Ruzar - The Dark Stones

Alright. I'm having quite a bit of fun with [b]Ruzar - The Dark Stones[/b]. This is a more old school style of dungeon crawler, ala Grimrock or Dungeon Master, the latter of which was one of two games I played on repeat during high school way back when (the other game being Archon). Anyway, Ruzar is much more forgiving to gamers in many ways than Grimrock and certainly more forgiving than Dungeon Master as an experience, which I appreciate. However, it doesn't lose sight of that old school vibe despite bringing some more modern sensibilities along with it. Where I feel like a lot of dungeon crawlers lack a certain amount of accessibility, Ruzar is very definitely made with both genre fans and gamers without any dungeon crawler experience in mind. Making it an easier dungeon crawler to get in to. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3297402320 Especially once you begin to grasp the "dance" as it has been called, wherein you attack, then move back or sideways a square to avoid your enemy's attack, rinse and repeat. Enemies with ranged attacks are of course more challenging. The combat system itself is pretty uncomplicated. You have up to four active party members, two front row and two back row. Front row characters can melee, back row are exclusively ranged (or spells I imagine although I'm not playing with any casters at the moment). Each party member has two hands that can have weapons/spells/shields equipped (of course), and each hand is keyed to a number on your keyboard (so, one through eight) and hitting a number triggers the corresponding attack. Now, if you're like me, you will probably fat finger these from time to time, lol. And yet still, it's a simple and easy to use system. You can switch party order by hold clicking the character boxes and sliding them around like desktop icons. Now, you will probably have characters die with some frequency. To mediate this, you can save scum, but more importantly, there are resurrection altars that can be found (there is one in the starter dungeon, for example), and while you might have to fight your way back to it, it is doable. There are also bonfires you can use to rest your party. Again, in the starter dungeon, there is one, and it's just around the corner from the res altar, making using both convenient once you clear out the enemies in the area. Enemies do respawn after you leave a dungeon or area, but as a rule, if you've already run through an area once, subsequent trips back to such areas are going to feel much easier, and you can farm xp and possibly crafting materials as well should you be so inclined. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3297402300 There is crafting in the game, and it is a prominent feature that many of your quests at the beginning of the game will focus on, wherein you go out and collect certain crafting materials or other objects, and in return, you receive crafting recipe unlocks. Crafting itself can be done from any craftsman's stall so far as I've seen. There is also a crafting option in your character menu and at campfires, but I haven't done so yet. If you find hideouts, which are functionally your base of operations, you can also upgrade the hideaway to be able to craft items. And actually, you can upgrade crafting tables to unlock higher tiers of crafting. Also, there is item degradation in this game. If you keep using the same weapon, for example, it will break at some point, although there is a meter, so you should know ahead of time. Item repair is an option though, fortunately. That can be done anywhere you can craft items. The maps are all grid based, and while there are obviously dungeons to crawl through, you can also explore aboveground. walking through a shady part of a forest and have spiders try to ambush you can be quite unsettling lol. You can access your map via the tab button anytime you like, making it easy to see where you are, where you've been, and what's left unexplored. Where I'm at in the game, there have been a small variety of skeletal enemies, spider, wasps, and some sort of cool library guards that remind me of Anubis a bit. The indication to me is that there is going to be quite a vast array of enemy types as you progress through the game since each unique area so far has had its own unique enemy types. The graphics are that kind of lower poly, cartoon-esque style that are fairly popular at the moment, and I think they are pretty fun looking in general. And actually, while very detailed and often creepy, there is a definite sense of silliness, whimsy and humor that comes across visually. And that is a trait shared by the audio as well, where you can't help but chuckle as your character grunts courtesy of you walking him into a wall, lol. For example. And this all makes sense since the story, so far as I've seen, also carries that lighthearted sensibility despite offering inherently dark topics. During the character creation process, you can elect to choose traits. Each positive trait is worth a certain number of points and has to be balanced out by negative traits that have negative point values. Your trait score has to be zero to continue. My advice would be to play your first character without traits, and then, once you are comfortable with the game, maybe start a new character using the trait system. My character's negative trait is 'flatulence', which is kind of hilarious, but also does have an impact on my playthrough. And I feel that is more conducive to a playthrough where you are already familiar with the other gameplay mechanics and feel comfortable in this world. [i]I'd like to offer a few gameplay tips here. There are two ways in which you can use utility items. Either by equipping them in your hand or by picking them up/out of your inventory with left mouse. It just depends on the item. For example, in order to use a rope, you will need it equipped and will use the attack prompt, which will engage its function. When lighting a mounted torch with your own torch however, you need to pick up your torch and click it on the mounted torch. So, if you think you can use an item based on what you're seeing, try out both methods to see which is appropriate for that specific item. And, always always always have torches in your inventory. They are eminently useful despite their weight.[/i] Along my journey, I have found some bugs, and have reported them promptly. And the developer is not only super active and responsive, but quite gregarious and helpful. He knocks out bug fixes at a pace I can't really say I've seen from other devs. So far, bug fixes have been published in literal minutes in some circumstances, to a couple hours with some of the more complicated ones. And that is quite impressive in my opinion. The developer really cares about both the game and his player base, and it shows in how he handles everything. Very well done and quite noteworthy in my estimation. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3298521717 [i]I finished the game about a month after initially publishing this review.[/i] For me, this was a really fun game with a very responsive developer and is worth considering if you would like to jump into a dungeon crawler without having the stress that comes from really old school style DCs while still very much having been made as an homage to them. Give this game a look for sure. [b]I received this license via our IndieGems Curator program.[/b] [code]If you found this review helpful and would be interested in supporting my Curator group, [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32549618/]Robilar's Reviews[/url], it would be appreciated. Cheers.[/code] [code]Also follow [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32732116-IndieGems/]IndieGems[/url] for more reviews like this one.[/code]

