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A Bastard's Tale

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2015

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Quick resume

A game about parrying, attacking, and overcoming difficult foes

Global score

81/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Arcade

Pros

  • Challenging and rewarding combat
  • Unique 3-directional attack and block mechanics
  • Atmospheric pixel art and music
  • Tight controls and satisfying gameplay
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Very high difficulty and frustration
  • Short game length and limited content
  • Lack of story and progression
  • Some control and readability issues
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players control their own actions and decisions with no RPG progression or power-ups; success depends on player skill and learning enemy patterns."

  • Competence
    5

    "High skill ceiling with challenging combat requiring precise timing, reflexes, and pattern recognition; players improve through repeated attempts."

  • Competition
    -2

    "Focus is on personal mastery and overcoming challenges rather than direct competition with others; some leaderboard elements in endless mode."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Addictive and rewarding gameplay encourages repeated play despite frustration; some players report long sessions and multiple playthroughs."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    -4

    "Gameplay is based on fixed patterns and limited moves; no customization or modding; players follow established routines to progress."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are solely between player and AI enemies."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a challenging distraction and stress outlet, escaping real life frustrations through intense gameplay."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic challenge and enjoyment; no external pressure or obligation noted."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players experiment with timing and strategies to defeat enemies, but within a limited set of mechanics and fixed enemy behaviors."

  • Exploration
    -3

    "Levels are short and linear with no exploration or secrets; focus is on mastering combat rather than discovering new areas."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character customization or visual expression; pixel art and animations are fixed and standardized."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Medieval fantasy setting with knights and mythical enemies, but gameplay is grounded in realistic combat mechanics without heavy fantasy elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; purely solo experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop personal skill and reflexes through repeated play and learning enemy patterns; no in-game character growth."

  • Health
    -4

    "Sedentary gameplay with potential for frustration and stress; no physical activity or health benefits."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires constant attention and focus; gameplay is intense and punishing with no idle or passive elements."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social interaction or relationship building; purely individual play."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player only."

  • Progression
    -4

    "No item or character progression; player skill is the only form of advancement."

  • Relaxation
    -3

    "Gameplay is tense and challenging, often causing frustration; some players find satisfaction and flow after mastering mechanics."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable pixel art, sound effects, and music provide sensory stimulation; combat excitement adds emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements are personal and not widely visible."

  • Story
    -4

    "Minimal story with no narrative depth; focus is on gameplay rather than plot or lore."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires strategic thinking to read enemy patterns and time attacks and blocks effectively."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High tension and thrill from difficult combat and risk of failure; players experience adrenaline and relief upon success."

  • Value
    2

    "Affordable price with good challenge value; some complaints about short length and limited content."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat-focused game with sword fighting and enemy destruction as core mechanics."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must avoid death and manage limited health resources; failure results in restarting levels."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026