KickStarter SKALD: Against the Black Priory - retro RPG inspired by Ultima

[damager]

The game has a inbuild CRT shader mate.

EDIT: I guess that one was not to your liking

 

[Russia is over. The end.]

I thought their menu was an exception, but it looks like all their large art is made for composite, while the game assets are made for digital. Look at the water in composite on the right, it's gorgeous: https://imgsli.com/MzAwMjA1
Weird choice - sadly, nobody's going to see this, because they don't offer a composite shader at all.

 

[Ladonna]

CRT's are better, it is known.

 

[HoboForEternity]

Finally get to play this game. Played 13 hours the past 3 days and it is pretty good, not excellent but good. I just started chapter 3, and so far the story is good enough to propel the gameplay. On hard, combat started out fun but the curve for challenge just stopped after level 10 or so. I just curbstomped the 3 reaver leaders without even playing their politics. The air magic spell that poison and stun enemies is OP. Some other aspect are poorly balanced too, due to how stealing work, you can steal the best weapons and armors a merchant have and leave he rest because they arent worth buying anymore.

Despite that, i still find the game really addicting and overall has some pretty good impression to me.

 

[Abu Antar]

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1069160/view/4658500809281426534

Major Update 1.0.6 is OUT!
Strum your lutes RPG-fans!
A new major update is out: The Bard class, Steam Deck and controller support, more art, new portraits, raised level-cap and the list goes on (see full version notes at the end of this post).

We’re participating in the Steam Turn-Based RPG Fest this week (starting late September 30). This means we’re going on sale with 25% off both the main game and the Reinforcement pack!
Skald was already value-packed but this is just next level. Buy the game for yourself or as a gift and be sure to take the opportunity to upgrade to the Deluxe edition if you’ve not already done so!

The Update​

​

I’m pretty happy to finally get the bard in there. It was one of the most frequently requested new features of the game and I agree that it really felt like something was missing without it. The class is a Rogue subtype that comes with its own, custom magic-school. They even play their lute while casting spells.
And did I mention that we added a good handful of new backgrounds as well?

And in case you’re tired of looking at the same old faces, we also added 11 new portraits for you to select! Huzza!

In addition to adding new portraits, we also took the opportunity to add a bunch of missing illustrations to the game. These are all by MechaBarbarian and I probably don’t need to tell you, they are stunning. Can you find them all?

This one was another frequently requested matter: Full controller and Steam Deck support! We even got the green checkmark from Valve telling you we’re Steam Deck supported.

All in all, I’m super happy with how the game plays using controllers. There’s still a handful of minor idiosyncrasies but RPGs are complicated and there are only so many buttons! I’m sure we’ll iron it out by the next update.

What’s Next?​

We’re aiming for a new major update around Christmas. I can’t say too much about it but it’s sure to make a lot of you happy and to keep you entertained for a long time. More info to follow.

I would also like to ensure all the crowdfunding backers who still have outstanding rewards that you’ll be getting more info on this soon. There’s a lot of moving pieces and I just need to be sure not to screw this one up. More info to follow (I promise).

So, what are all the “moving pieces”? Well I can’t really say anything other than that I’m lining up the next project for High North Studios. Sadly, it’ll be some time before I can tell you what it is, but I’ll say this much: If you liked Skald, you’ll LOVE this (some of you might even lose your shit when you hear what it is). More info to follow!

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Ok, that’s it for now! To stay posted, be sure to follow the Skald Twitter and Discord if you haven’t already!

Cheers!



AL

Version Notes​

FEATURES
– There are now a good number of different CRT-filters to choose from
– The game now natively supports controller play on PC and Steam Deck
– You may now use the mouse-wheel to scroll while mousing over menus and text fields
– The game’s playability on Steam Deck has been vastly improved
– You can now use the move-buttons / left joystick to deploy party members in the pre-combat party placement state (until now you’ve had to use the mouse).
– Pressing the “Swap Character” button (‘Q’ / RIGHT BUMPER) in combat, cycles through available targets
– Character level cap is raised to 25
– Certain enemies in the late game will now scale past level 20 making the end-game slightly more difficult
– Added new Bard class. This includes a new school of spells.
– Added new Backgrounds: Entertainer, Laborer, Monastic, Nomad, Snake-Cultist
– Fixed a bug where Horryn Guards roam around after you retake the city
ART
– Added a dozen new illustrations
– Added 10 new player portraits
MISC
– Fixed typos
– Improved font readability slightly
– Song of soothing now heals less HP
– Circle of Healing now heals more HP
– In general, all healing effects now heal a bit more on average

 

[Mr. Magniloquent]

Sad to see this as a paid DLC. Especially with a base price of $5. This should be 1/10th of that. I am a little curious about the bard, but not enough to buy. Raising the level cap to 25 seems moot. I did everything, even a bit of grinding, and I only hit 20 shortly before the final boss.

