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Balrum

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2016

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Quick resume

Balrum is an old-school, turn-based, open world RPG with deep tactical combat. Explore a huge living fantasy world with dozens of side quests next to an epic main quest. Grow your own crops, build your home, and craft your own custom items.

Global score

79/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy

Pros

  • Deep crafting and building systems
  • Large open world with exploration and secrets
  • Challenging and strategic turn-based combat
  • Immersive survival mechanics
  • Engaging old-school rpg atmosphere

Cons

  • Slow movement and pacing
  • Steep learning curve with limited tutorials
  • Lack of monster respawn can make grinding difficult
  • Some ui and inventory management clunky
  • Pet system and some crafting skills underwhelming

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore, choose skills, build and craft their own way, and make decisions without handholding"

  • Competence
    3

    "Game is challenging with slow progression and requires skillful management of resources, combat, and crafting"

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal progression and exploration without PvP or ranked modes"

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report long play sessions and high engagement with crafting, exploration, and questing"

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single player game with no multiplayer or cooperative elements"

  • Creativity
    4

    "Extensive crafting, building, farming, and customization options allow creative expression"

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of power over others or dominance mechanics; gameplay is solo and self-directed"

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game for immersive fantasy escape and exploration of a rich world"

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by interest and enjoyment rather than obligation"

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players explore many mechanics, crafting recipes, and combat strategies"

  • Exploration
    5

    "Large open world with many secrets, puzzles, and areas to discover"

  • Expression
    4

    "Players can customize their home base, character builds, and crafted items"

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy setting with magic, mythical creatures, and lore"

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No multiplayer or social community features"

  • Growth
    3

    "Character progression is slow but meaningful, with skill learning and personal development"

  • Health
    -3

    "Sedentary gameplay with some survival mechanics but no physical activity"

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention due to survival mechanics and combat"

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing"

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements"

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong emphasis on leveling up, acquiring items, and upgrading skills"

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Slow pace and immersive exploration provide a relaxing experience for many players"

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visuals and sound provide nostalgic and pleasant sensory stimulation, but not intense"

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems"

  • Story
    3

    "Engaging narrative with lore and quests, though some find it slow or simple"

  • Strategy
    4

    "Combat and resource management require planning and tactical thinking"

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense from survival and combat challenges, but overall controlled experience"

  • Value
    4

    "Players find great content and gameplay depth for the price"

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat is present but not focused on destruction; also includes constructive activities"

  • Survival
    4

    "Survival mechanics like hunger, thirst, and resource management are core gameplay elements"

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    Last update: 06/03/2026