Info about Those Who Rule:

Official game description:
**Those Who Rule** is a tactical turn-based RPG that puts you in command of new recruits in a low-fantasy, morally ambiguous world. Assemble and train your party, customize your equipment, and out-think your enemies as you unravel the secrets behind a conflict that threatens to tear the land apart. Will your leadership turn the tide of war—or will you be crushed beneath it?
Fight Tactical Battles
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Master a team-based turn system where every move counts. Position your units to reduce the impact of RNG, and maximize your strategic advantage.
Recruit and Train
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Find allies across your journey, each with unique skills and backgrounds. Level them up to face increasingly difficult enemies and shape your team to suit your playstyle.
Make Story Altering Decisions
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Navigate a web of shifting loyalties in a morally complex world. Choose carefully—each decision can sway the fate of friend and foe alike.
Features
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*   **Tactical turn-based combat**: Rewarding careful planning and positioning over blind luck.
*   **Dynamic character growth**: Level up, change classes, equip custom gear, and hone your recruits into elite warriors.
*   **Gripping story**: Explore a world caught in endless conflict and uncover the truth behind it.
*   **Meaningful choices**: Your decisions shape the world around you, altering gameplay and outcomes.

Release date: Jan 27, 2025

Categories: Tactical RPG, Turn-based Combat, Hex-based Gameplay, Character Progression, Permadeath, Multiple Endings, Class-based Combat, Single-player Story

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 75; verdict: Moderate Wiki Tax (Hoarder Priority); summary: The primary user complaint centers on the lack of a built-in sortable spreadsheet for character stats, forcing manual data entry into Excel. Secondary issues include unclear recruitment conditions and hidden mechanics, both requiring external wiki consultation. The feedback indicates a strong dependency on external data for inventory/character management and system learning.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works well on Linux; summary: The game demonstrates solid Linux compatibility, with multiple users reporting flawless performance across various distributions and Steam Deck. One isolated report mentions an occasional main menu freeze on startup that may be Linux-specific, but it is not confirmed and does not detract from the overall positive experience.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Playable with significant tinkering and controller issues; summary: The Steam Deck experience for 'Those Who Rule' is mixed. While the game is verified and runs on Linux for some users, significant controller navigation problems, poor battery life, heating, and occasional freezes create a rough experience. Players must often resort to touchscreen or restart sessions, indicating the game is playable but far from seamless.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Both hardware cohorts report the game running well, with only minor usability caveats and no significant performance complaints.
  - Sample size: 24 (5% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 10 reports): Users report the game runs flawlessly on Linux and Steam Deck, and one user successfully used an AI screen translator to play.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 6 reports): The game works well on Linux distributions and on ROG Ally, though controller navigation is not fully optimized.
  - Caveats: 24 of 463 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The community sentiment is mixed but leans positive. Several reviews explicitly state the game is worth its full price, which appears to be around $18-20 (based on the 17 EUR mention and 'less than 20 dollars'). Others recommend waiting for a sale, suggesting the full price may be slightly high for some, but they still consider the game a good value at a discount (e.g., ~$11). The fair base-game price range is therefore estimated between $10 and $20, capturing both the sale price that many find excellent and the full price that many consider justified.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 40.0h
  - Story completion: 40.0h
  - Session length: 1.5h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 40-hour and 35-44-hour quotes directly report total playtime to complete the game, supporting gameCompletion. The 58-hour quote is a longer completion due to permadeath and random levelups, but still a completion. Since the game is linear, storyCompletion aligns with gameCompletion. The battle duration quote indicates typical sessions last 1-1.5 hours, supporting sessionLength. No specific endgame playtime is reported, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts with a slow, UI-heavy tutorial and restrictive inventory, but becomes engaging once players get past the tutorial and adjust to the pacing.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Past the tutorial
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: restrictive weight-based inventory in early game; tedious UI and menu navigation; too many clicks per turn; slow start; tutorial gating core gameplay; carry weight hassle
  - Unlock drivers: getting past the tutorial; becoming accustomed to pacing; expanded combat options as you progress; character progression and promotions; weapon upgrades
  - Conditions: if you stick with it; if you like a challenge; if you turn off permadeath; if you get past the tutorial; if you don't mind pixelated art; if you enjoy strategic gameplay; if you accept the late-game difficulty spike
- Player Archetypes:
  - Fire Emblem Veteran Tactician (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering deep tactical combat and build customization
    - Playstyle: Optimizing unit builds, playing on high difficulties, permadeath, exploring class trees
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Fire Emblem veteran
    - Reference games: Fire Emblem; X-COM; Final Fantasy Tactics; Hard West; Symphony of War
  - Completionist Challenge Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Achieving 100% completion and mastering all mechanics
    - Playstyle: Multiple playthroughs, exploring all builds, side objectives, permadeath, highest difficulty
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: completionist
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Story-Driven Roleplayer (buy)
    - Motivation: Engaging narrative, moral ambiguity, character development
    - Playstyle: Playing on lower difficulty to enjoy story, reading all dialogue, exploring choices
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Fire Emblem Path of Radiance; TriStra
  - Cautious Sale Waiter (sale)
    - Motivation: Getting a polished experience and value for money
    - Playstyle: Waiting for sales, checking updates, playing cautiously
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Game is fun and addictive (weight 0.28): Players consistently describe the game as fun, solid, and enjoyable, with addictive and replayable gameplay. The game is considered worth playing and provides good value for its price.
