Pendragon Rising

Pendragon Rising is a text-based interactive fiction game set in a reimagined Arthurian Britain, where players take on the role of Arthur or Arta, navigating political intrigue, war, and alliances against the Saxon invaders. The game offers a strong narrative with well-written characters and a rich atmosphere that immerses players in a mythic, post-Roman Britain. Players can shape their ruler's personality—warrior, diplomat, or leader—and make impactful choices that affect relationships and outcomes. The option to play as a female protagonist with gender-swapped main cast adds a unique twist.

However, the game has notable drawbacks: stat systems are volatile and sometimes unclear, leading to frustration and a feeling that choices may not always have meaningful consequences. The lack of save points and limited romance options further restrict player experience. Endings are often abrupt or lack closure, which some players found unsatisfying. Despite these issues, Pendragon Rising is praised for its replayability and engaging storytelling, especially for fans of text adventures and Arthurian lore.

Highlights

Players praised the game's immersive storytelling and atmospheric setting, capturing the Arthurian saga with a fresh, often historically grounded perspective. The character relationships and political intrigue were highlighted as engaging, with meaningful choices shaping the narrative. The option to choose gender and alter the main cast was seen as a creative feature. Many appreciated the multiple endings and replay value, with the game rewarding experimentation and diverse playstyles. The writing quality and integration of Celtic and Roman elements also received positive remarks.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the unpredictable and opaque stat mechanics that often penalize players arbitrarily, diminishing immersion and enjoyment. The lack of save points makes exploring different paths tedious. Some players found the illusion of choice limiting, with many decisions leading to similar outcomes. The romance options are sparse and sometimes uncomfortable, involving incestuous relationships without sufficient narrative depth. Additionally, the game’s ending is frequently abrupt or unsatisfying, with little resolution or explanation of consequences.