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SKALD: Against the Black Priory

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2024

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Quick resume

SKALD:Against the Black Priory is a retro-style party-based RPG set in a grim-dark fantasy world of tragic heroes, violent deaths and Lovecraftian horror. Take a chance and roll the dice as you embark on a compelling story filled with deadly creatures, branching story and tactical, turn-based combat

Global score

94/100

Genres

Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Pros

  • Immersive cosmic horror story
  • Tactical turn-based combat
  • Deep character customization
  • Atmospheric retro pixel art and music
  • Good value for price

Cons

  • Linear narrative with limited branching
  • Some ui and readability issues
  • Combat balance issues late game
  • Short or rushed ending
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have meaningful choices in combat tactics, character builds, and some dialogue options, but overall the story is linear with limited branching."

  • Competence
    4

    "Combat is tactical and challenging with skill checks and character progression; players feel effective overcoming tough encounters."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on single-player experience with no evidence of competitive multiplayer or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Many players report long sessions and immersion, with some playing for many hours straight and wanting to replay."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player RPG with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players customize characters and party composition, craft items, and choose skill trees, though within predefined systems."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control over others; interactions are narrative and single-player focused."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strong cosmic horror theme and immersive story provide deep escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -5

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with character builds, combat tactics, and dialogue choices within a structured RPG framework."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore new areas and uncover lore, though the world is not very large and exploration is somewhat limited."

  • Expression
    2

    "Character customization and party composition allow some self-expression, but graphics and presentation are fixed."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Game strongly embodies dark fantasy and Lovecraftian cosmic horror fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; strictly single-player experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Character leveling, skill trees, and learning combat mechanics provide clear personal development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Traditional sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during combat and exploration; not designed for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited emotional connection mostly through narrative; no social or relationship-building features."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead and manage a party of characters with strategic decisions in combat and progression."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong emphasis on leveling up, acquiring items, and unlocking skills and feats."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Atmospheric and immersive but combat can be tense and challenging, creating mixed relaxation and tension."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Retro pixel art and atmospheric music provide moderate sensory stimulation fitting the horror theme."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or ranking systems; achievements are personal and private."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with immersive cosmic horror story and well-written dialogue."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Tactical turn-based combat and character build choices require planning and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Combat and story create suspense and tension, with risk of failure and dark themes."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report high value for price with engaging story, gameplay, and replayability."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves tactical violence and defeating enemies, fitting dark fantasy themes."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players manage resources, wounds, and tactical positioning to survive challenging encounters."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026