PGC NEWS

The world of Aventuria, also known as Arkania, isn’t a typical fantasy setting filled with valiant heroes and fairy tale endings. It’s a land steeped in dark magic, political intrigue, and perilous dangers, where bandits lurk in the shadows, Achaz creatures roam, and ancient treasures guarded by ferocious dragons await discovery. This is the backdrop for Daedalic Entertainment’s Blackguards, a turn-based tactical RPG that promises a gritty and challenging experience.

alt text: Blackguards gameplay screenshot showcasing the tactical combat system.

Character Customization and Freedom

Based on the tabletop RPG “The Dark Eye” (Das Schwarze Auge), Blackguards offers three main character classes: Warrior, Mage, and Hunter. While seemingly limited, the game’s strength lies in its extensive character customization options. Players aren’t restricted to the traditional roles of each class. You can equip Naurim, the warrior, with a bow and hunter skills, or give Zurbaran a sword and blend magic with melee combat. This freedom allows players to create truly unique characters tailored to their preferred playstyle.

alt text: Blackguards character creation screen highlighting the different classes and customization options.

Choices and Consequences

While Blackguards limits open-world exploration, it compensates with a multitude of side quests and choices that impact the narrative. Some quests require engaging in fierce battles, while others allow for alternative approaches like bribery (Zurbaran), negotiation (Aurelia), or outright violence (Naurim). These choices extend to smaller interactions, such as purchasing a book or stealing it, returning a found bow or keeping it. This creates a dynamic and engaging experience where decisions have tangible consequences.

alt text: Blackguards dialogue options showcasing the different choices available to the player.

Engaging and Challenging Combat

Blackguards’ turn-based combat system shines as its most compelling feature. Instead of random encounters, the game focuses on strategically designed battles tied to quests. Each battle map is unique, incorporating environmental hazards like traps and interactive objects. A swamp filled with flammable gas can be ignited with a fireball, collapsing ceilings can crush enemies, and strategically placed cannons offer devastating firepower. This variety keeps combat fresh and unpredictable. The game also boasts a wide arsenal of melee and ranged weapons, alongside over 24 spells divided into Damage, Protection, Strengthen, and Weaken categories, further enhancing the tactical depth. Even on medium difficulty, enemies pose a significant challenge, requiring careful resource management and strategic thinking.

alt text: Blackguards combat screenshot showing the tactical grid and character abilities.

Memorable Characters

While the storyline takes time to gain momentum, Blackguards excels in its character development, particularly the “anti-heroes” that make up the main cast. Naurim, the irascible dwarf; Zurbaran, the manipulative charlatan; Niam, the drug-addicted hunter; Takate, the vengeful slave; and Aurelia, the enigmatic dark mage, each possess distinct personalities and motivations. Their flaws and morally gray choices are revealed through their dialogue and actions, making them compelling and relatable despite their imperfections. The excellent voice acting further enhances the narrative and brings these characters to life.

alt text: Close-up of Blackguards characters showcasing their unique designs and personalities.

Atmospheric Presentation

Blackguards’ visuals, while not technically groundbreaking, effectively create a dark and immersive atmosphere. The use of bloom and lighting effects enhances the detailed environments, from the bustling arena of Mengbilla to the eerie forests and dungeons. The soundtrack, composed by Dominik Morgenroth and Daniel Pharos, perfectly complements the game’s tone, shifting from melancholic melodies to intense battle themes, immersing the player in the world of Aventuria.

alt text: Blackguards environment screenshot showcasing the dark fantasy setting and atmospheric lighting.

alt text: Another Blackguards environment screenshot highlighting the detailed environments and dark fantasy aesthetic.

Frustrating Combat Mechanics and Balance Issues

Despite its strengths, Blackguards suffers from some frustrating design choices. The combat system, based on The Dark Eye ruleset, incorporates a chance of success and parry mechanics that can lead to infuriating misses, even with high percentage attacks. This becomes particularly problematic in later stages when facing large groups of enemies. Certain skills and equipment also feel unbalanced. Bows significantly outperform crossbows, rendering the latter almost useless. Many Mage spells, particularly the Strengthen and Weaken categories, are ineffective, while throwing weapons deal negligible damage.

alt text: Blackguards combat screenshot demonstrating the frustrating miss chance mechanic.

alt text: Blackguards combat screenshot illustrating the challenge of facing multiple enemies.

Conclusion

Blackguards offers a unique and challenging RPG experience within the dark fantasy world of Aventuria. Its character customization, engaging combat, and memorable characters are its greatest strengths. However, the frustrating miss chance mechanic and balance issues detract from the overall enjoyment. While not without its flaws, Blackguards is worth considering for fans of tactical RPGs seeking a grim and morally ambiguous adventure.