- Excellent tactical RPG experience (weight 0.18): Reviewers praise the game as a well-crafted tactical game, highlighting its strategic depth and engaging turn-based combat. It is considered one of the best indie tactical games with a unique spin on the genre.
- Engaging and interesting story (weight 0.16): The storytelling is enjoyable with a compelling plot that keeps players interested. The story is well-written, intriguing, and features twists and turns that enhance the overall experience.
- Gameplay is standout element (weight 0.1): The gameplay is highlighted as the shining aspect of the game, being incredibly engaging and addictive. Core gameplay is excellent and well-executed, making it the main draw for players.
- Varied classes and builds (weight 0.1): The game offers a wide variety of classes and build options, with basic, advanced, and expert classes providing deep customization. Players appreciate the endless combinations and unique abilities each class brings.
- Enjoyable and simple mechanics (weight 0.1): The mechanics are enjoyable and easy to pick up, with a great old-school feel. Players find the core mechanics genuinely fun and pleasant, contributing to the overall enjoyment.
- Unique character abilities (weight 0.09): Each character has unique skills and abilities that add flair and variety to playstyles. The diverse roster of characters with distinct talents enhances the strategic options available to players.
- Meaningful story choices (weight 0.09): The game features choices that significantly affect the story and endings, providing non-trivial decisions. Players appreciate the impact of their choices, making the narrative more engaging.
- Great music and sound (weight 0.09): The music is fantastic and atmospheric, fitting the scenes well. Sound effects and soundtrack are well-picked for various scenarios, enhancing the overall immersion.
- Balanced difficulty on normal (weight 0.09): Normal difficulty is well-balanced, offering a challenge without being oppressive. The game is neither too hard nor too easy, with permadeath adding a decent challenge on standard mode.
- Well-designed maps (weight 0.09): Maps are well-designed, interesting, and have the right complexity without overstaying their welcome. Hand-crafted maps with optional objectives add to the strategic depth.
- Challenging and fair combat (weight 0.08): Combat is challenging in a satisfying way, with depth and fairness. It is extremely fun and tight, offering a varied and engaging challenge.
- Polished combat system (weight 0.08): The combat system is well thought out, polished, and simple yet effective. It is exceptionally good, with a design that is both functional and enjoyable.
- Hex grid adds tactical depth (weight 0.07): The hexagonal grid adds depth and consideration to each move, with back-lateral bonus damage and zone of control systems. This design enhances the tactical nature of the game.
- Customizable weapons and gear (weight 0.07): Weapons can be customized as needed, with a wide variety of weapons and upgrades. Gear combinations allow for tactical customization and character builds.

Common complaints:
- Story and characters are weak (weight 0.23): Players consistently found the narrative and character development lacking, describing the story as thin, generic, and uninteresting, with bland main characters and forgettable dialogue. This was the most frequently mentioned issue.
- Poor save system in battles (weight 0.11): Players complained that there is no save option during long battles, forcing them to restart entire encounters if they fail. This is especially problematic for battles lasting 45-90 minutes, leading to frustration and wasted time.