 

[damager]

Damn maybe I give it another spin as Bard Oh this is paid DLC? Strange to call it major update than.

While this looks good, I would rather like some new contend on the mainland now. Best with a totally new and different story. Normally I'm not one for a rerun so shortly after I went through the game.

I would love to have some classical bandits, kings, goblins, castles and dragons campaign with the engaging writing style of the first game, but general more contend to explore and more freedom to the world.

 

[Castozor]

Nice to see him adding more stuff although I personally dislike bards so I won't be playing that one. Level cap seems mostly pointless, as most of my companions were just filling out extra/niche skills after level 16 or so. Wonder what he has planned for Christmas, I hope an extra map or reworked encounters.

 

[Sratopotator]

Sad to see this as a paid DLC. Especially with a base price of $5. This should be 1/10th of that. I am a little curious about the bard, but not enough to buy. Raising the level cap to 25 seems moot. I did everything, even a bit of grinding, and I only hit 20 shortly before the final boss.

Dunno what you on about. Reinforcement Pack is there since day 1, no other DLCs exist (apart from the OST). It's an update.

 

[Abu Antar]

I didn't read comments after my post, but as Sratopotator says, this is an update, and not DLC. At least it doesn't say anything about DLC in the update. There is also no store page for this on Steam.

It wouldn't have been named Update 1.0.6. if it was DLC. It would have a fancy name. And it is already out, which should be clear by the headline.

 

[damager]

That is cool than. The base game could need some more meat to the bones as some poster before me said.

I also think the bard looks really good and new pixe art slights are very welcome. Sadly I'm no frequent game rerunner still.

 

[Taka-Haradin puolipeikko]

I didn't read comments after my post, but as Sratopotator says, this is an update, and not DLC. At least it doesn't say anything about DLC in the update. There is also no store page for this on Steam.

It wouldn't have been named Update 1.0.6. if it was DLC. It would have a fancy name. And it is already out, which should be clear by the headline.

edit.
Nevermind this has been around for ages.

 

[Gandalf]

Sadly, it’ll be some time before I can tell you what it is, but I’ll say this much: If you liked Skald, you’ll LOVE this (some of you might even lose your shit when you hear what it is). More info to follow!

Could this mean that there is some kind of Skald book / anime / movie / funko pop in the pipeline?

 

[Falksi]

Extra CRT filters is welcome. The bog standard one was too curvy with it's edges.

 

[HoboForEternity]

oh man the entire sidequest chain in frigol is excellent. it was very much expected, but it was just pretty well done IMO

 

[HoboForEternity]

Oooookay the ending

Spoiler

didnt expect that it would play out like that. I mean i dont think that it's bad or anything, just gave me quite the whiplash. I think it is in tone with the cosmic horror stuff, i thought we're gonna find something that is gonna break or cheat the cycle. The game said we have done this for eons, which is unclear whether it's a time loop, or reincarnation and whether the companions are involved as well. The thing is i didnt expect it just fully close the loop, players are helpless while our companions are stripped for their humanity and murdered. It is actually refreshing in games with similar recursive events (e.g, dragons dogma, mass effect) we as the player are always special and we are the one who break the loop.

Anyway mini non spoiler review:

Decent game but overall it's just kinda good, but not great. There are some great scenarios and moments like frigol and the black priory but it's very linear and there are so little significant choices. The characters are ok but just barely above recruitable mercenaries.

Combat is easy even on hard and the character building and itemization was kinda shallow. There are barely any synergy, and the most tactical it's ever is summoning a mob and flank enemies so kat can backstab. Resting seems like an afterthought bcoz there are so many food you can literally rest after every single fight and not run out of supplies. The game peaked at chapter 2 when you assault the city and have multiple ways of defeating the cult and after that there are some hills and valleys in quality but never reached the same peak as ch 2

Despite that i quite enjoyed the game i think it's solid 7.

