Back in March, I had the pleasure of reviewing a turn-based RPG named Blackguards from Daedalic Entertainment. It wasn’t perfect, but still had great qualities to make it a fun, long-lasting adventure. Fast forward to today, and we’re now taking a look at the game’s sequel, which is due out early next year. The developers listened to the feedback on the first game and built upon it. Seeing game developers taking their fans’ feedback to heart is something we really need to see more of in this industry.
To start things off, you follow the story of a new protagonist, Cassia. She is thrown into one of her city’s deepest, darkest dungeons, and stripped of all power and wealth – and has no idea why. No one knows she’s there except for one lone guard who has no intention of letting her out. She is doomed to die, but against all odds fights her way out of the dungeon after several years have passed. However, it has come at a price: her beauty and her sanity. So begins her quest for revenge and to rule again one day.
“Seeing game developers taking their fans’ feedback to heart is something we really need to see more of in this industry”
During her quest she will run into familiar faces that you may recognize from the first game. Returning is Naurim, Zurbaran and Takate. Life has not treated them kindly after the events of the first game, but Cassia promises to change all that as long as they can assist her.
Getting down to the gameplay, the core mechanics are still there and I’m glad because I always go by the rule, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Battles still play out on a hexagonal grid in turn-based combat. There are some new features this time, such as a stamina bar which will affect how well you use weapons, and you can place your characters on the battlefield before the battle begins in predetermined spots. I personally loved being able to pre-position my characters because you can see what you are up against and plan for it.
The developers also improved the line-of-sight and cover mechanic, which was one of the things that players of the first game really wanted to see. Also you will a have a slew of new weapons, armor and enemies to defeat which will keep you busy.
In the graphic department even though the build of the game is not the final version, I could definitely see an improvement in everything from battle screens to character animations. There are a lot of things going on during battles, and many objects on the battlefield can hold secrets, such as new weapons, gold, and more you will be rewarded with at the battle’s conclusion. Another thing you can expect is larger battle maps, which will make for some very long, epic battles.
The audio so far from what I’ve heard is on par with the first game, but I was notified that it is all still a work in progress when it comes to music and voice work. I think they are on the right track though!
When it comes down to it, I feel fans of the first game are really going to like the direction this game is going. Even in this early and incomplete state I was putting the game through its paces and was having a good time. I look forward to giving the game a spin when the finishing touches are done and seeing even more improvements.
