The action RPG (ARPG) landscape is crowded, dominated by titans like Diablo and Path of exile. So, when Dragonkin: The Banished emerged, the question wasn’t just whether it was another hack-and-slash title, but if it could carve out its own niche. Promising dragon themes, city-building elements, and a unique “Ancestral Grid” character development system, Dragonkin aimed to offer something fresh. After spending considerable time in early access, the game shows considerable promise, though it’s not without its rough edges. For U.S. gamers accustomed to the polish of AAA titles, the game has some ground to cover.

Initial Impressions: A Dragon-Sized Prologue

Dragonkin: The Banished starts strong, throwing players into the thick of things with a prologue that introduces the three currently available heroes: Barbarian, Oracle, and Knight. Each character showcases their unique abilities, providing a taste of the dragon-slaying power fantasy. According to early impressions,”Due to a short but intense sequence,you can actually feel like a real dragon conqueror – fingers on the battlefield,we throw spells,cut enemies with a huge sword or spear.” The nods to path of Exile and Diablo IV are apparent, but Dragonkin introduces its own flair, like elemental attacks and distinct dragon-themed skills.

However, this initial burst of adrenaline is short-lived. The prologue, while visually notable and action-packed, lacks significant depth. As noted in the original article, “You can’t spoil or die too much, there is no loot system.” This lack of consequences and rewards makes the prologue feel like a guided tour rather than an immersive experience. U.S. gamers,who often appreciate meaningful choices and impactful progression systems,may find this introductory section somewhat underwhelming.

Montescail and the Story’s Slow Burn

After the explosive prologue, the game shifts gears, relocating players to Montescail, the main city and central hub for managing activities. This is where the narrative begins to unfold, but it does so at a slower pace. The core premise involves a land corrupted by dragons, with players tasked to fend off monstrous invasions and safeguard the remaining human communities.While serviceable, the initial story lacks depth and complexity. Specifically, “It sounds quite trivial and it is in fact.”

The early stages of the campaign can feel tedious,with excessive dialogue and back-and-forth travel. This is a potential issue for ARPG enthusiasts who crave immediate action and constant engagement. A common sentiment is, “Hack’n’slash players desire speedy action and a constant joy.” However, there are glimmers of potential in the narrative, suggesting that developer EKO Software plans to expand upon the story in future updates. The hope is that these updates will enrich the world’s lore and provide a more compelling ancient context. The developers have the prospect to expand motifs solidly, hopefully done with the right dose of creativity.

Gameplay and Performance: A Mixed bag

Dragonkin: The Banished offers both isometric and WASD/controller control schemes,catering to different player preferences,which is more crucial than ever in a market where accessibility is a key factor for new releases. However, the overall experience is not always smooth.

Early Access and future Prospects in Dragonkin: The Banished

Dragonkin: The Banished is currently in early access, with developers promising regular updates and content additions. Plans include expanding the story, adding endgame content, and developing city management features. EKO Software has also been actively addressing balance issues and bug fixes.

At a price of around $100 (depending on any promotions), Dragonkin: The Banished presents an intriguing proposition, especially for those willing to provide feedback and contribute to the game’s development. Veterans of the ARPG genre may find enjoyment in the combo-driven combat and character customization options. Though, those expecting a fully polished experience akin to Diablo or Path of Exile might potentially be left wanting. as the original article concludes,”If you expect a complete cut at the level of the biggest Hack’n’slash hits,you can feel unsatisfied—the game still has a large piece of way in front of you. But it’s worth waiting for it.”