For The King

Developer: IronOak Games
Release: Apr 19th 2018
Platforms:
Adventure
Indie
RPG
Strategy
Addictive
Coop
Strategic
R N G
Tedious
For The King Poster

" Engaging strategic RPG with unique board game mechanics but heavy RNG can frustrate "

For The King Review

For The King is a digital board game blending lite RPG and D&D influences, set in a high fantasy world named Fahrul. The core gameplay revolves around turn-based combat and skill checks, which determine the success of actions via a pass/fail tile system based on character stats. Players manage a party of three adventurers, each with unique classes and attributes, navigating hex-grid maps and engaging in events and battles. The game features multiple campaigns, biomes, and unlockable content, promoting replayability through emergent storytelling and random outcomes.

The art style is low-poly with exaggerated character proportions, enhancing the board game feel. The atmospheric music complements the fantasy setting, though some repetition occurs. Despite a lack of a deep story and minimal tutorial guidance, the game immerses players effectively. It supports local co-op play, which many find enjoyable. However, inventory management and controlling multiple characters can be tedious, and the rogue-like permadeath nature may frustrate some. Overall, For The King offers an engaging experience for fans of turn-based strategy and board game RPG hybrids.

Highlights

Players praise For The King's unique blend of board game mechanics with RPG elements, especially the engaging turn-based combat and skill check system. The game's atmospheric presentation, including distinct biomes and thematic music, adds to the immersive fantasy adventure feel. The variety of classes and unlockable content encourages replayability, and local co-op play is highly recommended for an enjoyable shared experience. The emergent storytelling from random outcomes creates memorable and thrilling moments that resonate with players.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's reliance on RNG, which some find frustrating and unfair, especially in combat outcomes. Solo play is often described as tedious due to managing multiple characters and their inventories. The UI has minor bugs, such as clunky inventory access and control issues. The lack of a comprehensive tutorial can make the learning curve steep for new players. Additionally, the story is considered bare-bones, and the roguelike permadeath system may lead to player frustration after losing progress.

Pros

  • Unique blend of board game and RPG mechanics creates an engaging gameplay loop.
  • Turn-based combat with skill checks offers strategic depth and excitement.
  • Atmospheric music and diverse biomes enhance the immersive fantasy setting.
  • Local co-op mode provides a fun and collaborative multiplayer experience.
  • Variety of classes and unlockables encourage replayability and customization.
  • Emergent storytelling through random events creates memorable adventures.
  • Low-poly art style fits well with the board game aesthetic.

Cons

  • Heavy RNG reliance can lead to frustrating and unfair gameplay moments.
  • Solo play is tedious due to micromanagement of multiple characters.
  • Inventory management is cumbersome and interrupts game flow frequently.
  • UI bugs and awkward controls detract from smooth gameplay experience.
  • Minimal tutorial makes initial learning curve steep for new players.
  • Storyline is thin and lacks depth, reducing narrative engagement.
  • Permadeath roguelike system may cause frustration over lost progress.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

For The King is a strategic RPG that blends tabletop and roguelike elements in a challenging adventure that spans the realms. Set off on a single player experience or play cooperatively both online and locally.

Release Date Apr 19th 2018
Publisher Curve Games
Developer IronOak Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (11,289)
89% Positive 11% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
79