Ash of Gods: Redemption

A fantastic turn-based tactical RPG inspired by The Banner Saga, and that stands out for its extremely complex game world. Set in a dark and tormented world, you'll be making your way through visual novel and tactical combat sequences, with a permadeath system that results in constant tension. We liked the two game modes, with one based purely on the story.

If there's one genre that never goes out of fashion, it's fantasy. And if fantasy is your thing, you'll love Ash of Gods: Redemption, a turn-based tactical RPG inspired by The Banner Saga, but which boasts a dark and engrossing world all of its own.

From the opening minutes of the game, Ash of Gods: Redemption immerses you in a world left ravaged by war. And it seems like the forces of evil have won, with all hope in the hearts of the people who live there extinguished.
You'll be in control of three groups of warriors, each with their own story arc, as they face an immediate threat: the reapers who sow terror and hopelessness.

We loved the desolate world that is not just a backdrop, but character in its own right. The graphics adopt a similar style to The Banner Saga and they are wonderfully detailed, with each character bestowed with their own unique, expressive design (for those of you who aren't familiar with it, The Banner Saga is a series of tactical role-playing games developed by Stoic Studio and widely acclaimed for its artwork inspired by Viking sagas). As for the soundtrack, it perfectly accompanies the game's dark, epic atmosphere, adding an extra layer of immersion to the whole experience.

The choices you make have a direct impact on the fate of your companions, and the strategic battles and permadeath system keep the tension ratcheted up. Visually, this is a beautiful game capped off by an immersive soundtrack.

The combat in Ash of Gods: Redemption is turn-based, and takes place on a grid where each of your movements and attacks need to be carefully planned. Just like in the very best tactical RPGs, you'll also need to keep a close eye on your resources. Expending energy to move or attack can leave you vulnerable, because you will take double damage once your energy is depleted. What more could you ask for?

We liked the single-use card system that adds another layer of strategy to the combat. These can be used to grant bonuses or penalties, turn a desperate situation on its head or to consolidate your position on the battlefield. It's a mechanic that enhances the gameplay by providing a variety of tactical options, as well as constantly forcing you to adapt.

Our favourite part? The game mode that's all about the story. It lets you focus on the plot without the pressure of difficult battles. It provides an immersive experience for players who like to feel engrossed in the plot and dialogue. And we have to say that we don't often see games with such a polished narrative, one that makes you feel like you're reading a medieval fantasy novel like The Witcher or Game of Thrones.

Our advice to help you on your way? Managing your characters' health is vital to their survival. Unlike in other games where your characters will heal automatically after each battle, in Ash of Gods you'll need to take concrete action to replenish their health.

There are two main ways of healing your characters:

• Rest where you can: after a difficult battle or whenever a character is severely injured, it's important to let them rest as soon as you get an opportunity. That might be an inn, a camp, or another rest location where your characters can recover and heal from their wounds.
• Hone your combat skills: avoiding long-term injuries also means carefully managing your battles. By developing effective strategies, carefully using your skills, and making smart tactical decisions, you can minimise the injuries incurred by your characters over time.

The game also introduces a poison system linked to some side quests, where your character is infected with a virus that makes your quest more difficult the longer you take! Living hell!

Ash of Gods: Redemption is a fine adventure for fans of turn-based tactical RPGs, with an outstanding story, strategic combat, and a visually impressive game world. Get ready to make choices that will change the course of your adventure... and which may just earn you a few (more!) grey hairs!

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