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EARTHLOCK similar games & best alternatives

EARTHLOCK

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux • 2018

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Quick resume

Earthlock is an indie developed, adventure RPG inspired by the classic 3D RPGs of the late 90's, with a fresh take on turn based combat and character progression.

Global score

73/100

Genres

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

Similar games

    Pros

    • Engaging turn-based combat with strategic depth
    • Unique talent and bond systems for character customization
    • Colorful and charming fantasy world with good art and music
    • Varied exploration with treasure hunting and side quests
    • Polished gameplay with crafting and farming elements

    Cons

    • Story and character development considered average or underdeveloped
    • Low level cap limits late-game progression and challenge
    • Some tedious grinding and repetitive battles after level cap
    • Limited camera control and occasional ui annoyances
    • Save system relies on save points, no quicksave

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Leadership, Survival, Violence, Strategy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Survival, Story, Continuation.

    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
      3

      "Players can freely choose party members, switch characters for exploration and combat stances, and customize talents and builds, though the game is somewhat linear in progression."

    • Competence
      3

      "Combat requires strategic thinking with stances, bonds, and talent trees; bosses require skill and planning, though some grinding is possible and leveling caps limit late-game progression."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on personal progression and exploration without competitive multiplayer or leaderboards; players set their own pace."

    • Continuation
      2

      "Players report engaging combat and exploration that encourage continued play, though some find late-game battles tedious after level cap is reached."

    • Cooperation
      -2

      "Gameplay centers on individual party management and solo play; no multiplayer or social cooperation elements mentioned."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players customize characters via talent trees, build strategies with stances and bonds, and engage in crafting and farming, allowing creative approaches."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are cooperative within the party and respectful."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game as a nostalgic, immersive fantasy experience to escape real life, enjoying exploration and story."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia for JRPGs; no obligation or external pressure reported."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players experiment with different talent builds, combat stances, and party compositions; crafting and farming add to experimentation."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Game features an overworld with visible enemies, treasure hunting, side quests, and secret areas encouraging discovery."

    • Expression
      2

      "Character customization via talents and equipment allows some self-expression, though no cosmetic personalization noted."

    • Fantasy
      4

      "Set in a unique fantasy world with imaginative creatures and lore, players experience a fictional narrative with magical elements."

    • Fellowship
      -3

      "Social interaction is limited to single-player party management; no multiplayer or community features emphasized."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop skills, learn combat strategies, and progress through talent trees and bonds, supporting personal development."

    • Health
      -4

      "Game is sedentary with no physical activity elements; some players note long sessions and grinding."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention during combat and exploration; no background or casual play elements highlighted."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited to party character interactions; no evidence of forming close social relationships or emotional sharing beyond story."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Players manage party composition and strategy, guiding decisions in combat and exploration."

    • Progression
      3

      "Character leveling, talent unlocking, crafting, and side quests provide a sense of accumulation and advancement."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Generally balanced challenge with moments of flow; some players find late-game battles tedious or frustrating."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Colorful graphics, music, and character designs provide sensory enjoyment and emotional engagement."

    • Status
      -4

      "No social recognition or ranking systems; achievements are personal and not socially evaluated."

    • Story
      1

      "Story is serviceable and provides context but is considered average or underdeveloped by some players."

    • Strategy
      4

      "Combat and party management require tactical planning, use of stances, bonds, and talent customization."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Boss battles provide tension and challenge; overall gameplay is steady with some suspenseful moments."

    • Value
      3

      "Players find good value especially on sale; game length and content considered reasonable for price."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat involves defeating enemies with attacks and magic; some players enjoy the tactical battles."

    • Survival
      1

      "Players manage resources and combat threats; however, the game is not focused on survival mechanics or high risk."

    Last update: 29/04/2026