Reviewing (mostly) every game (or DLC) in my library, part 218:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆☆☆ (6/10)
This game has ambition, and you can feel it from the first chapter. [i]The Sword of Rhivenia[/i] is a political fantasy epic packed with palace intrigue, family drama, and the kind of power struggles that should be delicious. It has the scope of a multi-season fantasy show' there’s betrayal, war, romance, and thrones to claim. The characters are interesting, the plot is full of political drama, and it’s long enough to feel like a true fantasy saga.
But while the ideas are solid and the story is genuinely engaging, the execution struggles to keep up. From stilted writing to dropped plot threads, this is a game that wants to be great but often gets in its own way. If there’s ever a sequel with a stronger editor and more responsive gameplay systems, this series could be something special. For now, it’s a diamond in the rough—very rough.
👑[b] Pros:[/b]
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[*] The overarching plot is compelling. You’re dropped into a royal family torn apart by ambition and betrayal, and the stakes are immediately clear. Whether you're vying for power or trying to survive court politics, there’s always something to chase. The narrative knows how to escalate tension, introduce twists, and make you second-guess your allies, and that’s the core of what makes it work.
[*] It’s long and meaty. This isn’t one of those blink-and-it’s-over IFs. There's a ton of content, plenty of branching scenes, and a lot of political maneuvering to chew through. If you’re looking for a fantasy game to sink a weekend (or two) into, this will definitely deliver in terms of sheer volume.
[*] The characters are well-drawn and memorable. Even with uneven writing, the cast stands out. Your siblings all feel distinct, and the court is full of interesting personalities—some romantic, some dangerous, some both. Interpersonal relationships are where the game shines most: sibling rivalries, secret affairs, loyalty tests, and moral dilemmas are everywhere, and they make your choices feel emotionally loaded, even if the stats don't back that up.
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✏️[b] Cons:[/b]
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[*] The writing feels stiff and unnatural. The prose is often clunky, with awkward sentence structure and pacing that feels more like a rough draft than a polished novel. Dialogue doesn’t always sound like how real people would speak, especially in tense or emotional scenes. It’s not unreadable, but it pulls you out of the moment. especially when you’re trying to stay immersed in a world of backstabbing royals and high-stakes diplomacy.
[*] Typos and grammar issues are very common.This game could’ve used another round of editing. Typos pop up frequently, and basic grammar mistakes (missing words, run-on sentences, incorrect punctuation) start to distract after a while.
[*] Stat checks don’t feel as impactful as they should. You’re given a wide range of stats—combat, charm, intelligence, ruthlessness—but in practice, they often feel shallow. Many major story beats resolve the same way regardless of your build, and failing a check rarely feels game-changing. The illusion of choice is strong, but when you start comparing routes, it becomes clear that stats don’t drive the story nearly as much as you’d hope.
[*] Some plotlines disappear or fizzle out. There are moments where the story sets up exciting possibilities—alliances, betrayals, rising tensions—that either get glossed over or don’t lead anywhere. It’s hard to tell if that’s due to branching complexity or just unfinished plotting, but the result is a feeling that not all your choices matter or get proper closure.
[*] It ends on a massive cliffhanger. After investing so much time and navigating so many choices, I expected some kind of satisfying resolution. Instead, the game abruptly halts in the middle of a major arc. There’s clearly more planned, but for now, it feels incomplete.
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If you enjoyed this review, please check out my curator page to find more: [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45814768-Verdict-Play-or-Pass/]Verdict: Play or Pass. [/url] Also, please leave a like and visit [url=https://steamcommunity.com/groups/Indie_Gems]IndieGems[/url] and our YouTube channel for more reviews like this one.
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