Ruzar - The Dark Stones is the latest sequel to the dungeon crawler RPG Ruzar - The Stone of Life, offering a fascinating journey into the darker realms beyond Mount Ruz. This game combines enhanced gameplay features, a rich, unfolding storyline, and a variety of challenges that will test even the most experienced adventurers. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3297244368 Expanded Character Customization and Dynamic Party System One of the standout improvements in Ruzar - The Dark Stones is the expanded character customization menu. Players now have the ability to design and strategically develop their characters with deep personalization. This feature adds an extra level of depth to the game and allows players to create truly unique adventurers. The dynamic party system, where you can control up to four characters and switch between them to utilize their unique skills and spells, is another highlight. This feature allows for flexible party adaptation to the challenges ahead and adds to the game's strategic depth. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3297244317 Advanced Binding Stones and Underground Network The introduction of Advanced Binding Stones is a welcome addition, allowing for quick travel across the expansive, interconnected world. This ensures players are always where the action is and minimizes the time spent traveling. The extensive underground network that allows players to access their stashed resources makes managing treasures and crafting materials much easier. This seamless management is especially useful in a game that relies heavily on item gathering and crafting. Significant Crafting System and Revised Spell and Skill System The crafting system in Ruzar - The Dark Stones is also notable. Interacting with crafting stations scattered throughout the world allows players to craft powerful items and equipment that can be of great use in their quest. The revamped spell and ability system offers a new set of spells and abilities that bring unique effects and strategies. This innovation helps to improve the player experience and offers more opportunities for individual playstyle. Humorous and frustrating moments The game also has its humorous moments. One particularly memorable experience was when I died several times by an unfortunate fart at the campfire, which provided some good laughs. Such unexpected and comical situations lighten the game's dark atmosphere and provide entertaining variety. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3297624581 Responsive developers Another big plus is the commitment of the developers. They respond very quickly to feedback. Several of my suggestions were implemented within minutes, which shows their commitment and dedication to constantly improving the gaming experience. Gripping Storyline The new narrative in Ruzar - The Dark Stones is full of intrigue and danger. Each quest brings players closer to the dark truth of the Dark Stones and keeps the tension high throughout. The gripping storyline is a strong driver that motivates players to keep venturing further into the depths of the unknown. Conclusion Ruzar - The Dark Stones offers a fresh and exciting take on classic dungeon crawling. The improved character customization options, dynamic party system, advanced bonding stones and meaningful crafting system make this game a must-play for fans of the genre. The gripping storyline and strategic depth of the game ensure that players will keep coming back to uncover the secrets of the Dark Stones. [h1][url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/26335619-Adult-World-Gamers/] I would appreciate if you follow our AWG curator [/url][/h1]

