Tyranny

Tyranny aims to serve as a testament to how developers Obsidian Entertainment is reviving the classic RPG. Their previous offerings have been nothing short of magnificent, winning a plethora of awards and critical acclaim. Every game seeks to elevate player experiences to the maximum, honing every intricate detail.

The core difference in Tyranny to other games in their repertoire is that the framework for gameplay is already there. We already know that the infrastructure simply works for an isometric role-playing game. What the developers hope to achieve is how they can impact the story through player choices. The wheels are in motion for another success - let's check if it hits the nail on the head.

Come Hither, Fatebinder

As one would expect from an Obsidian game, Tyranny's narrative and lore are very expansive. The central focus of the game is the player choice. It will shape this universe and potentially provide varying outcomes as you go along. Secondary to that is the traditional RPG mechanics we've all come to know and love for generations.

The foundation for the story is an evil overlord pushing the world of Terratus into an authoritarian order, with society on the fridge of technological advancements to a new Iron Age. You, as the Fatebinder, are tasked with resisting the invasion in the last world community, and the choices and gameplay will shape the ultimate result - victory or annihilation.

Tyranny already thrives in its isometric RPG style. The visuals look great, the lore is magnificent, the combat is strategic, and the companions are expansive. From previous games, we know the experience touches on every detail to bring the most immersive experience. The game takes its pre-rendered engine to even deliver some surprising and intriguing ideas into the mix - not going as far as to spoil them!

Tyranny is an excellent game without question - it's polished and engaging as ever. However, the game faces the challenge of it being a bit too RPG heavy for many players. Loads of text, strategy, and lore detail required to craft a successful path is likely to frustrate more casual players into abruptly ending their journey. But that aside, the experience of Tyranny is one to remember.

Pretty Tyrannical

Tyranny is best described as a more experimental version of Pillars of Eternity. The gameplay is more versatile through player choice and the core focus of creating a living, more immersive world. The game succeeds in many respects but does end up falling flat on others. Tyranny thrives in its world-building, storylines, and exploration potential. It does not in its combat and rounding up choices into meaningful packages.

Pros:

• One of the most beautifully constructed RPG worlds
• A life-like feel to the narrative and lore
• Immersive characters with extensive choice potential

Cons:

• Heavy on the RPG detail will deter more casual players
• Choices may not bring the resolutions you're expecting
• Combat doesn't feel satisfying