- UI is clunky and unintuitive (weight 0.11): The user interface was described as clunky, cumbersome, and rough around the edges, with a learning curve that could be smoother. Players suggested quality-of-life improvements to enhance usability.
- Character designs are bland (weight 0.1): Character art and designs were considered underwhelming and forgettable, with some players noting that characters look too similar on the map, making them hard to distinguish. This detracts from visual appeal and gameplay clarity.
- Ending is poorly executed (weight 0.08): The ending received heavy criticism for being forced, unfinished, and generally unsatisfying. Players felt it did not provide a proper conclusion to the story.
- Campaign is too linear (weight 0.07): The game was criticized for being strictly linear with no alternative paths or meaningful choices, reducing player agency and replay value. This was a common complaint among reviewers.
- Dialogue skip causes missed choices (weight 0.07): Skipping dialogue automatically selects dialogue options, which can prevent players from recruiting characters or completing side quests. This is a significant gameplay flaw that punishes players for skipping text.
- Enemy range not visible during movement (weight 0.07): Players cannot see enemy attack ranges while moving units, and multiple enemy ranges cannot be displayed simultaneously. This makes tactical planning difficult and leads to unexpected losses.
- Low replay value (weight 0.06): The game offers little incentive to replay, with no new game plus or branching scenarios. Players felt that replaying on higher difficulty was the only option, which was not enough to justify a second playthrough.
- Missing side objectives late game (weight 0.05): After chapter 15, there are no side objectives or collectable rewards, making the later chapters feel empty and less engaging. This reduces the overall content depth.
- Game is too short (weight 0.05): Several players felt the game was shorter than expected, leaving them wanting more content. This is a common complaint for games that are perceived as lacking in length.
- Bugs and technical issues (weight 0.05): Players reported encountering various bugs and glitches that need to be ironed out. While not game-breaking, these issues detract from the overall experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Tactical turn-based strategy game (weight 0.4): The game is consistently described as a tactical, turn-based strategy game, often compared to Fire Emblem. It features grid-based or hex-based movement and strategic combat.
- Permadeath mechanic available (weight 0.24): The game includes a permadeath mechanic, which can be toggled on or off. This feature adds stakes and is a key differentiator for players seeking a challenging experience.
- Hex-based grid system (weight 0.24): The game uses a hexagonal grid for movement and combat, which is a distinctive feature compared to square-grid tactics games. This affects positioning and strategy.
- Multiple difficulty settings (weight 0.17): The game offers various difficulty levels, including a brutal hardest mode. This allows players to tailor the challenge to their preference, from casual to hardcore.
- Zone of control mechanics (weight 0.14): The game features zone of control and flanking systems, which are important for tactical positioning. This adds depth to combat and rewards strategic placement.
- Class variety and progression (weight 0.14): The game includes a class system with various classes and progression paths, allowing for character customization. This is a core RPG element that appeals to players who enjoy building unique units.
- Weapon variety and progression (weight 0.12): The game offers multiple weapon types with different properties and a progression system. Weapons often serve as sidegrades, providing strategic choices rather than simple upgrades.
- Random stat level-ups (weight 0.07): Character leveling involves random stat increases, with an option for fixed upgrades. This RNG element can affect character growth and adds replayability.
- Shields recharge as temp HP (weight 0.07): Shields act as temporary health that can recharge at the start of a turn if attacked from the front. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to defense.
- Story choices affect narrative (weight 0.06): The game includes story choices that impact certain characters and the overall narrative. This provides a degree of player agency and replay value.
- Large squad deployment (weight 0.06): Players can deploy up to 14 or 15 characters in battle, allowing for large-scale tactical engagements. This is a notable feature for players who enjoy managing big teams.
- RPG progression system (weight 0.06): The game features a leveling and progression system typical of RPGs, allowing characters to grow and improve over time. This is a core element of the gameplay loop.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes reported (weight 0.12): Multiple players experienced crashes, including on startup, during new game creation, and at specific points like bar loading or turn 2. Some had repeated crashes, indicating stability issues.
- Steam Deck compatibility mixed (weight 0.08): Some players report the game runs well on Steam Deck, while others experience rough controller implementation, UI issues, and performance problems. Overall, Steam Deck support is inconsistent.
- Performance optimization lacking (weight 0.07): Players note poor optimization, with the game failing to maintain 60 FPS, lagging on certain maps, and using excessive hardware power for simple graphics. This suggests the game is not well optimized.