[quote] Love RPG? [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/39973073/]Make sure to Follow my Curator Page[/url] for plenty more! [/quote] A wonderful adventure in which you will find not only dungeons, but also a large number of open locations. The world is very beautiful and pleasing to the eye, every little detail is thought out (a raven taking off from the railing, the sounds of footsteps in the next corridor), all this creates an unforgettable atmosphere and allows you to immerse yourself in the game completely.I have not enjoyed a dungeon crawler so much for a long time. Traps, monsters, puzzles, and most importantly side quests (which in itself is extremely rare for dungeon crawlers) are waiting for you. Highly recommended for fans of the genre! GOOD: ✔️Crafting Plays A Huge Role ✔️The Vast World ✔️Huge Amount Of Skills And Customization ✔️It's Insane To Play On Insane (and I love it) ✔️Side Quests And Companion Quests BAD: ❌A Confusing And Awkward Spell Casting System ❌Items Break Too Quickly ❌The Item Type Is Not Specified (It is not clear whether it is light or heavy armor) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aApdx6HkopQ [quote] And don't forget to [url=https://www.youtube.com/c/WizardWorm?sub_confirmation=1] Subscribe to my Youtube [/url][/quote] [quote] Join my [url=http://steamcommunity.com/groups/wizard_rpg] Steam Group [/url] [/quote]

Firstly, I would like to say I love "dungeon crawler" type RPGs like Dungeon Master, Eye of the Beholder and the Legend of Grimrock. However, after playing about 11 hours I have to say I found this game to be rather tedious and dull, and the gameplay - the important part of any game - to be lacking much enjoyment. Maybe you have to put 20 hours or more into this game before it gets interesting and becomes fun to play ? The game has very good graphics and OK sound effects, some interesting ideas in game design, crafting and quest systems, and a reasonable auto map system. Unfortunately, most of the dungeon levels / areas are very large, maze like and fairly empty and often boring to explore. (I have explored the prison dungeons, the castle / courtyard, libraries, the cemetery, the mines and archives so far.) In addition, the quests are not very interesting. Nor are the puzzles. Fighting monsters is unbalanced, monotonous and not much fun. (I just killed everything from distance with the fire bolt spell using my mage with the other three characters being superfluous.) Most of items, equipment etc you need to use have to be made via crafting systems and you need to go around collecting lots of items to make things which is tedious. The game seems to be heavily focused on the crafting system which I found to be frustrating and confusing to use. Certain key features of the game design, particularly the quest and crafting systems, and the spell casting systems are not very well designed or implemented. I enjoyed Ruzar - The Life Stone, the earlier game by the developer, but was really disappointed with this game. It was just not much fun to play. (I intend to keep playing for a few more hours and if it gets better I will update and change this review.) Review Update After a further 10 hours or so the game has not got much better. It seems more of a crafting and inventory management game than a true role playing game ! It is very heavy on crafting items, which you need to make in order to progress in the game. However, the character's inventories are very small considering you need to collect loads of items for crafting. Also, it seems I crafted item using a game resource in the wrong way, and as the resources do not re-spawn I could not later in the game craft an essential item required to progress. However, I would say that this is not a bad game, but it certainly is not, in my opinion, a good role playing game in terms of game play, game design or game enjoyment. If Steam had a neutral category, rather than Recommended or Not Recommended I would have put it into that category.

too much bugs

A buggy nightmare. For example, putting notes on the map almost never works. Refunded!

Fun real-time dungeon crawler with a lot to explore.

While I would say launch wise it was a little rough and a number of bugs/adjustments were needed, but the dev has been extremely responsive with fixes and changes, sometimes a few patches a day, that the game feels better and better. I just restarted cause I saw a post mention some secret area in the prison (first area) and I realized I was not treating this game like the dungeon crawler (Grimrock style) that I should of been. Just finished (well truly finished) the prison level and wow, so many secrets to explore and find, I loved it. And this was just the "get yourself and the party members you want" out part of the game. I love that it has a whole crafting system if you want to use it with different skills and enchanting. Magic is quite fun and varied. Feels like a very nice party rpg since there are a lot of skills you can invest in to build the characters you want. Looking forward to seeing what other features are out there (I know we can find hideouts or bases perhaps we can claim). Also since I got to the courtyard, while the first enemies you fight you can do the standard back up as they about to hit etc that some of these games allow. I just had an enemy rush up into me, so that was a quite interesting mix up of tactics. Love it.

