Blackguards - Review Roundup

I have a new batch of reviews for the recently released Blackguards.

ZTGD - 7/10

This is a pen and paper/table top game that is not afraid to kill you if you are not careful. It has its moments of brilliance, and those really overpower the frustrations if you allow yourself to be patient. Hardcore RPG fans and pen and paper purists will get their fill with Blackguards both in combat and story. Just be prepared to do a lot of planning and possibly losing in order to succeed.

Canadian Online - 75/100

It was rather fun to play a turn-based tactical RPG in this style, but I wish it had just a bit more life to it and not feel so stiff. Don’t get me wrong – it is still very enjoyable, I just wish it had a bit more to it.  If you’re a fan of games like Final Fantasy Tactics, Ogre Tactics, and similar games, I would say that Blackguards is definitely worth checking out!

IGN -  7.8/10

I wish that Blackguards' character progression system wasn't such a mess, because if it worked, I'd be delighted to recommend the entire low-fantasy role-playing package without hesitation. But character development is such an important and defining part of any RPG that this cluttered and confusing system has a big impact on what is otherwise an excellent tactical game with well-designed battlefields.

Capsule Computers - 7.5/10

Blackguards is a solid game for RPG fans looking to check out a new system. The Dark Eye is one of the most popular systems in Europe and hopefully Blackguards will bring some attention from players around the world. Although the game provides a strong audio/visual experience and a good, but tame, story, there are some problems with the combat system that may scare off non-hardcore RPG fans. There is a ton of content for $39.99, with more than 40 hours of adventuring.  It’s a shame that Blackguards needs some tweaking before it’s ready to break into the mainstream; however, Daedalic Entertainment has made a great step towards that goal with the game.

Games Radar - 3.5/5

Blackguard had a lot of promise--The Dark Eye provides an interesting setting and a compelling set of tactical mechanics for a turn-based strategy game. And if you’re looking at just the combat, Blackguards works--it’s just a shame that everything is so unpolished. You’ll find incomplete translations; an awkward, imprecise control scheme; and frame rate issues, all of which keep Blackguards from realizing its potential.

Leviathyn - 6/10

Daedalic Entertainment’s new tactical RPG is filled with great ideas and mechanics that are never used quite right. Blackguards has fun characters, great battlefield design and open-ended character building, and with a little more attention given to its pacing, it could be a fantastic game. As is, Blackguards will please fans of both RPGs and turn-based strategy games looking for something a bit more straightforward, but only if they are willing to come to the game with a great deal of patience.