Kingsgrave is a 2-D action-adventure game developed by Egg or Chicken Games and published by Alawar. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn’t do well, and if it’s worth your time and money.
Kingsgrave Review Overview
What is Kingsgrave?
Kingsgrave invites you on a dark and gloomy journey, drawing heavy inspiration from classic RPGs such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The narrative revolves around reclaiming your throne as a mighty monarch restoring your kingdom, aiding your surviving citizens, and vanquishing the monsters that plague your domain. It's your moment to guide your kingdom towards a prosperous future.
Kingsgrave features:
⚫︎ Top Down 2-D Pixel Sprites
⚫︎ Building and Recourse Management
⚫︎ Different Types of Unlockable Weapons and Abilities
⚫︎ Adventure Through Diverse Landscapes From Ruined Villages to Volcanoes
⚫︎ Metroidvania Feature of Utility-Gated Exploration
⚫︎ Hundreds of Different Enemies to Slay
⚫︎ Various Puzzles to Solve
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Kingsgrave's gameplay and story.
 Steam |
$9.99 |
Kingsgrave Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Exploration is Rewarding Charming 2D Pixel Art Style Fun and Engaging Puzzles |
Lack of Narrative Hurts the Game Game Can Be Really Grindy and Slow |
Kingsgrave Overall Score - 76/100
Kingsgrave, a 2D Action Adventure, pays homage to classic titles like A Link to the Past. Though it doesn't quite reach the heights of its inspiration due to grind-heavy gameplay, sluggish combat in the beginning, and a lackluster narrative, it still has a lot of redeeming qualities. Engaging exploration, satisfying puzzles, and a charming pixel art style definitely elevate the experience and make up for what it’s lacking. Still, though, this game could definitely use more updates to fine-tune it. With a few updates to address its issues, Kingsgrave could truly be fit for a king!
Kingsgrave Story - 5/10
The storyline of Kingsgrave is very barebones. While I understand that the developers didn't prioritize narrative, giving us a bit more story would have improved the experience, especially during moments where you’re just exploring. It was a missed opportunity that they didn’t add dialogue in these quieter moments, which could have provided us with more about the King, the Spirit, or the Kingdom you rule, all of which don’t even have proper names.
Kingsgrave Gameplay - 8/10
In Kingsgrave, the adventure is where the real fun lies. The open-world exploration is rewarding, allowing you to chart your own path and discover new resources, fun puzzles, weapons, and surprises along the way. Yet, this freedom comes with a caveat; the game's lack of guidance can lead to tedious grinding and moments of aimless wandering, slowing the pace considerably. Combat starts off shaky, with hitboxes proving unreliable, but as you advance and unlock upgrades, the experience becomes more polished, albeit with the grind still presenting a formidable obstacle.
Kingsgrave Visuals - 8/10
I’m a sucker for 2D Pixel art, and Kingsgrave delivers with its delightful and charming sprites that stand out vividly against the backdrop of a gloomy and dark world.
Kingsgrave Audio - 7/10
The soundtrack has some truly epic tracks, especially the title track when you first boot up the game. However, it's odd that most of my playthrough lacks music, and when it does appear, it's sparse and suffers from strange audio mixing, occasionally pulling me out of the experience with its abrupt fade. While there's no voice acting, the sound effects are pretty decent.
Kingsgrave Value for Money - 9/10
Despite encountering some issues, there's still plenty of enjoyment to be had in Kingsgrave, particularly in its exploration and puzzle-solving elements. At just $10, you'll get around 15 hours of gameplay, making it a worthwhile investment. If you're a fan of classic titles like Link to the Past, Kingsgrave offers a nostalgic experience you won't want to miss out on.
Kingsgrave Review: A Grindy But Rewarding Journey
Kingsgrave is heavily influenced by A Link to the Past, and while it boasts several enjoyable features that set it apart, it's not without its flaws. Let's delve into its narrative. I found it considerably disappointing, especially considering the high bar set by A Link to the Past's phenomenal story.
The plot starts off pretty interestingly, with the player assuming the role of a resurrected king aided by a Spirit, thrust into a world fifty years into the future, overrun by monsters and crumbling villages. However, this promising setup fails to evolve into a compelling narrative. The game lacks meaningful world-building and fails to deliver on story progression or character development, leaving me feeling disconnected from the fate of the kingdom. While the narrative does pick up towards the end, it's a case of too little, too late.
Fortunately, this doesn't extend to its gameplay... for the most part. Let's address the flaws first. Combat, while reminiscent of classic adventure games like Zelda, feels somewhat lacking. With a variety of weapons at your disposal, including the King Staff, Spear, Swords, and Shield, the system is straightforward and can be enjoyable at times.
However, it can become repetitive and frustrating due to its clunkiness and unpredictable hitboxes, especially when using a mouse. It often feels like attacks are missed or hits are unfairly landed, making combat less satisfying. Thankfully, the experience improves as you progress and unlock upgrades, but it's unfortunate that it takes some time to reach this point.
While I adore the exploration aspect, it can occasionally feel like a grind, with frequent backtracking and resource gathering slowing down the pace. There's a fair amount of downtime during traversal, which can become tedious and somewhat boring. That said, I appreciate the freedom to unlock new areas and explore at my own pace.
However, the constant need for resources can be irksome. Fortunately, resource acquisition becomes more manageable as you progress, particularly after unlocking new buildings that assist in converting monster slime into specific resources like wood, stone, or mushrooms.
