Crowntakers

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Gutes Simples Spielprinzip. macht viel Spaß und ist unnormal entlohnen.

(game not completed and dropped at 1.2 hours of gameplay, part of my review all my games effort) (short version) A charming rogue-like tactical turn based combat game that takes skill and some luck to play. Although I've only played it for an hour I tried to pick it up about two weeks later, and lost most of my party, when I discovered this game is on average 8 hours long I decided to drop it. With no check point system I'm not interested in doing multiple 8 hour attempts to win. $10 this game is priced perfectly for what you get.

слишком мобилка!

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Crowntakers is a compact yet ambitious blend of turn-based strategy, light RPG progression, and roguelike structure, developed by Bulwark Studios and published by Kasedo Games. Rather than relying on a scripted fantasy campaign, the game builds itself around replayability—every journey through its medieval world is procedurally generated, reshaping maps, enemy placements, available companions, shops, events, and opportunities. The premise is straightforward: the rightful king has been imprisoned, and you, a chosen hero, must travel across hostile territory to rescue him before time runs out. It’s a familiar setup, but the urgency created by a looming countdown gives weight to each decision, creating a sense of momentum that pushes the player forward rather than encouraging excessive grinding. The overworld is laid out across hex-based regions that players move through one tile at a time, revealing new locations—villages, caves, ambushes, quest markers, merchants, and resource nodes. Each step consumes time, and every passing day strengthens enemy forces, giving exploration a strategic cost. Do you detour toward a shrine that might grant long-term power, or conserve resources and head straight toward the next objective? That balance between curiosity and caution shapes the entire experience. The roguelike randomness means no two runs unfold the same way, and early-game fortune—or misfortune—can dramatically influence party composition and resource availability. Crowntakers never pretends to be perfectly fair, but it does reward adaptability. Combat takes place on a smaller hex grid, where positioning and turn order matter as much as raw statistics. Each hero and mercenary has defined strengths—archers excel from distance, warriors hold choke points, rogues dart behind enemies to land critical strikes, and mages manipulate the battlefield with disruptive abilities. Battles are brief but tactical, forcing players to evaluate terrain, prioritize targets, and minimize incoming damage since healing items and rest opportunities are limited. The simplicity of the system makes encounters easy to grasp, yet thoughtful enough that missteps can quickly spiral into disaster. Losing a companion stings, not only emotionally but strategically, which reinforces careful play rather than reckless aggression. Progression is handled through incremental upgrades—leveling characters, improving gear, learning passive perks, and acquiring consumables that can turn the tide of battle. Shops, smithies, and special encounters offer chances to enhance the party, but gold is scarce, and choices must be made with long-term survival in mind. Different biome types introduce unique enemies and hazards, preventing monotony and ensuring that strategies which work early in a run may falter later. Crowntakers encourages experimentation by locking additional mercenaries behind certain milestones, giving players a reason to return after failed attempts. Because of this structure, a failed run rarely feels wasted; instead, it becomes a learning opportunity that contributes to future success. Visually, the game adopts a stylized, colorful look that is both readable and charming. Characters and environments are cartoonish without feeling childish, and the clean user interface makes managing information effortless. The music and sound design are modest but pleasant, supporting the adventurous spirit without overpowering the strategic focus. This accessible presentation helps the game appeal to newcomers while still offering enough tactical nuance for seasoned strategy players. The lighthearted art direction also softens the sting of permadeath, making failure feel like part of the journey rather than a punishment. However, the same randomness that fuels replay value can also create frustration. Some runs begin with unfavorable encounters, scarce healing, or unlucky combat positioning, making defeat feel inevitable. Enemy reinforcements scale over time, and the game’s internal clock pressures players into efficiency rather than exploration, which may conflict with the natural desire to fully engage with RPG systems. The AI can occasionally behave unremarkably, and the tactical depth, while enjoyable, does not reach the sophistication of larger genre staples. Crowntakers sits in an interesting middle ground—deeper than casual strategy titles but not as fully realized as heavyweight tactical RPGs. Despite these limitations, Crowntakers succeeds at delivering a strategic adventure that respects the player’s intelligence and time. Runs are concise, progression is satisfying, and the constant tension between risk and reward keeps decisions meaningful. It is easy to pick up for short sessions, yet addictive enough to encourage multiple attempts in a single sitting. The game’s approachable design, hex-based combat, procedural worldbuilding, and accessible price point make it a compelling recommendation for players who enjoy roguelikes, tactical RPGs, or turn-based strategy infused with unpredictability. Crowntakers may not redefine its genre, but it carves out a distinct identity—brisk, replayable, challenging, and spirited. For those willing to embrace chance, think tactically, and learn through defeat, it offers an engaging adventure worth returning to again and again. Rating: 7/10

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Fun game but has a weird bug on controller at the moment with the combat interactions. The mouse is still on screen and will randomly drag your perspective. Could just be a steam deck thing though. I bound the mouse to the trackpad so I could move it when it did occur.

Niestety, to nie jest dobra gra. Prosta mechanika i kreskówkowa grafika w połączeniu z niespecjalnie ambitnym (żeby nie powiedzieć dobitniej) scenariuszem sprawiają, że do Crowntakers po prostu nie chce się wracać. Nie ma tutaj klasycznego, roguelike'owego sznytu, który po każdej porażce pozwala zacisnąć zęby i wrócić do gry chociażby po to, żeby wykorzystać świeżo odblokowane umiejętności.

A nice little gem here. Normal difficulty doesn't let you linger or tarry, though...