I’ve played my fair share of rogue-likes and co-op games, but SWORN really grabbed my attention. Made by Windwalk Games and published by Team17, this game lets 1 to 4 players fight to take back a fallen Camelot. You go up against a twisted Arthur and his corrupted Knights of the Round Table in a battle for redemption. While the game takes a lot from Hades in terms of gameplay, it stands out thanks to its strong multiplayer focus. This mix of inspiration and originality gives fans of the rogue-like genre something both fresh and familiar.
Overall Impression
My first time playing SWORN left a strong impression. The co-op gameplay is its best feature. Players can team up in battle, using group tactics and combo moves. This makes each fight feel exciting and team-based. I could feel the energy and strategy in every battle, especially when we pulled off smooth, well-timed attacks. Working together and planning ahead made each session feel different and fun.
Gameplay Mechanics
Some of SWORN’s gameplay sticks closely to what you’d expect from Hades. It’s true that many features seem borrowed. But the co-op spin gives them a fresh twist. With friends, new ways to play open up as you explore dangerous castle levels. I had moments where teamwork felt flawless, raising the challenge in a way that was both tough and satisfying.
Story and Characters
The story takes place in a castle full of mystery and legend. Camelot has fallen, and dark magic has replaced the glory of old. The story feels urgent as you explore winding paths and fight cursed knights. What stood out to me was the mix of chasing lost honor and staying alive. The story doesn’t dump long cutscenes on you—it slowly tells itself through the world and the characters you meet.
The characters help build the game’s dark mood. While they might not be as deep as those in other big titles, they still add meaning to your journey. The fallen Arthur is a tragic leader, pulled between duty and power. The knights have unique personalities and fighting styles that add to the game. Each character has a background that makes battles feel more personal. I liked the small signs of conflict between the knights—it gave the story more weight during the chaos.
Visuals and Graphics
SWORN has a gothic look that fits its dark tone. The art feels like a mix of medieval style and modern design. You can feel the ruin and lost glory of Camelot in every area. Windwalk Games paid close attention to how light and shadow affect the world. I liked how the buildings and creatures looked. Some textures may feel familiar, but they keep the style steady and immersive. The visuals match the mood and add depth to every battle and exploration.
Sound and Music
The sound and music also shine. The music has a fast beat that matches the action. It makes both quiet and wild moments feel more intense. The background sounds and battle tracks boost the emotion during big fights. The sound effects are sharp and make each move feel real. Voice acting is used less, but it still helps share the tension and despair in Camelot’s fall.
Difficulty and Replayability
SWORN has a fair but tough challenge. It takes quick thinking, fast moves, and smart teamwork. Battles can get wild fast, so you need to adapt. Playing with others makes the hard parts easier, as teamwork often turns the tide. I liked how the game rewards both careful planning and spur-of-the-moment choices. This mix keeps the game fresh. With daily updates and hints at new content, it looks like SWORN will keep players coming back.
Many players compare SWORN to Hades, and I get why. It shares some gameplay ideas. But where Hades is solo-focused, SWORN shines in co-op. Playing with friends made every win feel better and every loss sting less. Changing enemies and shifting levels keep things interesting. Every run feels bold and new.
Behind-The-Scenes
Behind the scenes, Windwalk Games shows strong goals and good skills. Even though it borrows ideas from other games, the way it focuses on co-op makes it stand out. The team keeps tuning combat and adding cool features. Updates and player feedback are helping it grow, and reviews have been very positive both now and overall.
Final Thoughts
After spending lots of time with SWORN, I see it as a solid entry in the co-op rogue-like space. It mixes known mechanics with new team-focused fun. The story isn’t its biggest strength, but it adds flavor to the gameplay. The look and sound add to the feel of reclaiming a broken kingdom.
After exploring every corner and fighting plenty of tough battles, I give SWORN 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a fun ride built on teamwork and tight combat. Its strong co-op design, great soundtrack, and rich world make it a must-play for genre fans. Even if it walks familiar paths, its group focus gives it a special edge. If you like games that reward strategy and teamwork, SWORN is a quest worth taking.