 

[Falksi]

Oooookay the ending

Spoiler

didnt expect that it would play out like that. I mean i dont think that it's bad or anything, just gave me quite the whiplash. I think it is in tone with the cosmic horror stuff, i thought we're gonna find something that is gonna break or cheat the cycle. The game said we have done this for eons, which is unclear whether it's a time loop, or reincarnation and whether the companions are involved as well. The thing is i didnt expect it just fully close the loop, players are helpless while our companions are stripped for their humanity and murdered. It is actually refreshing in games with similar recursive events (e.g, dragons dogma, mass effect) we as the player are always special and we are the one who break the loop.

Anyway mini non spoiler review:

Decent game but overall it's just kinda good, but not great. There are some great scenarios and moments like frigol and the black priory but it's very linear and there are so little significant choices. The characters are ok but just barely above recruitable mercenaries.

Combat is easy even on hard and the character building and itemization was kinda shallow. There are barely any synergy, and the most tactical it's ever is summoning a mob and flank enemies so kat can backstab. Resting seems like an afterthought bcoz there are so many food you can literally rest after every single fight and not run out of supplies. The game peaked at chapter 2 when you assault the city and have multiple ways of defeating the cult and after that there are some hills and valleys in quality but never reached the same peak as ch 2

Despite that i quite enjoyed the game i think it's solid 7.

Some fair points, but regards the game peaking, I genuinely thought it maintained pretty consistent quality throughout up until the end. I think it's been one of the best paced games I've played in ages.

Also, they nailed the characters perfectly. They contribute enough to add a bit of extra spice and flavour, but they don't go full Bioware retard, where the adventure takes a back seat to boring dialogue and shit like romances.

 

[Fedora Master]

– There are now a good number of different CRT-filters to choose from
– The game now natively supports controller play on PC and Steam Deck

Priorities.

 

[Lord_Potato]

– There are now a good number of different CRT-filters to choose from
– The game now natively supports controller play on PC and Steam Deck

Priorities.

What now? The dev seems to have delivered a quality game and is now mostly removing bugs and adding content. Seems like his priorities are quite ok.

 

[Fedora Master]

– There are now a good number of different CRT-filters to choose from
– The game now natively supports controller play on PC and Steam Deck

Priorities.

What now? The dev seems to have delivered a quality game and is now mostly removing bugs and adding content. Seems like his priorities are quite ok.

Don't cater to retrofags and console plebs.

 

[damager]

I always wonder who plays these games on a handheld or with controller. Seems like a waste of time to develope. EDIT: Though Skald I imagine to be a much better mobile experience than lets say, Shadowrun: Hong Kong or Icewind Dale: EE lol

Might actually control itself a bit like turnbased Zelda for the Gameboy, so not bad

 

[damager]

Also this retroactivly patching of a finished game does very little for me that played and enjoyed the game already. I would rather like to see some new game, sooner than later. Or expansion I can play from my last save file.

It just does not strike me as a game I wanna replay soon.

 

[Lyre Mors]

This is not a game created with replayability in mind, I don't think. Which is a shame considering its length. The hope here would be that the developer takes the engine and ruleset he's created, expand upon the systems to make them a bit more compelling, then create a lengthier, less linear campaign with more C&C - and hopefully all of this much faster since there's a foundation established to work on top of.

 

[Jaesun]

What now? The dev seems to have delivered a quality game and is now mostly removing bugs and adding content. Seems like his priorities are quite ok.

Pro Tip:
Fedora Master
General Discussion 31%
Politics, God & The Wealth of Nations 15%

He constantly make posts in here just to increase his RPG Discussion count and posts *nothing* at all about actual cRPG gaming discussion. The ignore button works wonders. Just FYI.

 

[Falksi]

This is not a game created with replayability in mind, I don't think. Which is a shame considering its length. The hope here would be that the developer takes the engine and ruleset he's created, expand upon the systems to make them a bit more compelling, then create a lengthier, less linear campaign with more C&C - and hopefully all of this much faster since there's a foundation established to work on top of.

Agree about the general improvements and replayability, but honestly I think the game's length is great. I'm well over all the silly-long, 60+ hour RPGs, and I'd sooner devs knock out 20-30 hour RPGs more regular myself.