Tales of Maj'Eyal - Embers of Rage Review Summary

Tons of new content and excellent value with an improved story, though the DLC campaign is imbalanced on high difficulties, its steampunk theme divides players, and new races are locked to DLC.

Tons of new content: The DLC adds a massive amount of new content, including items, zones, artifacts, and mechanics. Players feel it offers great value.

Excellent value for money: Many reviewers consider the DLC well worth the price, offering many hours of gameplay. It is often described as a fantastic buy.

Improved story and narrative: The new campaign features a stronger plot with narrative-driven missions and character motivations. The story expands on the Orc race's lore and the world.

Steampunk technology theme: The expansion introduces steampunk technology, including steam-powered guns and saws, adding a unique flavor. This is a significant departure from the base game's fantasy setting.

Positive difficulty curve: Reviewers praise the difficulty curve, noting it keeps players on the edge of their abilities. Early levels are also less lethal.

DLC campaign imbalanced on high difficulties: The DLC campaign is imbalanced on higher difficulties, with specific bosses and encounters being extremely punishing. Many players find it unfair and unfun.

Steampunk theme divides players: Some players dislike the steampunk setting, finding it off-putting, while others note it clashes with the fantasy universe. This theme also affects new talents and artifacts, which are all steampunk-themed.

New races locked to DLC campaign: The three new races cannot be used in the main campaign and are only available in the new steampunk campaign. This limits their utility for players who prefer the original content.

Campaign quality is hit or miss: The campaign it adds is hit or miss, and you won't get nearly as much out of it as you do the primary campaign. It is also shorter than the base game.

Bugs remain unfixed for half decade: All reported bugs have gone unfixed in the half decade this expansion has been up, and the expansion is not maintained. This indicates a lack of developer support.

DLC adds new story campaign: Multiple clusters highlight that the DLC introduces a full new campaign with narrative-driven missions set after the main story. This is one of the most frequently mentioned features.

DLC adds new classes: The DLC includes new character classes, some usable in the main campaign, with steampunk and tinker themes. These classes are generally strong and affect balance.

DLC adds crafting and items: New crafting options, tons of items, artifacts, and a tinkering system for enhancing items are included. Materials can be acquired from destroyed items.

DLC adds new races: The expansion introduces three new playable races, including orcs, undead minotaurs, and yeti. Some races are exclusive to certain campaigns.

DLC has steampunk setting: The expansion features a steampunk theme with steam-powered technology, tinkering, and machinery, contrasting with the fantasy base game.

Searing Horror enemies cause heavy lag: Players report that Searing Horror enemies spam offscreen effects and messages, leading to significant performance drops. This issue is particularly frustrating during combat.

Universal purchase recommendation: Multiple clusters strongly recommend buying the game or DLC unconditionally. Reviewers call it a must-buy and a no-brainer for fans of the base game.

Strong general recommendation: Many reviewers simply give a strong positive recommendation without conditions. Phrases like 'highly recommended' and 'just buy it' dominate these clusters.

Appeals to base game fans: Several clusters highlight that players who enjoyed the original campaign will find this DLC especially worthwhile. It is seen as a natural extension for veterans.

Steampunk preference required: Clusters indicate the DLC is highly recommended for steampunk fans but not for those who dislike the theme. The setting is a decisive factor for enjoyment.

Enemy design flaw noted: One cluster mentions that the only reason not to buy is the rare enemies generated with guns and chainsaws. This suggests a minor balance or design concern.

Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00.

Story completion: 10.0h.

Campaign Completionist Run-Chaser: Long-form runs on normal/adventure difficulty, rerolling new characters after each death until a successful clear. Motivation: Chasing the first hard-won victory and finishing full campaign runs after repeated failures. Stance: buy.

Mechanics and Tinkering Craver: Fiddling with item bonuses and build-defining systems to expand mechanical variety rather than following a fixed path. Motivation: Getting new systems to explore and optimize, such as crafting, magic spheres, and item bonus tinkering. Stance: sale.

Anti-Meta Difficulty Skeptic: Deliberately avoids meta builds and rejects difficulty that forces min-maxing. Motivation: Being able to play off-meta builds without being punished by difficulty tuned around a narrow optimal strategy. Stance: no buy.

DLC adds classes and campaign: The expansion introduces new classes and a complete additional story campaign set in the land of Var-Eyal, separate from the base game.

Fantasy setting in Var'Eyal: The game is set in a fantasy world called Var'Eyal, where the new content takes place.

DLC campaign shorter than original: The expansion's campaign has less content and is much shorter than the original Age of Ascendancy campaign.

Well-priced for content: Reviewers consider the DLC to be sold at a fantastic price, offering good value for the hours of gameplay provided.

Developer DarkGod praised: The developer DarkGod receives praise from reviewers, with some expressing support for their work.