Review: Stolen Crown
Stolen Crown: A Serviceable Yet Derivative Entry in the Deckbuilding Genre
As I settled into my leather armchair, vintage Montblanc fountain pen at the ready, I found myself contemplating yet another entry in the increasingly saturated deckbuilding genre. Stolen Crown presents itself with modest ambitions, though whether it achieves even those remains to be seen.
Mechanical Framework
At its core, Stolen Crown implements a hex-based tactical combat system integrated with traditional deckbuilding mechanics. The spatial element introduces a modicum of strategic depth, though it hardly approaches the sophistication of more obscure gems like Alina of the Arena or the tactical nuance found in Deep Sky Derelicts.
The combat system employs a straightforward action economy, with players managing energy points to deploy cards from their hand. While functional, it lacks the innovative mechanics that have elevated recent entries in the genre to new heights.
Deck Construction and Progression
The game offers three distinct classes and a variety of card acquisition methods, from combat rewards to a crafting system that shows promise, if not originality.
The card pool, while adequate with its reported 120+ offerings, rarely presents truly compelling synergies or deck-defining choices. The elemental framework is pedestrian, relying on tried-and-true archetypes rather than pushing boundaries.
Quest Structure and Narrative
The quest system presents a rather mundane arrangement of tasks and rewards, lacking the narrative sophistication one might expect in contemporary releases.
While the branching dialogue encounters offer some agency, they fall short of the masterful narrative integration seen in more accomplished titles within the genre.
Crafting and Progression
The crafting system, while present, feels somewhat perfunctory in its implementation.
The three-ingredient recipe structure is straightforward to the point of being simplistic, though it does provide an additional layer of strategic consideration in resource management.
Production Values
The visual presentation is serviceable, if unremarkable. The UI design demonstrates competence without innovation, while the art direction maintains consistency without achieving distinction. The audio design, much like the rest of the package, fulfills its basic requirements without leaving a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Stolen Crown positions itself as yet another entry in an increasingly crowded genre. While it executes its core mechanics with reasonable competence, it fails to distinguish itself in any meaningful way. The hex-based combat system adds a welcome tactical layer, but the overall experience feels derivative rather than innovative.
At its current price point of $11.99, one might find sufficient entertainment value, particularly for those who have exhausted the more distinguished offerings in the genre. However, those seeking genuine innovation or mechanical depth would be better served looking elsewhere.
Setting down my pen after extensive note-taking, I find myself wondering if perhaps the genre has reached a point where mere competence is no longer sufficient to warrant significant attention.
Pros:
- Competent hex-based tactical combat
- Reasonable price point
- Functional crafting system
Cons:
- Derivative mechanics
- Limited strategic depth
- Unremarkable production values
- Pedestrian narrative elements
Verdict
A serviceable if uninspired addition to the deckbuilding genre that may satisfy genre enthusiasts seeking new content, but unlikely to leave a lasting impression on the discerning player.
Reviewed on a custom-built gaming PC in my climate-controlled game room, accompanied by a pot of finest Earl Grey.
Score
Overall Score: 6/10
Developer: Banshee Cat
Release Date: Oct 13, 2022
Steam Page: Stolen Crown