PGC NEWS

Hand of Fate, developed and published by Defiant Development, offers a captivating blend of tabletop card games and action RPGs. Released on February 17, 2015, for Windows 7 and priced at $24.99, this unique title invites players on a journey where fate is determined by the cards they hold. This review explores the intriguing gameplay, dynamic combat, and a few shortcomings that hold the game back from its full potential.

alt text describing image: The player character in Hand of Fate facing the mysterious Dealer across a table filled with cards.

A Novel Approach to Role-Playing

Hand of Fate distinguishes itself from traditional card games and RPGs. Instead of simply collecting and battling with cards, the game integrates deck-building into a classic RPG framework. The player’s journey unfolds across a series of encounters determined by a deck of cards representing equipment, events, and enemies. This innovative system generates diverse scenarios, making each playthrough a unique experience. The deck evolves as the game progresses, unlocking new cards and adding complexity to the narrative. This dynamic structure keeps players engaged and constantly anticipating the next twist of fate.

The Dealer’s Grip: Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay revolves around the enigmatic Dealer, who guides the player through the unfolding narrative. Two types of cards dictate the flow of the game: illustrated cards resembling Tarot cards and standard playing cards. Illustrated cards symbolize locations, events, equipment, and essential supplies, adding layers of strategic depth. Playing cards, differentiated by suits representing enemy types and their numbers, introduce the combat element. For instance, a “6 of Skulls” signifies six skeletal enemies, while a “King of Dust” represents a bandit leader. This clever integration of card mechanics adds a layer of unpredictability to each encounter.

alt text describing image: The player character battling a group of enemies in a dark dungeon environment, showcasing the action combat of Hand of Fate.

Dynamic Combat Encounters

When encountering enemy cards, the game seamlessly transitions from the tabletop setting to a third-person perspective, immersing the player in fast-paced action combat. The player’s equipment, acquired through previously drawn cards, influences their combat effectiveness. Better equipment naturally translates to a greater chance of survival, although luck plays a significant role. Each enemy type requires a unique tactical approach. Bandits, for example, employ swarming tactics, demanding defensive maneuvering and carefully timed counterattacks. Goblins, on the other hand, rely on evasiveness and require swift, decisive strikes.

alt text describing image: The player character fighting a large enemy in a forest setting, highlighting the variety of environments in Hand of Fate.

The combat system is visceral and satisfying. The impact of each blow is palpable, with distinct sounds accompanying successful strikes against flesh, bone, and shields. Weapon choice also dictates the available moveset. Swords offer finishing moves for weakened enemies, granting bonus experience and gold. Shields provide defensive maneuvers like bashing, creating openings for counterattacks.

alt text describing image: Close-up of the player character wielding a sword in Hand of Fate, demonstrating the detail in the character models and weapons.

A Few Unfortunate Drawbacks

Despite its innovative gameplay and engaging combat, Hand of Fate suffers from some notable flaws. The PC controls feel clunky, seemingly designed with consoles in mind. This makes keyboard and mouse input less intuitive than it should be. Input lag during combat, although infrequent, can disrupt the flow of battle and lead to frustrating moments. Finally, the PC version’s graphics pale in comparison to the Xbox One and PS4 counterparts. Despite maximizing graphical settings, jagged edges are noticeable, and environments appear underdeveloped. The overuse of bloom and blur effects attempts to mask these visual shortcomings but ultimately fails to fully compensate.

alt text describing image: The player character standing in a desert environment, showcasing another of the varied locales in Hand of Fate.

Conclusion

Hand of Fate presents a refreshing and compelling gaming experience with its unique blend of card game mechanics and action RPG combat. The dynamic deck-building and unpredictable encounters ensure high replayability. However, the technical issues, particularly the subpar graphics and clunky PC controls, detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these shortcomings, Hand of Fate remains a worthwhile title for players seeking an unconventional and engaging gaming experience.