Druidstone - Impressions Video

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Terminally Nerdy took a closer look at Druidstone: Secret of the Menhir Forest.



Welcome to Episode 4 of Indie Impressions! A series where I take a look at Indie and Non AAA titles giving you my first impressions after at least 2 hours of gameplay. Today we are looking at the Fantasy Turn Based Strategy RPG known as Druidstone: The Secret of Menhir Forest, by the creators of Legend of Grimrock!
More information.
 
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This looks pretty good. I don't know how i missed it. And anything from the creators of LoG is ok in my book.
 
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It's a nice diversion, light but solid entertainment. But no branching dialogue, and nothing in the way of choice and consequences.
 
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Graphics: Great
Music: Great
Combat: OK
Systems: Agh (timers, respawns, escort)

This could have been a great game had they chosen to make it a RPG. Maybe somebody will mod something more enjoyable out of it.

I recommend AntharioN instead:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/293160/AntharioN/
Had a lot of fun with it (don't be deterred by the mixed reviews on Steam).
 
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I finished this game when it was released a couple weeks ago or so... it's an entertaining game, really, though explicitly focused around puzzle-like combat with timers that make missions a bit too gimmicky. I personally don't like the music (it plays unfitting soundtracks that aren't well integrated into the game), and it's very short, I think about 20 missions (more or less, just what I remember from the top of my head).

I don't regret paying for it, but I would have been happier if I had waited for a sale or some discount.
 
When flash games get a slightly bigger budget and production values.

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Oh, I have nothing against flash games btw, some of my best friends are flash games.
 
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I quite liked AntharioN but what a bizarre comparison! They're completely different games. Might as well have recommended people to go outside and play soccer.

I'm with you. The main difference being that AntharioN is a RPG with exploration. Druidstone is a puzzle with stupid timers. Both are turn-based at least.
For me it would be a game like AntharioN any time of the day.
 
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Very disappointed to learn this is a puzzle/timer game.

Was really hoping it was an exploration rpg. Liked the grimrock games but this is a pass for me
 
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Very disappointed to learn this is a puzzle/timer game.

Was really hoping it was an exploration rpg. Liked the grimrock games but this is a pass for me

Well...I'd argue that Grimrock wasn't an exploration game either. :p
Besides of secret passages, there wasn't anything interesting to "explore". A new level with a different skin and maybe new enemies, that was pretty much it. No story, no events. Besides of the twitchy combat that was, what made Grimrock so disappointing to me. ^^
 
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The timer wasn't a big deal - i haven't finished the game yet but it isn't really a timer in the sense that there is a live clock ticking. You just have to limit the moves you make - but xcom had a few of those and it is like those - not a big deal - just something for people who haven't played the game to whine about.
 
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Well…I'd argue that Grimrock wasn't an exploration game either. :p
Besides of secret passages, there wasn't anything interesting to "explore". A new level with a different skin and maybe new enemies, that was pretty much it. No story, no events. Besides of the twitchy combat that was, what made Grimrock so disappointing to me. ^^

What a strange argument. Exploration was definitely a significant aspect in LoG. Even more so in LoG 2.

No denying the twitchy combat though even if it didn't bother me personally.
 
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What a strange argument. Exploration was definitely a significant aspect in LoG. Even more so in LoG 2.

No denying the twitchy combat though even if it didn't bother me personally.

Never played LoG2. But what would you consider an exploration aspect of LoG1?
Would you also say that Wolfenstein 3D has this type of exploration?

If it's about optional treasurerooms then...yeah, got it. But besides of that...but would be interesting to hear your take on it.
 
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Once he mentioned puzzle missions with pushing block around I lost interest. I just find that kind of stuff very boring.
 
Never played LoG2.

It's light years ahead of the first game. A big, beautiful island to explore with a variety of environments rather than just levels of one dungeon.

Such a clear upgrade in quality -- and such a passion project -- that it kind of breaks my heart it sank like a stone in the market after the surprise success of LoG1.
 
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Never played LoG2. But what would you consider an exploration aspect of LoG1?
Would you also say that Wolfenstein 3D has this type of exploration?

If it's about optional treasurerooms then…yeah, got it. But besides of that…but would be interesting to hear your take on it.

I'm starting to wonder if you're being intentionally obtuse here. You're asking what I'd consider an exploration aspect in a game that's based around exploring a giant dungeon.
 
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Once he mentioned puzzle missions with pushing block around I lost interest. I just find that kind of stuff very boring.
While these puzzles were quite a nice change, no worries there.
There are like 5 Maps like these in total. They take 5-15 Minutes each (rather 7-8m or so on average) and are also completely optional.

I'm starting to wonder if you're being intentionally obtuse here.
Nope, I am not. Was an honest question.
 
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