- UI and menu bugs (weight 0.05): Several players encountered issues with menus, including tooltips disappearing off screen, bugged displays, and inventory problems causing random skipping. These UI bugs affect gameplay experience.
- Positive performance on Linux (weight 0.05): Some players report the game runs flawlessly on Linux distributions like Zorin, with no hiccups. This indicates good compatibility on certain Linux setups.
- Gamepad functionality bugged (weight 0.02): One player reported that the gamepad feature is bugged, which may affect controller users. This is a specific issue that could impact accessibility.
- Slow pacing on enemy turns (weight 0.02): The game runs slowly, similar to Path of Radiance, requiring patience as enemy turns play out all animations. This can make gameplay feel sluggish.
- Large disk footprint (weight 0.02): The game takes over 3 GB of disk space, which some players consider excessive for a simple indie title. This may be a concern for users with limited storage.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for tactical RPG fans (weight 0.53): Many reviewers recommend this game to fans of tactical, turn-based RPGs, especially those who enjoy Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics. The game is praised for its strategic depth and grid-based combat.
- Worth the price (weight 0.24): Reviewers frequently state the game is worth its full price or a discounted price, citing good value for the quality offered. Some recommend waiting for a sale, but most agree it's a solid purchase.
- Strong overall recommendation (weight 0.12): A significant number of reviewers give a general, strong recommendation to buy and play the game, without specific caveats. This indicates broad satisfaction with the game's overall experience.
- Permadeath settings advice (weight 0.06): Some reviewers advise turning off permadeath for the first playthrough, suggesting it may be too punishing. Others suggest starting on normal difficulty without permadeath to ease into the game.
- Not recommended by some (weight 0.03): A small minority of reviewers do not recommend the game, but their feedback lacks specific reasons. This is a minor point compared to the overwhelming positive recommendations.

Other player notes:
- Heavily inspired by Fire Emblem (weight 0.43): The game is repeatedly compared to the Fire Emblem series, with many reviewers noting it as a clear inspiration and a solid entry in that style of tactical RPG. Comparisons are made to classic titles like Path of Radiance and GBA-era games, highlighting its genre roots.
- Solo developer project (weight 0.26): Many reviews highlight that the game was developed by a single person, often over several years, which is a notable achievement. This context is frequently mentioned to frame the game's scope and quality.
- Lacks Chinese language support (weight 0.24): A significant number of players report the absence of official Chinese localization, which is a barrier for many. Some mention using translation plugins or AI tools to play, while others note a fan-made Korean patch exists.
- Sequel is announced (weight 0.19): Reviewers frequently mention that a sequel has been announced or is in development, generating excitement and anticipation. Many express intent to purchase the next installment upon release.
- Developer is responsive (weight 0.17): The developer is consistently praised for being active and responsive to player feedback across Discord, forums, and other channels. This engagement is seen as a positive factor in the game's ongoing support and improvement.
- Compared to Final Fantasy Tactics (weight 0.12): Alongside Fire Emblem, the game is frequently compared to Final Fantasy Tactics and other tactical RPGs like Tactics Ogre. These comparisons often note similarities in gameplay mechanics and style, though some mention it is less polished.
- Approximately 30 hours long (weight 0.12): The game's length is commonly cited as being around 20 to 30 hours, with some players reporting up to 50 hours depending on thoroughness. This is generally considered a fair amount of content for the price.
- Developer praised for effort (weight 0.07): The developer's dedication and attention to detail are frequently praised, with many acknowledging the quality achieved in a solo or small-team project. This praise is often tied to the game's overall polish and design.
- Compared to XCOM accuracy issues (weight 0.05): Some reviewers draw parallels to XCOM, particularly regarding frustrating accuracy mechanics. This comparison highlights a specific gameplay element that may be a point of contention for some players.
- Simple indie title (weight 0.04): The game is often described as a relatively simple indie title, which sets expectations for its scope and presentation. This is generally framed positively, acknowledging its strengths within the indie space.
- No soundtrack or DLC (weight 0.03): A few players note the absence of a purchasable soundtrack or DLC packages. This is a minor point but mentioned as a potential area for additional content or monetization.
- Similar to Dark Deity (weight 0.03): Some comparisons are made to Dark Deity, another tactical RPG, suggesting a similar style or gameplay feel. This is a less common comparison but still noted by some players.
