Chivalware Preview
When it comes to casual games, tile matching or match 3 games definitely belong in the hall of fame. Games like Candy Crush and Bejeweled were gateway drugs for many soon-to-be hardcore gamers. Now and then, games like Puzzle Quest famously add new elements to the generally simple formula. Case in point: the upcoming Chivalware, which turns tile matching into an adrenaline-fueled, reflex-challenging tile-matching tale of chivalry rolled into a roguelike.
You’re Not Ready
Chivalware’s demo starts simply enough. You play as a Disk Knight — one of five unlockable characters — and your simple starting task is to match numbered tiles. Next, you’re faced with an enemy, then collect and equip a floppy disk that gives you access to a pistol. Your limited ammo comes from filling a meter by chaining successful tile matches of the same color as your gun (yellow). The next enemy has a force field shield, which you can only break through a melee attack with your blue sword. In other words, it isn’t enough to match tiles. You have to match tiles of specific colors to power up an associated weapon or ability. Oh, and if you mess up, your meter for that color resets. Eventually, enemies start firing shots or spells at you, too, making you dodge to another tile.
Chivalware’s tutorial is great but it hides a little secret. Namely, the actual game’s pace is gleefully frantic and immediately challenging. Multiple enemies spawn in and attack or shoot projectiles simultaneously. Meanwhile you’re hopping all over the grid, trying to match tiles and charge your weapons while avoiding attacks. If you survive long enough you move on to the next stage. Die and it’s game over.
Well, that’s not entirely true. Chivalware is a roguelite, so dying is just the end of the run, and there are permanent progression items and unlocks, often taking the form of old-school floppy disks. Eventually, you can start a run with more powerful weapons and abilities, letting you inch closer to the boss. Clear the bosses and you move to another of four biomes. In the demo alone there are 34 unlockable weapon disks to unlock.
Medieval Cyberpunk
I can’t tell you the entire story unfolding in Chivalware, but I can say with certainty that it takes place in a medieval-meets-cybertech world. There’s a mad king in a castle for you to eventually slay, and things in the world are glitching and acting weird. You’ll run into some helpful NPCs and vendors, all written with a light, humorous tone.
Several weeks ago I watched a hands-off showcase of Chivalware and I’ll be honest, it didn’t click. But having spent some time with the demo and controller in my hands, I can confidently say two things. One, Chivalware is a clever take on several genres and the tile-matching and roguelite elements sync up well. Second, I’m old and the game kicked my butt. It’s challenging.
Solo developer Regal Pigeon (Max Roberts) must have the reflexes of an ambidextrous ninja. He’s crafted a seemingly simple game that has a lot of depth and an almost music game-like flow. With a lot of practice and fueled by several cups of coffee, I might be up to the full game whenever it releases.
***PC demo code provided by the publisher for review***