Un dungeon crawler, orienté sur le craft où vous contrôlez quatre personnages dans un monde plutôt vaste et assez ouvert. Sorti un peu trop tôt, j'ai essuyé beaucoup de plâtres qui m'ont presque fait arrêter l'aventure, mais le développeur, très attentif aux retours, a réalisé plusieurs correctifs dès les premiers jours, rendant le jeu plus stable. Graphiquement c'est correct (moteur unity), un peu vieillot mais ça a du charme. Le craft très présent (trop à mon goût pour un crawler), permet de réparer et fabriquer son équipement et les ressources se lootent surtout sur les mobs, vous n'aurez donc pas vraiment besoin d'aller farmer. En revanche, la gestion d'inventaire n'est pas au point car vous allez vous retrouver assez vite submergé par les composants et résultat, lors de ma partie principale, à force de jeter tout ce qui m’encombrait, j'ai aussi perdu quelques objets de quête nécessaires pour finir le jeu... Le level design est parfois déroutant et pas forcément pour le mieux ; certaines cartes sont très vastes mais aussi relativement vides. Je crois qu'il aurait fallu les réduire un peu et leur donner plus d'identité, de détails, les rendre plus intéressantes à parcourir. J'avais ressenti ça sur le premier Ruzar et j'ai un peu la même impression sur cet opus. Malgré ces quelques aspects négatifs, si vous aimez les crawlers avec du combat en temps réel, vous pouvez y aller, Ruzar Les pierres des ténèbres est plus complexe qu'il n'y parait et reste un bon jeu. Pour ceux qui découvrent la série, donnez lui une chance et allez voir le premier (La pierre de vie), un peu différent mais plus proche des dungeons crawlers classiques que cet épisode.

[h1] Ruzar: The Dark Stones est un bon dungeon crawler avec un système d’artisanat et un contenu conséquent[/h1] - [u]Genre[/u]: RPG (Dungeon Crawler) - [u]Scénario/Univers[/u]: Il s’agit de la suite direct du premier Ruzar: The Life Stone. Le précédent protagoniste s’étant laissé tenter par la pierre de vie est passé du côté obscur et s’est mis à invoquer de nombreuses créatures maléfiques dans la contrée. Le joueur, parti pour enquêter et comprendre ce qu’il se passe se retrouve subitement en prison et va finalement partir à la recherche des pierres de ténèbres. L’histoire commence là. Le scénario global fonctionne correctement, et il y a pas mal de quêtes liées aux différents compagnons et à certains PNJ présents dans l’univers. Elles sont plutôt intéressantes, si on excepte celles liées au craft. - [u]Gameplay[/u]: Le gameplay possède plusieurs éléments: -- C’est avant tout un dungeon crawler en temps réel et à déplacement case par case. Voyez ça comme un Grimrock. On peut avoir jusqu’à 3 compagnons en plus du personnage ce qui est un ajout agréable par rapport au premier -- Il y a d’autres ajouts plutôt osés comme une mécanique d’artisanat qui permet de construire armes, armures, potions, enchantements, via des matériaux ramassés dans l’univers (et il y en a beaucoup !). Certains objets permettent de réparer des mécanismes afin d’accéder à d’autres endroits. -- On retrouvera la plupart des mécaniques d’un RPG: Compétences à monter, inventaire limité par case, équipement, sorts, téléporteurs, etc etc… -- Les énigmes (parce qu’il en faut) sont plutôt intéressantes et bien équilibrées malgré certains éléments du décor difficile à voir par moment. - [u]Graphismes/ambiance visuelle[/u]: Les graphismes sont vraiment différents du premier, et c’est un point qui m’a un peu rebuté au premier abord, mais qui est aussi uniquement une question de goût. Si le gameplay vous intéresse, vous devriez passer outre les graphismes si ceux-ci vous posent problème. - [u]Musique/ambiance sonore[/u]: Le thème de Ruzar est toujours présent pendant le menu et toujours aussi épique. Il n’y a pas de musique en jeu, mais les sons d’ambiance sont vraiment bien rendus, surtout dans les marais. - [u]Traductions FR[/u]: Hormis quelques coquilles, le français est plutôt correct. - [u]Autre info[/u]: Malgré le fait que Ruzar 2 ait été créé par une petite équipe, la taille du jeu et le contenu est assez conséquent et c’est vraiment impressionnant à voir. Le dev est maintenant seul mais il reste super réactif et corrige les bugs restants assez rapidement pour peu qu’on les lui remonte via forum ou email. [url=https://youtu.be/ibWpIBjrH3U]Découverte vidéo[/url] [url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyG4dNUNsgjlZYc4MHSYiN2VEVriOZyUP] Playlist intégrale du jeu[/url]