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Review

Aug 02, 2017

Galaxy of Pen & Paper Review

Lights Off
3 Okay
Retails for: $14.99
We Recommend: $8.99
  • Developer: Behold Studios
  • Publisher: Behold Studios
  • Genre: Indie, RPG
  • Released: Jul 27, 2017
  • Platform: Windows
  • Reviewed: Windows

I’m a fan of RPG videogames and while some might assume that would mean I have a heart for table top roleplaying, it sadly does not.  I’ve had a few experiences trying them, and while fun they go on way too long and I just don’t find myself as stimulated. So what would happen if there was a game that presented itself as a table top sci-fi experience but rolled into a classic turn based videogame? The answer is surprisingly good, though with some problems.

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Editor’s Note: We have held this review until now to allow time for bugs to be fixed post-release. Behold Studios has been diligently working to fix problems with the game, and this review is based on Patch 1.0.2

At the start of the game, players are allowed to choose a table master and two characters that take on various roles and abilities depending on the player’s decision. Over the course of the game, more players are added to the group and eventually a band of players are traveling the galaxy. The setup and premises is absolutely solid. I’ve never played the prior games in this franchise, so this is my first time and I really like the idea. Even sometimes things in the real world interrupt the players, pulling them out of the experience. It’s a tongue in cheek idea that absolutely had me smiling from ear to ear.

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When working with the table master, the story missions will pop up that allow the narrative to progress and it’s a fun take on sci-fi and other humorous puns and nods to the genre. Players will click around the map to proceed with the next mission and also checking out side content if possible. When not moving around, there are battles that happen either with the crew or on the ship. They are turn based battles that will allow various moves and abilities to be used depending on the choices made.

It’s really simple and easy to play and the difficulty isn’t even all that hard. It’s easy enough for causal RPG fans to get into but has enough to satiate those more hardcore. Its charm is totally captured in both its visual representation, dialog, and kicking sound tracking. It’s a game I’d love to tell people about in that it’s just very unique in the entire package.

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Yet, I can’t fully recommended it currently without some warning. There are a few game breaking bugs ruining the game. From games that won’t load, to getting NPC players stuck in the party forever. The devs are aware of it and if they fix this, the score would go up another whole point. As it stands it’s a great game that get a bit repetitive, and has some irritating bugs that could potentially kill all progress in the story. Once those bugs get squashed, it’s a game most RPG fans definitely deserve to check out. It has heart, charm, and lots of funny moments. It just needs a little bit more of “TLC” to give it a full recommended purchase.

A pre-release Steam code was provided by the publisher for review purposes