Aurum Blade (By Oddy Arts): Free Diablo-like KRPG

[AENIGMA]

[squarezero]

Surprisingly, this is not bad. I've only played a few minutes, but it's immediately apparent that the controls are decent, the framerate is pretty much perfect on an iPhone 4 (not crazy fast, not too slow). The character animation and special effects seem like a step up from the typical KRPG (in fact, with the isometric design it feels decidedly 16 bit). The writing is not great, but well translated. The interface seems clear and easy to use. More important, it seems to plays more like Diablo than like the typical fetch-quest-fest, and the combat (while still button-mashing heavy) is actually kind of satisfying. If I understand things correctly, the game takes place mostly in massive tower; you return to the village only to buy weapons, sell loot, etc. Like in Diablo, there are barrels and boxes that you can break for loot. Again, I'm just getting started, but already the game feels, well, different.

I'm not clear on how the fremium model works -- it could turn out that it ruins the whole experience. Nevertheless, I see no reason why RPG fans should nor at least download the game and check it out.

[jsrco]

Originally Posted by squarezero

Surprisingly, this is not bad. I've only played a few minutes, but it's immediately apparent that the controls are decent, the framerate is pretty much perfect on an iPhone 4 (not crazy fast, not too slow). The character animation and special effects seem like a step up from the typical KRPG (in fact, with the isometric design it feels decidedly 16 bit). The writing is not great, but well translated. The interface seems clear and easy to use. More important, it seems to plays more like Diablo than like the typical fetch-quest-fest, and the combat (while still button-mashing heavy) is actually kind of satisfying. If I understand things correctly, the game takes place mostly in massive tower; you return to the village only to buy weapons, sell loot, etc. Like in Diablo, there are barrels and boxes that you can break for loot. Again, I'm just getting started, but already the game feels, well, different.

I'm not clear on how the fremium model works -- it could turn out that it ruins the whole experience. Nevertheless, I see no reason why RPG fans should nor at least download the game and check it out.

From what I have seen, it appears like the the iap are not needed at all. I am about an hour in and like squarezero said it feels solid. Haven't hit a boss, just played with the different characters and skills.

But this has that same feeling I got from Wild Frontier and Demon Hunter, except that the controls are leaps and bounds better.

[Saranne]

Genuinely having fun with this, haven't seen anything approaching a paywall yet. It looks like what's available to buy is all the little extras you don't need but are handy to have, like auto looting, bigger inventory etc etc. There's a respec option in there too, but If the game avoids forcing me to use that I will be happy. Fingers crossed for the rest of the game, I think this just might be the addictive loot collector I've been waiting for!

Edit: oh yes, the controls are pure bliss compared to half the rpgs out there.

[Dazarath]

Does the "free" in the name imply that they will release a paid version later?

[squarezero]

Good question. So far, I don't see any free-version limits, and no ads for a full version.

[chickdigger802]

Anybody find an enjoyable class? Tried the 2h warrior and found his default attack combo soo slow and he get's hit pretty hard.

[jsrco]

Ok 5 floors in I have to say this game is like crack. Its a KRPG Diablo. On top of it being free, the IAP are for 'Gems' which actually drop in game. Plus you get a free ticket a day to a power dungeon which is full of random baddies that drop some cool gear. My first run in I gained a few levels and got a couple of legendaries plus one set piece. Having the stash box so you can trade items between saves is friggen awesome as well.

[November's Chopin]

What are the IAPs? It's not visible in iTunes.

[DahakaJR]

Originally Posted by November's Chopin

What are the IAPs? It's not visible in iTunes.

Here ya go.