- Inspired by classic games (weight 0.03): The game is noted to take inspiration from classic tactical RPGs of the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the genre's golden era. This is often mentioned alongside comparisons to Fire Emblem and other older titles.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.19): The game's permadeath system combined with long battles and no mid-battle saves makes small mistakes extremely costly, often forcing players to restart entire chapters. The UI and menu systems are clunky and unintuitive, adding unnecessary micromanagement and time-wasting. Additionally, unbalanced combat, high evasion, and unexplained mechanics contribute to a sense of unfairness and frustration.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.19): Players find the game highly enjoyable due to its deep tactical combat, engaging story, and satisfying class progression. The game successfully scratches the Fire Emblem itch with its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, and the variety of classes, skills, and customization options keep players engaged for hours.
- Disappointment (weight 0.12): Many players were disappointed by the weak story, flat characters, and lack of meaningful choices or replayability. The game's short length, repetitive missions, and absence of features like side quests or character customization also contributed to a sense of unfulfilled potential.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.12): Players feel satisfied with the game's challenging but fair difficulty, which rewards strategic thinking and mastery. The sense of achievement from completing difficult missions and the well-crafted combat system provide a rewarding experience that meets the expectations of Fire Emblem fans.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): Players appreciate the game's quality and depth, especially considering it was developed by a solo developer. The well-written story, engaging mechanics, and the developer's responsiveness and dedication are highly valued, making the game a rare gem in the tactical RPG genre.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): The announcement of a sequel and the game's engaging strategic gameplay generate excitement among players. The class upgrade system and the thrill of high-difficulty permadeath mode keep players on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating future content.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Players admire the game's exceptional quality, art style, and story, especially given its indie origins. The game's ability to evoke classic Fire Emblem nostalgia while offering a fresh experience earns high praise, and the developer's ambition and effort are widely respected.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Minor bugs, UI quirks, and the lack of quality-of-life features such as dialogue autoplay or better save options annoy players. The need to re-skip dialogue after restarts and the clunky menu navigation on certain platforms also contribute to the annoyance.
- Anticipation (weight 0.02): Players are eagerly looking forward to the sequel and future installments, driven by their positive experience with the game. The developer's engagement and the promise of more content keep anticipation high.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game for its compelling story, well-developed characters, and deep tactical gameplay. The combination of unit customization, gear options, and the emotional weight of decisions creates a memorable and beloved experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): The game exceeded expectations, surprising players with its solid story, mature themes, and polished mechanics despite being an indie title. Many were pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality, especially given the low price point.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): The engaging story, deep combat system, and tense tactical choices keep players fully immersed and invested. The game's ability to make players want to know more with each chapter is a key factor in its high engagement.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game's fresh take on the Fire Emblem formula, praising its mix of strategy, tactics, and story. The game's quality has even prompted some to write their first review in years, highlighting its impact.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): The game evokes strong nostalgia for classic tactical RPGs, particularly Fire Emblem, through its old-school look and feel. Players appreciate the callback to childhood memories and the golden age of the genre.
- Interest (weight 0.01): The game's interesting hex-based mechanics, meaningful choices, and intriguing story spark player interest. The unique flanking system and worldbuilding add depth that keeps players curious and engaged.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Some players regret purchasing the game due to its poor save system and class balance issues, feeling that their time was not well spent. Others regret not buying it at full price, as they feel it is worth more than the discounted price they paid.
- Anger (weight 0): Players express anger over the game's save system, which they feel is poorly designed despite community feedback, and the loss of weapons and shields on battle restarts. These issues, combined with a sense of wasted time and money, fuel strong negative reactions.
- Frustrated (weight 0): Specific instances of lost progress, such as the protagonist being killed, and frustrating RNG moments like multiple misses in a row, contribute to feelings of frustration. The game's random elements can sometimes feel unfair, undermining the tactical experience.
- Joy (weight 0): Players experience joy from the game's strategic challenges, the satisfaction of overcoming difficult encounters, and the extensive customization options. The ability to experiment with different builds and gear brings delight and a sense of accomplishment.
- Boredom (weight 0): After about 20 hours, some players find the gameplay repetitive, with a generic story and unlikable characters. The slow unit progression and tedious healing mechanics also contribute to a sense of boredom.}