Bellwright
" Immersive action RPG with deep village management and co-op, but clunky combat limits flow "
Bellwright Review
Bellwright is an engaging medieval life simulation and management strategy game that combines survival, village-building, and combat elements. Players start as a struggling farmer and gradually recruit villagers, expand settlements, and optimize resource chains. The game evolves from survival to conquest, where players lead militias to reclaim lands. The villager automation and management systems receive praise for adding depth and reducing grind. The combat system, while not revolutionary, adds an enjoyable layer, and the open-ended gameplay allows for varied playstyles, from city-building to adventure.
However, the game is still in Early Access and exhibits bugs, crashes, and UX issues that can detract from the experience. The inventory system and combat mechanics are often described as clunky or frustrating. Late-game content can feel repetitive, and village defense lacks complexity. Despite these flaws, the game offers many hours of content and has a promising future with active developer support and regular updates.
Highlights
Players appreciate Bellwright's satisfying progression from survival to complex management, with well-implemented NPC automation and village management. The graphics and sound design create an immersive medieval atmosphere, enhanced by dynamic weather and realistic lighting. Combat, inspired by games like Mount & Blade and Kingdom Come: Deliverance, is challenging and rewarding once mastered. The open world offers extensive exploration, quests, and the ability to build and manage multiple villages. Co-op multiplayer is highlighted as seamless and enjoyable, adding to the game's replayability and social appeal.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's clunky and sometimes broken combat system, especially against multiple enemies. Inventory management is tedious due to limited stacking and space. Players find the map vast but underutilized, with repetitive quests and village development loops leading to late-game boredom. Village defense mechanics are basic and lack urgency. Technical issues such as crashes, AI pathfinding problems, and glitches with villager behavior reduce polish. The UI can be cumbersome when managing large settlements, and some feel the game needs more variety in buildings, missions, and strategic depth.
Pros
- • Deep village management and NPC automation reduce micromanagement effectively.
- • Immersive graphics and sound design enhance medieval atmosphere.
- • Satisfying progression from survival to strategic conquest gameplay.
- • Open-ended gameplay supports both city-building and adventure playstyles.
- • Co-op multiplayer is well implemented and adds replay value.
- • Extensive tech tree with meaningful unlocks and crafting complexity.
- • Combat system offers challenge and tactical depth once mastered.
Cons
- • Combat feels clunky and frustrating, especially against groups of enemies.
- • Inventory limitations and non-stacking items cause tedious resource management.
- • Late-game content is repetitive and lacks incentives for exploration.
- • Village defense mechanics are simplistic and lack strategic complexity.
- • Frequent bugs, crashes, and AI pathfinding issues reduce polish.
- • Villagers sometimes behave unpredictably, hindering gameplay flow.
- • UI can be overwhelming and inefficient with large settlements.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Framed for the murder of the Prince and sentenced to death by the Crown, you've been living in the shadows ever since. After barely dodging an attempt on your life, you find the assassin's contract that raises many questions - was it just misfortune that you were framed? Or is there more to it? Determined to find the answers, you journey back to the very place you escaped.
Slowly but surely, you will lead a rebellion against your homeland's oppressive Sovereign to victory, uncovering the truth of your family's secret along the way. The bells shall ring for freedom once again!
Establish and expand your own settlements, liberate the land and assist its villagers, and recruit others to your cause while learning more about a life you had to leave behind. Your recruits will help you build up the resources and might needed for a stand against the Crown. Command your forces, prove your valor through combat, and cement yourself as the hero of your people.
Key Features
Survive and Explore - Gather, hunt, build and craft! Collect and manage resources in a harsh world to survive, and journey through the land for its secrets and adventures! The Crown and its Royal Army is not the only foe in the kingdom…
Conquer and Expand - Work your way up from a small camp to becoming the leader of a great rebellion. Improve your relations with the settlements, grow your armies, and liberate regions from the Crown to strengthen your cause. Gain followers with unique knowledge along the way and find new resources to further the technologies of your towns.
Resource and Town Management - As you free the villages from the oppressive influence of the Crown, build, manage, and upgrade your own outposts and towns with the help of your recruits. Organize your workers and train the strongest soldiers in the kingdom to grow the rebellion.
Skill-Based Directional Combat - Choose your equipment from a variety of medieval weapons and armor. From swords and axes to heavy mauls and polearms, and bows, choose your unique style of fighting and hone your skill in directional combat.
Army Command - Lead your armies into battle, commanding your squads and formations, and employ cunning tactics to your advantage. Equip and train your troops the way you want it, and control them on the battlefield to prove your skill and might.
Deep Progression - Improve your own skills in combat and survival, train your soldiers and see your workers become master craftsmen. Each new recruit will bring unique knowledge to the table, from crafting better arrows to building advanced structures in your town, so choose wisely. Opportunities for growth are endless!
Story and Roleplay - As you expand your armies and influence across the land, unravel your family secrets and learn the truth behind the terrible death of the Prince you were accused of murdering. The mysteries of the kingdom await…
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Establish and expand your own settlements, liberate the land and assist its villagers, and recruit others to your cause while learning more about a life you had to leave behind. Command your forces, prove your valor through combat, and cement yourself as the hero of your people.