Note: This game is still in development, they just released a demo on March 29th, 2020
Update! A small update to the Demo was released today (April 3rd, 2020) https://egordorichev.itch.io/bk/devlog/134651/small-update-to-the-demo-is-live
Latest Update! The demo has been taken down, but the game is released! Check out my full review here https://gamequesters.com/burning-knight-full-release-review/
Burning Knight
Creator: Egordorichev, https://egordorichev.itch.io/
Created with Asperite and Monogame
This game ended up appearing in my notifications when I was checking out the latest news and fun indie games on Itch.io. While yes, it is still in development and not ready for a full release, the developer Egordorichev from Rexcellent Games released a very playable and fun demo. I have the link to the demo below and more info on my experience checking out the demo.
There is no opening lore to bring you in yet, but that will be added to the game as development continues. The trailer (linked below) has a good start of the lore for the game. The premise is, you are a Goblin king who left their kingdom to their son to find their father. This lore setup should allow you to have the roguelike experience where each time you die, you get to play as the son that was in charge of the kingdom and go after your father that died in the dungeon. Stay tuned to the Rexcellent blog and twitter accounts to see if there are any updates to the lore.
A Dose of Nostalgia
I believe what is helping to push this game into popularity is the mix of roguelike experiences and pretty solid mechanics. The tutorial level that you run through when you first start up the demo was fun and straightforward. It can be tough to make a game with a robust tutorial that does not confuse the players. There is a little callout to Zelda with the “It’s dangerous to go alone” character. I am curious to see how they will change this character to avoid Nintendo coming after their IP and making all the hard work the developer put into this, not a waste.
The abilities and dungeons create an “Enter the Gungeon” feel without the stress. There are random items from chests, or at least I think it is random. The User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) are pretty good. I like the display and how things show on-screen with a simple animation instead of just appearing and taking up too much screen real estate. There are a little pain points with some of the player actions but looks to be heading in a good direction and just needs more time to polish it.
Retro and Random
The callback to a retro game looking to be inspired by Zelda and generated dungeon experiences creates a new experience each time you go in and play. It is also not boring other than finding the key and get to the next door. But that is okay since the core mechanic is fun! The developer will add more and more game loops which I have a lot of high hopes for because this game feels like it can be transformed into something amazing with just time and passion.
The number of items that make an appearance gives me a smile each time I find something new and the concept of achievements with a room that rewards the players with what they have accomplished and not just throwing away the dungeon they tried to beat and just throw them in a restart. That helps keep players and have them come back and play.
High Potential
This game has a lot of potential, if a solid story arc and linking with the trophy room and achievements to ensure there is a good cycle of hook -> challenge -> reward and repeat. Many games in the past have had great potential but fail to deliver. It is not about the number of features or some amazing mechanics. It is about making sure your players do not get bored and become hooked on seeing what is next, what the next dungeon, chest, or challenge is awaiting the player.
Players love to feel awesome, but without challenge get bored too easily. On the other hand, if its insanely hard players also drop off in their desire to play. How many of completed Dark Souls? Game Development is about balance, it reminds me of dance, you allow the player to move in your world and then guide them toward the outcome. Create enough plot hooks and fun experiences for the player.
Recommendation
With the caveat that this game has not been released yet, and still needs plenty of polish and feature work to be done. I would recommend following the itch.io dev log, socials, and playing the demos as they are updated. Overall though, it looks like it will be a solid game and potentially worth buying if it is not overpriced. I will do another full review once the game is actually released.
Rating
- Follow the Developer Updates
- Play the Demos
Learn More From the Developer
Get your hands on the demo today! – https://egordorichev.itch.io/bk and support this indie developer! You can also check out their quick trailer below and give some feedback!
Stay up to date with this developer with their socials below and give them a follow.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BurnlngKnlght
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/burningknight
Blog: https://rexcellentgames.com/
