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Bastard Bonds

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2016

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Quick resume

Bastard Bonds is a mature, fast-paced tactical RPG with high-end pixel art and in-depth character customization.

Global score

89/100

Genres

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

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep character customization
    • Unique risk-based combat
    • Large explorable world
    • Engaging party bonding
    • High replayability

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve
    • Some ui and tutorial shortcomings
    • Combat ai can be simplistic
    • Some difficulty spikes
    • Lack of animation

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Leadership, Expression, Exploration.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players make meaningful choices affecting story, character builds, and stronghold management with freedom to explore and recruit."

    • Competence
      3

      "Combat is simple but engaging with risk mechanic requiring tactical decisions; character progression and stronghold building add depth."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on personal progression and exploration without competitive multiplayer or leaderboards."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Players report long playtimes, high replayability, and addictive gameplay encouraging extended sessions."

    • Cooperation
      2

      "Party-based gameplay with bonding and team synergy; some cooperation with NPCs and recruited monsters."

    • Creativity
      5

      "Extensive character customization, ability to create/import sprites, and flexible skill builds."

    • Domination
      -3

      "Interactions emphasize mutual respect and bonding rather than dominance or power over others."

    • Escapism
      5

      "Immersive fantasy world with rich lore and exploration offers strong escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Players experiment with builds, risk-taking in combat, recruitment, and exploration of secrets."

    • Exploration
      5

      "Large world map with many unique locations, secrets, and lore encourages discovery."

    • Expression
      5

      "Highly detailed character creation and sprite customization allow for strong self-expression."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "Set in a dark fantasy prison island with monsters, magic, and mythical elements."

    • Fellowship
      3

      "Bonding with party members and NPCs creates a sense of community and attachment."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills, knowledge of mechanics, and character builds over time."

    • Health
      -4

      "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention on combat and management, not suited for idle play."

    • Intimacy
      3

      "Bonding system and character interactions provide emotional connection beyond surface level."

    • Leadership
      3

      "Players lead a band of characters and manage a stronghold, guiding decisions and strategy."

    • Progression
      5

      "Strong emphasis on leveling characters, recruiting, upgrading strongholds, and collecting items."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Some tension from risk mechanic and difficulty spikes, but overall balanced challenge and flow."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Pixel art and music provide enjoyable sensory experience; some players appreciate the adult themes."

    • Status
      -3

      "No social status or leaderboard recognition; focus is on personal achievement."

    • Story
      3

      "Narrative is present with character backstories and environmental storytelling, though not deeply intrusive."

    • Strategy
      4

      "Combat and party management require tactical thinking and planning."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Risk mechanic adds suspense and excitement to combat decisions."

    • Value
      4

      "Players report high value for price with many hours of content and replayability."

    • Violence
      2

      "Combat involves fighting and defeating enemies, but also recruiting and cooperating with them."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must manage resources, risk, and character health to survive hostile environments."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026