Bearnard

Quite unique and engaging mix of 2D Platformer type of exploration with turn-based combat. The main features of this game, and what makes this unique, is that, even if it is turn-based, you have to aim your own shots, taking gravity and enemy movement into consideration, and also you can (and have to) use cards that in this case are consumables (so, take notice, this is not really a deckbuilder) to temporarly boost your stats or just do a different type of attack. The game is harder than what you might think, but the balance make it really enjoyable, in a way that the game forces you to use your consumables, but at the same time it is constantly rewarding you with more, so you can keep trying different moves and combinations. There are different biomes, each one with different enemies, also forcing you to change the way you engage each battle/enemy, adding enough variety so you don't get bored during your over 10 hours of gameplay. The game also counts with elemental damage and the mechanic of combining different elements, in a way that order matters (so, fire+water is not the same than water+fire), generating really interesting and useful combos for you to try. Overall, a pretty solid turn-based game for fans of the genre 8.5/10, just don't come here thinking this is a deckbuilder/roguelike. You can check out my gameplay here if interested https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dSwVROwb78&list=PLT5rv-oPwpUrvt9_XupspuZhh196Ic7Wo

Świetna indie gierka. Bardzo przyjemne poziomy, urozmaicone sekretami i bonusowymi wyzwaniami. Niektóre pojedynki bardziej wymagające, inne mniej, ale każdy powinien sobie poradzić. Dobra gra dla osób, które wcześniej nie miały doświadczenia z pojedynkami turowymi.

I finished the game and can wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone who enjoys turn-based games. The aiming at opponents is reminiscent of the game Worms. It's an interesting mix, and the best feature is that it's highly engaging, with the so-called "just one more turn" effect kicking in strongly. A little gem!

Bernard is a very nice game, focusing on arcade platformer and tactical turn-based duels. The game is distinguished by it's calm and fluid pace of playability, which is very refreshing and different from "modern" games. The cards are a nice addition and core mechanics of entire game and it fits perfectly. Game is not so hard if you find best mix of cards and you learn to handle the bow. Finally, it's also worth mentioning the cool soundtrack and the main character's biting sense of humor. I will call Bernard a "cozy indie gem" definitely worth of play.

@SirMike First of all—great job. Michał, I’m thoroughly impressed by how fantastic a game you’ve managed to create. I’ve tried my hand at making something of my own a few times (unsuccessfully), so I know how challenging the process can be. The game has stunning graphics, humorous dialogues, and plenty of “if you know, you know” moments. That said, you’ve put me in a bit of a tough spot! :P I managed to unlock all achievements in a single playthrough… except one—don’t shoot Blue. :D Now I’ll have to replay the whole thing just to get that one achievement. Still, that’s on me—I should have read the list beforehand. Speaking of achievements, there seems to be something off with them, as the global stats don’t quite add up. For instance, more players have unlocked "Save the Forest" than "Finish the 'Dungeons' biome", which, in theory, is impossible. Similarly, I had a big dilemma with "Ultimate Hit" (16 damage), because the stats show more people unlocked it than "Finish the 'Castle' biome". I analyzed the mechanics and realized it’s technically possible to achieve this earlier, but it would require some very specific preparation. I’d bet that 95% of players wouldn’t have any idea how to pull that off. That said, toward the end of the game, this achievement unlocks naturally. Perhaps you could check with Steam as a developer to verify these stats? One more suggestion—I managed to complete the game with 34 armor. :D This proves that, for most of the time, I wasn’t taking any damage at all. I’d suggest a “glass cannon” mode (or something similarly named) where Bearnard has just 1 HP (though with no fall damage, or maybe 2 HP to allow jumping from heights) and cannot gain any HP or armor. This would force players to adopt perfect tactical gameplay to avoid taking even a single hit—and you could tie it to a special achievement. It’d be a worthy challenge. Regarding artifacts, I must admit that most of them feel quite useless. Once I found the bow that adds +8 levels, I didn’t use anything else—unless I briefly needed the parachute to access otherwise unreachable areas. The resistance rings might be more appealing if they reduced damage from specific types by 2 points instead of just 1. Most enemies deal 2 damage, and for those aiming for perfect fights (like me), there’s no room for even a single hit. Lastly, please submit your game to HowLongToBeat.com. I log all my playthroughs there, and I was surprised to find that Bearnard isn’t in their catalog yet.

