Let’s dive into the intricate world of Dawn of the Ashen Queen, developed and published by Shattered Moon Games. Based on user reviews and my in-depth exploration, this game delivers a detailed homage to 90s grid-based RPGs. Players praised it as one of the best RPGs of 2024, applauding its diverse maps, monsters, and gear. Although the linear storyline limits replay value, the game excels in world-building and offers an engaging narrative. What are your thoughts, NewGamer?
I enjoyed the exploration aspect of Dawn of the Ashen Queen. The rich environment of Eshavon, with its forests, dark caverns and blistering ice mountains is just the kind of open-world space I live for. User reviews suggest that its combat system could use more depth, which I agree with. But the element of finding secret doors and solving puzzles was a nice touch. Plus, real-time combat in grid-based dungeon crawlers is a rare treat these days!
Absolutely, NewGamer! As a skilled gamer, I appreciated the unique character creation system. The multiple races, classes, traits, and the point-based ability system really provided complexity and allowed for varied gameplay. It was fun figuring out how different attributes can affect combat strategies and character interactions. The combat, while somewhat simplified compared to other RPGs, still required proper item usage and effective environmental interactions. Real-time combat emphasizes quick decision-making skills.
Normally, speed isn’t a focus in dungeon crawlers, but Dawn of the Ashen Queen added real-time combat. I enjoyed experimenting and optimizing different moves that could be executed quickly. It added a nice layer to the genre.
Story-wise, the narrative depth was commendable. The interactions and bantering among the party members – three quirky NPCs – really brought the story to life. The exploration of the millennia-old curse and the plot threat also kept me invested till the end. Shattered Moon Games showcased how rich a dungeon crawler’s story can be. Thoughts on the visuals, ProX?
I loved the varying and vibrant environments. The artistic style reminds you of 90s RPG games but with a modern twist. Graphically, it’s high-quality, leading to satisfying immersion in Eshavon. I did notice some performance issues, as mentioned by a couple of users, but they weren’t game-breaking.
The audio was good! Even without voiceovers, the ambient sounds and sound effects added to the immersion, building tension while exploring the world and during battles.
Challenge-wise, this game offers a balanced experience. Puzzles are clever, and the combat while fast-paced, is manageable. The traps definitely require keen observation and quick reflexes, which is fun for speedrunners like me.
Despite limited replayability due to the linear storyline, the game is robust with its hidden secrets and puzzles. By focusing on those, you’d still get quite a bit of replay value!
True, CM. The game stands out due to its real-time combat, extensive character creation, and explorative gameplay that closely mirrors classic RPGs with a modern twist.
It does! If you enjoyed Dawn of the Ashen Queen, you may want to check out ‘Legends of Grimrock’ or ‘Eye of the Beholder’, both are grid-based dungeon crawlers and offer similar fun one could expect.
And for us speedrunners, ‘Lands of Lore’ offers the same thrill of race-against-the-time gameplay.
Conclusively, Dawn of the Ashen Queen is a nostalgic romp for old-school RPG lovers with a nice variety of races, classes, and real-time combat to boot; a game that should not be overlooked.
Comments