[h3][b]Solemn Knights: Entirely Ours Definitive Edition – A Proper Look[/b][/h3]
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[h3][b]Introduction[/b][/h3]
[i]Solemn Knights: Entirely Ours Definitive Edition[/i] is an indie turn-based RPG that aims to capture the feel of old-school tactical games but with a modern indie touch. On the surface, it looks like a solid medieval fantasy adventure with methodical combat, exploration, and a slow-burn narrative. However, after spending time with it, it’s clear that while there are good ideas here, the execution stumbles in some major areas—especially when it comes to the story, character development, and lackluster ending.
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[h3][b]History and Development[/b][/h3]
The original [i]Solemn Knights: Entirely Ours[/i] was a small indie release that didn’t make much noise. The “Definitive Edition” was supposed to refine the experience, fixing balance issues, adding content, and improving the game overall. While some mechanics have been cleaned up, the biggest flaws—particularly in storytelling and character development—remain untouched.
The game seems to have been made by a small team, and while that’s always something to respect, it also means some aspects feel half-baked. There’s ambition here, but it doesn’t fully come together.
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[h3][b]Gameplay[/b][/h3]
If you like slow, tactical turn-based combat, you might find [i]Solemn Knights[/i] engaging. If not, you’ll probably find it tedious.
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[*][b]Combat:[/b] The turn-based battles emphasize positioning and resource management. Healing is scarce, and abilities are limited, making each encounter a test of endurance rather than just strategy. Some battles are genuinely fun, but others feel like a war of attrition that drags on longer than necessary.
[*][b]Exploration:[/b] There are secrets and hidden items scattered throughout, but the level design is fairly linear. If you take the time to search, you’ll find useful upgrades, but don’t expect a massive open world with tons of side content.
[*][b]Progression:[/b] The game keeps things simple. You level up, gain new abilities, and can slightly customize your character’s build. Unfortunately, the depth is lacking, and many abilities feel either overpowered or completely useless.
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A major issue is [b]difficulty spikes.[/b] Some fights will be a complete slog, and others will suddenly feel unwinnable unless you’re perfectly prepared. The worst part? [b]The ridiculous timed escape sequence near the end.[/b] After all the slow, deliberate combat, the game suddenly expects you to rush through a segment where you can easily fail just because you made a minor mistake. It feels out of place and poorly designed.
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[h3][b]Story and Characters[/b][/h3]
This is where [i]Solemn Knights[/i] really falls apart. The setup is intriguing—Thelonius wakes up in an unfamiliar world with no memory of how he got there. The problem is that the game never truly develops this premise into anything meaningful.
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[*][b]Thelonius (Protagonist):[/b] He remains a blank slate for the entire game. There’s barely any personal growth, no emotional weight, and no meaningful choices that shape his journey.
[*][b]Party Members:[/b] They exist. That’s about it. They don’t evolve, they barely interact in meaningful ways, and by the end, you won’t care about any of them.
[*][b]The Ending:[/b] To call it [i]lackluster[/i] would be putting it nicely. After slogging through difficult battles and a nonsensical timed section, you’re left with an ending that feels rushed, incomplete, and unsatisfying. It doesn’t feel like a true conclusion—more like the developers ran out of time and just threw something together.
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This is a real shame because the world [i]feels[/i] like it should have depth. The problem is that the story never truly digs into its themes, characters, or setting in a meaningful way. It’s all surface-level.
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[h3][b]World and Atmosphere[/b][/h3]
Visually, [i]Solemn Knights[/i] goes for a pixel-art style that works well enough. The environments are dark and moody, fitting the medieval fantasy setting. It’s not the most detailed pixel art you’ll see, but it does the job.
The soundtrack is one of the stronger aspects. It’s melancholic and atmospheric, adding to the sense of isolation and mystery. However, by the time you reach the end, the music won’t be enough to salvage the experience.
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[h3][b]Final Thoughts[/b][/h3]
[i]Solemn Knights: Entirely Ours Definitive Edition[/i] had me hooked for most of my playthrough. The turn-based combat was enjoyable, and the world had just enough mystery to keep me engaged. The journey itself was solid, but the lack of character development started to stand out the longer I played. The protagonist and party members never really evolved beyond their initial introductions, making their struggles feel somewhat distant rather than personal. And when I finally reached the ending, it left me feeling unsatisfied—not because it was bad, but because it felt like there should have been [i]more[/i].
The game also suffers from [b]too many random encounters[/b], which, while manageable, sometimes make exploration feel like a chore rather than an adventure. The [b]timed escape sequence[/b] near the end was frustrating rather than thrilling, an unnecessary difficulty spike that felt out of place.
Still, I have to acknowledge that [b]this is a free game on Steam[/b], and considering that, it’s a respectable effort. It’s not without its flaws, but I did enjoy my time with it. I just wish the story had gone deeper, that the characters had more growth, and that the ending had been more rewarding. It was fine, but I walked away feeling like it [i]could[/i] have been something greater.
