our data.

Where can I buy Obsidian Prince?

You can buy Obsidian Prince on Steam.

Game Details

Fight through dungeons in a tactical, turn-based roguelike where choices have real consequences. Craft your backstory & inspiration decks & combine classes, skills & gear to create truly powerful heroes. Explore & rebuild Emalon in the campaign or top the highscore in a challenging roguelike mode.

Release Date May 24th 2022
Publisher Unleash The Giraffe, Gameclaw Studio
Developer Unleash The Giraffe
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Strategic
Varied
Humorous
Buggy
Performance

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (89)
77% Positive 23% Negative