Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review Summary

Engaging, customizable combat system: The game features engaging combat with diverse classes, skills, and customization options. Players appreciate the dynamic and strategic fights, often comparing the combat to Souls-like games. The ability to respec skills freely encourages experimentation and accommodates multiple playstyles.

Visually appealing, good graphics: The game is visually appealing, with good graphics, well-designed environments, and detailed character models. Many reviewers highlight the high graphical fidelity, especially when playing on PC with maxed-out settings. The game's visuals contribute positively to the overall immersive experience.

Captures 'Game of Thrones' atmosphere: The game effectively captures the atmosphere and lore of the Game of Thrones universe, with a well-integrated story, familiar characters, and recognizable locations. Reviewers appreciate how the game allows them to explore Westeros and immerse themselves in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. The story is interesting and engaging, especially for fans of the series.

Excellent voice acting and music: The game features well-executed voice acting, often resembling the original cast of the TV series, enhancing the immersive experience. The original soundtrack from Game of Thrones is also used, further contributing to the atmosphere. These elements enhance the plot and create an authentic experience for fans.

Large, explorable game world: The game features a large and interesting world to explore, with rewarding quests and activities. Reviewers enjoy discovering new lands and foes, and appreciate the expansive map. The open-world design encourages exploration and provides a sense of freedom.

Aggressive monetization; pay-to-win: The game is heavily monetized with aggressive microtransactions, multiple currencies, battle passes, and subscriptions. Progression is severely hindered without spending money, creating a pay-to-win or pay-to-progress experience. Some reviewers noted that the monetization practices are similar to mobile games, even though the game is a full-priced title.

Feels like a mobile port: Many reviewers feel the game has the hallmarks of a mobile port, with a UI designed for smaller screens, 'gacha' elements, and other mobile-game-like systems. This negatively impacts the overall experience for PC gamers. Some reviewers, however, disagree with this assessment.

Numerous bugs and technical issues: The game suffers from numerous technical issues, including bugs, glitches, crashes, and performance problems. Many reviewers reported experiencing these issues, which detract from the overall gameplay experience. Some reviewers noted that the game feels unfinished or like an alpha build.

Grindy, gated, slow progression: The game features excessive grinding, gated content, and artificial difficulty spikes. Progression is often slow and tedious, requiring players to repeat the same content to level up or acquire necessary gear. Some reviewers felt that the game intentionally slows down progress to encourage spending money.

Limited inventory; restrictive currencies: The game features a limited inventory system that quickly fills up, requiring players to spend real money or grind extensively to expand it. The RP currency system further restricts progression by limiting reward redemption and playtime. The loot system is also underwhelming, pushing players towards in-game purchases.

Mix of familiar gameplay elements: The game borrows elements from various popular titles, including The Witcher, Assassin's Creed, Dark Souls, Genshin Impact and mobile MMOs. Reviewers noted similarities in combat, open-world design, UI, and progression systems. Some found the blend of mechanics overwhelming or generic.

Three classes, unique skills: The game features three distinct classes (Knight, Assassin, Barbarian/Sellsword) that players can switch between. Each class has unique skills, combos, and playstyles, with skill trees offering passive bonuses. Active skills are unlocked and leveled up, influencing playstyle.

Primarily single-player, limited co-op: The game is primarily a single-player PvE experience, with limited co-op activities focused on dungeons and world bosses. Multiplayer interaction outside of these instances is minimal, though future PvP content is planned. Dungeons are often single boss encounters.

Game of Thrones setting, open-world: The game is set in Westeros after the Red Wedding, with storylines that generally fit the Game of Thrones setting. The open world allows exploration of familiar locations, with sidequests adding to alliances and reputation. The game features world bosses and exploration.

Shared items, account-wide upgrades: Excess gear can be donated for permanent stat upgrades across the account. All characters share items like crests, jewelry, and artifacts, allowing them to use the same gear and resources.

Inconsistent optimization and performance: The game's optimization is a recurring concern, with many players experiencing inconsistent performance and FPS drops, even on capable hardware. Some reviewers note that the game seems optimized for mobile devices, leading to limitations on PC, while others find the optimization surprisingly good. This suggests a wide range of experiences depending on the player's setup.

Server instability and lag issues: Several players have reported issues with server stability, lag, high ping, and disconnects, which can disrupt gameplay, especially during combat or important boss fights. Some reviewers note good server stability, while others suggest the need for more servers to handle the load. This indicates that server performance may vary depending on the region or time of day.

Voice acting and lip-sync issues: Some reviewers have pointed out issues with voice acting, including lines that are not voiced, inconsistencies in pitch, and poor lip-syncing, particularly for English dialogue. These issues can negatively impact the game's presentation and immersion.

Repetitive and lifeless NPCs: Reviewers have noted that NPC models are repetitive and lack detail, with characters often failing to react to player actions. This can detract from the game's immersion and make the world feel less alive. The lack of discernible facial emotions further contributes to the issue.

Progress loss and inventory issues: Players report that disconnects during combat can lead to a loss of progress, and inventory items can disappear if there is not enough bag space. These issues can be frustrating and discourage players from engaging with the game's combat and loot systems.

Mixed feelings; wait for fixes: Many reviewers express mixed feelings, citing potential alongside significant issues. Common complaints include aggressive monetization, pay-to-win mechanics, bugs, and a lack of polish. Many suggest waiting for the game to become free-to-play or be significantly improved before investing time or money.

Wait for free-to-play release: A recurring suggestion is to wait for the free-to-play release before trying the game. This is due to concerns about the current monetization model and the hope that the developers will address existing issues before the full release. Some reviewers suggest that the game may be more enjoyable as a free-to-play title.

Recommended for Game of Thrones fans: The game is frequently recommended to fans of the Game of Thrones series or the A Song of Ice and Fire books. Reviewers suggest that fans of the franchise may be more forgiving of the game's flaws and will appreciate the setting, lore, and story elements. However, some warn that even die-hard fans may be disappointed.

Worth considering at discounted price: Some reviewers find the game worth the early access price, while others suggest waiting for a sale or free release. The game has more potential than expected from Netmarble. The early access PC version offers more depth than expected.

Better suited for mobile: Several reviewers feel the game is better suited for mobile platforms and that the PC port is lacking. They suggest that the developers need to better differentiate the PC version from the mobile version to make it a more enjoyable experience. Some reviewers express frustration with the game's design choices in relation to the PC platform.

Early access: needs polish: The game is in early access, so bugs and incomplete content are expected. Many reviewers mention the need for further fixes and polish before the global launch, indicating that the current state may not be fully representative of the final product.

Game of Thrones setting: The game is set in Westeros during the Game of Thrones timeline, specifically around Season 4 or between Seasons 5 and 6. Some reviewers enjoyed experiencing a new story in this setting, while others suggest it's only worth playing for dedicated fans who can overlook the game's issues.

Free-to-play with paid advantages: The game offers a mix of free-to-play and paid progression options. While the game can be completed without spending money, investing in battle passes or subscriptions provides advantages like faster gear upgrades and more resources.

Mobile game origins: The game has roots as a mobile title, influencing its design and features. Reviewers point out mobile-esque elements like login rewards and a UI that feels like a mobile game interface, even on the PC version.

Limited world interactivity: The game world lacks interactivity, with limited options for roleplaying in towns and cities. Most buildings are not enterable beyond specific areas, restricting the player's ability to explore and interact with the environment.