Realm of the Mad God Exalt

Developer: Wild Shadow Studios
Release: Feb 20th 2012
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Indie
Massively Multiplayer
RPG
Free To Play
Addictive
Cooperative
Challenging
Pay To Win
Laggy
Realm of the Mad God Exalt Poster

" Addictive action-adventure MMO with skill-based combat and permadeath but steep difficulty "

Realm of the Mad God Exalt Review

Realm of the Mad God Exalt is a unique bullet hell MMORPG that has seen multiple ownership changes, affecting its gameplay and community over time. Originally praised under Wild Shadow, the game declined during Kabam's tenure due to pay-to-win elements and lack of updates. However, since DECA took over, players report frequent updates, new content, and improved balance, making it more enjoyable and less pay-to-win.

The game features permadeath, cooperative multiplayer, and challenging boss fights requiring skill and teamwork. Its pixel-art 2D graphics and fast-paced combat offer a nostalgic yet engaging experience. While the learning curve and difficulty can be steep, many find the progression and skill improvement rewarding. Nonetheless, some players criticize the game's reliance on microtransactions, limited inventory space, and occasional bugs or connection issues. Overall, it remains a beloved free-to-play title with a dedicated community and addictive gameplay loop.

Highlights

Players praise the game's addictive gameplay mechanics, emphasizing the rewarding skill-based combat and permadeath system that enhances tension and accomplishment.

The cooperative multiplayer aspect is highly valued, as teamwork is essential for defeating bosses and progressing. The frequent updates and new content under DECA's management have revitalized the game.

Graphically, the 2D pixel art style is appreciated for its charm and simplicity, fitting well with the bullet hell and RPG elements. The game's progression systems, including pets and character classes, provide depth and long-term goals.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the pay-to-win perception, especially regarding pets and inventory expansions that can be costly, impacting long-term enjoyment.

Many players find the steep difficulty and permadeath frustrating, particularly for newcomers, leading to repeated loss of progress.

Technical issues such as lag, connection failures, and UI bugs detract from the experience. Some also mention that the game can become repetitive and dull after extended play without new challenges.

Limited storage and character slots force players towards microtransactions, which some find off-putting.

Pros

  • Addictive skill-based combat with rewarding progression and permadeath mechanics.
  • Engaging cooperative multiplayer requiring teamwork for challenging boss fights.
  • Frequent updates and new content under DECA revitalizing the game experience.
  • Charming 2D pixel art graphics fitting the bullet hell RPG genre well.
  • Varied character classes and pets add depth and long-term goals.
  • Free-to-play with no mandatory payments to enjoy core gameplay.
  • Quick to pick up and play with friends, enhancing social interaction.

Cons

  • Perceived pay-to-win elements especially regarding pets and inventory expansions.
  • Steep difficulty and permadeath can frustrate new and casual players.
  • Limited inventory and character slots push players towards microtransactions.
  • Occasional lag, connection issues, and UI bugs affect gameplay quality.
  • Repetitive gameplay after extended sessions without fresh challenges.
  • Bots and scammers reported in multiplayer lobbies detract from experience.
  • Some controls feel unresponsive or problematic on certain platforms.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the pixelated Realm of the Mad God! Join, an action-packed, free-to-play MMO bullet hell game. Discover a world with danger, challenges, and hidden treasures as you battle through waves of enemies. Team up with players and conquer dungeons to become a legend!

Release Date Feb 20th 2012
Publisher Deca Live Operations GmbH
Developer Wild Shadow Studios, Deca Live Operations GmbH
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (120)
79% Positive 21% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
82