▲ Recommended
3 hrs
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You're now the owner of a small northern village, passed down to you after your father, the famous blacksmith, tragically left this realm. The village isn’t just a place with a lovely view of snow-covered hills; it’s a land with potential... and problems. This game puts you in charge, and it’s up to you to decide whether you’ll lead your people to prosperity or doom them to misery. The game is currently in Early Access, so expect some rough edges, but the developers promise a lot more content and features to come.
The story kicks off with the death of your father, the legendary blacksmith whose craftsmanship was admired far and wide. His passing leaves a void, not just in your life, but in the hearts of the villagers who depended on his skills. As you’re grappling with your loss, a letter from King Bjorn arrives, beckoning you to a meeting about your newfound inheritance. The plot revolves around managing this little piece of the North, making choices that will shape the future of your village. Will you follow your father's path of strength and honour, or take a darker route? The story so far is intriguing, though still unfolding, with new episodes and chapters being added over time.
At its core, this is a card-based adventure where you swipe your way through various scenarios. Each card represents an event, decision, or encounter, and you’ll need to think carefully about how your choices affect your kingdom. You’ll solve puzzles, tackle mini-adventures, and make key decisions that impact the people and the land. There’s a bit of everything – exploration, mystery, and even the promise of war on the horizon.
The developers have thrown in some neat additions, like a day and night cycle and a variety of side characters, making the world feel more alive. It’s still in Early Access, so there are about 200 cards now, but they’ve got plans for hundreds more in upcoming updates. The road ahead includes more chapters, a War and Travel system, and even some mini-stories. There’s still work to be done to improve the game’s balance and depth – like maybe fixing that situation where you die of hunger instantly in a dungeon without warning.
Visually, this title keeps things simple but charming. The card art has a hand-drawn feel, adding a bit of personality to the game’s mediaeval setting. While there isn’t a ton of animation or flashy effects, the minimalist style fits the game’s vibe well.
The audio is still a work in progress, with some early attempts at voice dubbing. Right now, the game uses around 30 cards with voices, and the developers are looking for feedback to improve this aspect. One suggestion I have is to rely on more natural voice acting rather than AI-generated speech as they sound a bit too inhumane. Given the game’s immersive potential, a fully voiced experience could definitely enhance the atmosphere.
Empire: Sound of the North is shaping up to be a unique swipe-to-survive card game with a mediaeval twist. It’s got the makings of a great adventure, but it’s still growing, with new chapters, cards, and features in the works. If you’re up for some card-swiping and kingdom-building with a touch of northern grit, give it a shot, but keep in mind it’s an Early Access experience. With a bit more polish and content, this could be a gem in the card-game crown. For now, consider it a work in progress with some potential... and a few quirks to iron out.
Rating: 7/10
I accidentally chose Turkish as the language and got lost for a bit 🙁
Empire: Sound of the North Review
Where Swiping Matters More Than In Tinder
You're now the owner of a small northern village, passed down to you after your father, the famous blacksmith, tragically left this realm. The village isn’t just a place with a lovely view of snow-covered hills; it’s a land with potential... and problems. This game puts you in charge, and it’s up to you to decide whether you’ll lead your people to prosperity or doom them to misery. The game is currently in Early Access, so expect some rough edges, but the developers promise a lot more content and features to come.
About This Game
Storyline
The story kicks off with the death of your father, the legendary blacksmith whose craftsmanship was admired far and wide. His passing leaves a void, not just in your life, but in the hearts of the villagers who depended on his skills. As you’re grappling with your loss, a letter from King Bjorn arrives, beckoning you to a meeting about your newfound inheritance. The plot revolves around managing this little piece of the North, making choices that will shape the future of your village. Will you follow your father's path of strength and honour, or take a darker route? The story so far is intriguing, though still unfolding, with new episodes and chapters being added over time.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, this is a card-based adventure where you swipe your way through various scenarios. Each card represents an event, decision, or encounter, and you’ll need to think carefully about how your choices affect your kingdom. You’ll solve puzzles, tackle mini-adventures, and make key decisions that impact the people and the land. There’s a bit of everything – exploration, mystery, and even the promise of war on the horizon.
The developers have thrown in some neat additions, like a day and night cycle and a variety of side characters, making the world feel more alive. It’s still in Early Access, so there are about 200 cards now, but they’ve got plans for hundreds more in upcoming updates. The road ahead includes more chapters, a War and Travel system, and even some mini-stories. There’s still work to be done to improve the game’s balance and depth – like maybe fixing that situation where you die of hunger instantly in a dungeon without warning.
Visuals and Audios
Visually, this title keeps things simple but charming. The card art has a hand-drawn feel, adding a bit of personality to the game’s mediaeval setting. While there isn’t a ton of animation or flashy effects, the minimalist style fits the game’s vibe well.
The audio is still a work in progress, with some early attempts at voice dubbing. Right now, the game uses around 30 cards with voices, and the developers are looking for feedback to improve this aspect. One suggestion I have is to rely on more natural voice acting rather than AI-generated speech as they sound a bit too inhumane. Given the game’s immersive potential, a fully voiced experience could definitely enhance the atmosphere.
Pros
- Pretty Interesting Story: A promising narrative that’s still unfolding, with a strong sense of setting and character.
- Choice-Driven Gameplay: Decisions matter, and the consequences of your actions can steer your kingdom in different directions.
- Ongoing Development: Regular updates and a clear roadmap show the developers are committed to making the game better.
Cons
- Limited Content (For Now): The game is still in Early Access, with only about 200 cards available and the story just getting started.
- Unbalanced Events: Some encounters feel unfair, like dying from hunger in a dungeon without prior indication.
- Voice Acting Needs Work: The dubbing is in its early stages, and it shows. More natural voice acting would add to the game’s appeal.
Conclusion
Empire: Sound of the North is shaping up to be a unique swipe-to-survive card game with a mediaeval twist. It’s got the makings of a great adventure, but it’s still growing, with new chapters, cards, and features in the works. If you’re up for some card-swiping and kingdom-building with a touch of northern grit, give it a shot, but keep in mind it’s an Early Access experience. With a bit more polish and content, this could be a gem in the card-game crown. For now, consider it a work in progress with some potential... and a few quirks to iron out.
Rating: 7/10
I accidentally chose Turkish as the language and got lost for a bit 🙁
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