Fortunately, those are the only issues I encountered in the gameplay. Despite the occasional grindiness of exploration and the absence of dungeons akin to A Link to the Past, Kingsgrave’s exploration remains incredibly rewarding. Venturing into its atmospheric landscapes is a treat in itself, but the game truly shines thanks to the plethora of enjoyable rewards awaiting intrepid explorers.
From discovering villages to aid in town-building, to stumbling upon areas rich in valuable materials, every excursion promises excitement. Engaging in challenging battles and uncovering captivating set pieces only adds to the thrill. However, it's the game's remarkable puzzles that steal the show, offering a satisfying blend of challenge and creativity.
The puzzles in Kingsgrave are a testament to creativity, offering just the right level of challenge to keep you engaged without feeling overwhelmed. What I love most is that the game doesn't hold your hand; instead, it encourages you to experiment and discover solutions on your own, often by leveraging different resources in ingenious ways.
One of my favorite puzzles involves activating a floor button that releases a slow-moving hook. Normally, touching it would result in damage, but by unlocking the shield, you can use it to attach to the hook and reach previously inaccessible areas.
It's these simple yet satisfying moments that truly make exploration worthwhile. Moreover, solving puzzles not only grants access to new areas and resources but also rewards you with Flame of Hope, a valuable currency used to upgrade your equipment and abilities, enhancing both combat prowess and traversal skills such as your dash ability.
All in all, despite my reservations, the game's strengths overshadow its weaknesses. However, I do hope that the developers address the issues I've encountered, particularly in the early stages, as they may deter many players from continuing their journey.
Pros of Kingsgrave
| Things Kingsgrave Got Right |
|---|
|
Exploration is Rewarding Charming 2D Pixel Art Style Fun and Engaging Puzzles |
Exploration is Rewarding
Although it can feel grindy and dull at times, the exploration aspect of this game is incredibly rewarding. Unveiling new areas of the map through problem-solving and utilizing newfound abilities adds a layer of satisfaction. The inclusion of a day-night cycle and fast travel feature enhances the gameplay experience, mitigating the grind. The forgiving respawn system, where death doesn't result in losing possessions but rather respawning in the last visited area, keeps the action flowing smoothly. Unexpected surprises during exploration add to the wonder of exploration, and while backtracking isn't always favored, it's rewarding to revisit areas with newfound skills and discover previously overlooked rewards.
Charming 2D Pixel Art Style
The visual design of this game, from its sprites to its backgrounds, is exceptional. Despite its darker tone, the sprites stand out vividly, making exploration of the terrain both captivating and intriguing. While the narrative may not delve deeply into storytelling, the visuals paint a compelling picture of a kingdom ravaged by time, evoking echoes of Breath of the Wild's atmospheric storytelling.
Fun and Engaging Puzzles
The puzzles in this game are undeniably enjoyable, serving as one of its standout features. Scattered throughout the world, they offer a diverse and rewarding experience. From straightforward tasks like using a bow to hit a button and unlock new areas to more challenging puzzles requiring the correct combination of tile floors, there's a satisfying variety to be found. My only gripe is that I wish there were even more puzzles scattered throughout the game.
Cons of Kingsgrave
| Things That Kingsgrave Can Improve |
|---|
|
Lack of Narrative Hurts the Game Game Can Be Really Grindy and Slow |
Lack of Narrative Hurts the Game
The game would have greatly improved with a more engaging narrative, especially considering its intriguing beginning. Unfortunately, we're left largely in the dark about the world's fate and why we should care, missing out on opportunities for lore that could have made backtracking more rewarding and less of a chore. This lack of direction occasionally leaves the gameplay feeling aimless, as players are left to guess and explore without clear objectives.
Game Can Be Really Grindy and Slow
While I find the exploration aspect of the game rewarding, it's unfortunately hindered by its grindy building mechanic that requires specific materials and abilities to unlock new areas. This wouldn't be as much of an issue if there were less backtracking involved. While I appreciate the freedom to explore, I wish there were more hints or NPCs to talk to, as exploration can sometimes feel monotonous. It's frustrating to miss an essential item necessary for exploring an area, leading to hours of retracing steps. Adding to the grindy and slow feeling is the often absence of music during travel, making the journey less engaging. It's perplexing why the developers opted for this approach when the soundtrack is outstanding. Moreover, the need to constantly fight enemies to obtain materials for trading exacerbates the grind. I recommend prioritizing finding material trading houses to alleviate some of the grind.
Is Kingsgrave Worth It?
Yes!
Despite its imperfections, the game is a worthwhile purchase, particularly for fans of classic Zelda games. While it can be frustrating at times, its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. Fortunately, issues like combat frustrations improve as you progress, and grinding becomes more manageable with time. At just $10, it's a fantastic value proposition. Stick with it, and you'll find plenty to enjoy.
| Steam |
$9.99 |
Kingsgrave FAQ
Is Kingsgrave a Metroidvania?
Although it's categorized as a metroidvania, Kingsgrave primarily functions as an adventure RPG. The metroidvania elements are predominantly evident in its exploration mechanics, where certain areas are initially inaccessible but can be revisited and unlocked later once you've acquired improved skills.
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Kingsgrave Product Information
 |
|
| Title | KINGSGRAVE |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 17, 2024 |
| Developer | Egg or Chicken Games |
| Publisher | Alawar |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam) |
| Genre | Action, Adventure |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | Not Rated |
| Official Website | Kingsgrave Website |
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