🧸 Bearnard to mała perełka, która totalnie mnie zaskoczyła! Niepozorna na pierwszy rzut oka, ale bardzo dopracowana i pełna uroku. Grafika jest bajkowa, kolorowa i przyjemna dla oka – idealnie oddaje klimat relaksującej przygody. Sama rozgrywka to połączenie lekkiej zręcznościówki z łamigłówkami, które nie frustrują, ale dają satysfakcję, gdy uda się coś rozwiązać. Animacje i reakcje Bearnarda są tak urocze, że trudno się nie uśmiechać podczas grania. Co mnie najbardziej urzekło, to spokojna atmosfera – idealna na wieczór po ciężkim dniu. Gra nie wymaga pośpiechu, pozwala się wyciszyć i po prostu dobrze bawić. Plus za świetną oprawę dźwiękową i humorystyczne akcenty. Widać, że twórcy włożyli w to serce. Jeśli szukasz czegoś przyjemnego, nie za długiego i po prostu sympatycznego – Bearnard to strzał w dziesiątkę. 🐻💛

Vi que não tem ainda nenhuma análise do jogo vou ajudar quem está na dúvida. Aqui temos um jogo de plataforma que quando entra em batalha o jogo passa ser turno, mas o turno usamos cartas para aprimorar nossos ataques, mas o interessante é que você usa apenas as cartas que compra ou que consegue durante a exploração, você não tem um baralho que vai acumulando ou melhorando as cartas. E essa aleatoriedade das cartas que de primeiro momento parece estranho, mas na verdade acrescenta uma camada de desafios, como você pode levar apenas uma quantidade de cartas, se encontra outra melhor você tem que decidir em vender alguma para substituir por uma melhor. O jogo é super justo, você consegue fazer saves state e isso proporciona você testar várias combinações para eliminar os inimigos, Graficamente é um jogo pixel estilo 16 bits, mas muito bonito. Se você gosta de plataforma com jogos de turno compre sem medo, ainda não terminei mas resolvi deixar análise para outras pessoas comprarem, e agora o jogo está em português.

Ależ mi się podoba gra. Za każdym razem, gdy ją uruchamiam to wsiąkam w świat misia. Bardzo doceniam prace autora

Świetna platformówka połączona z karcianą, bardzo satysfakcjonujące :)

Bearnard, created and published by Michał Wikliński, is a remarkable indie game that skillfully merges turn-based strategy, card mechanics, and physics-driven platforming into a cohesive and enjoyable experience. The game’s pixel art style pays tribute to classic 8-bit games, yet it feels fresh thanks to its detailed environments and smooth animations. Set in a beautifully crafted world filled with forests, mountains, and dungeons, Bearnard invites players to explore its diverse landscapes while engaging in clever and challenging combat encounters. The gameplay centers around Bearnard, a grumpy but skilled bear archer on a quest to retrieve a legendary bow and protect his homeland. What sets this game apart is its innovative combat system that combines card-based abilities with precise archery skills. Players collect over sixty cards throughout their journey, each offering unique powers and effects. However, to activate these cards, players must aim and shoot an arrow accurately at designated targets during turn-based battles, blending tactical decision-making with real-time aiming. This mechanic adds depth and tension to every encounter, requiring both strategic planning and skillful execution, making combat feel fresh and rewarding at every turn. Beyond the battles, exploration plays a significant role in Bearnard’s appeal. The game features a variety of biomes, each filled with environmental puzzles and physics-based challenges that encourage players to think creatively and interact with the world in inventive ways. Manipulating objects, triggering mechanisms, and using the bow in clever ways all contribute to the sense of immersion and discovery. This combination of exploration and combat ensures that gameplay stays engaging and diverse, avoiding repetition and maintaining player interest over time. Visually, the game’s retro pixel art is one of its standout features. Each area feels lovingly crafted with vibrant colors, detailed backgrounds, and lively animations that bring the world to life. The character design for Bearnard himself captures a charming blend of gruffness and humor, which ties neatly into the narrative tone. This attention to visual detail not only creates a nostalgic atmosphere but also enhances the overall experience by making the game world feel alive and inviting. The story, while not overly complex, adds a layer of charm and personality to the adventure. Bearnard’s grumpy but heroic character, combined with a cast of quirky supporting figures, provides lighthearted humor and emotional beats throughout the game. The dialogue is witty and well-written, adding depth to the characters and making the player care about the journey beyond just the mechanics. This narrative approach makes the experience feel more rewarding and adds motivation to progress through the game. From a technical perspective, Bearnard performs well across various platforms including PC and Steam Deck. The controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing for smooth movement, aiming, and card management. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making the game accessible even to those unfamiliar with similar genres. Accompanying the gameplay is a fitting soundtrack that complements the mood, ranging from energetic tunes during battles to more atmospheric pieces during exploration, further enhancing immersion. Overall, Bearnard is a well-crafted indie title that impresses with its innovative blend of strategy, skill-based combat, and exploration. Michał Wikliński has managed to create a game that is both nostalgic and fresh, with deep gameplay mechanics wrapped in a charming visual and narrative package. For players looking for a unique adventure that challenges both the mind and reflexes, Bearnard offers a memorable and satisfying experience worth diving into. Rating: 9/10