Dragonkin: The Banished - A Tale of Dragons, Dungeons, and Dubious Decisions

When your story’s as thin as a dragon’s wing, but the combat’s as sharp as its claws

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the world of Dragonkin: The Banished, where dragons are as common as plot holes and the combat system is as intricate as a dragon’s hoard. This game promises a lot with its ambitious blend of multiplayer mayhem, customizable combat, and a story that… well, let’s just say it tries its best. Let’s dive into the fiery depths of this early access title and see if it soars or crashes like a dragon with a clipped wing.

Gameplay: A Dance of Dragons and Delightful Mechanics

In the realm of gameplay, Dragonkin: The Banished offers a mixed bag of fire-breathing fun and a few singed feathers. The multiplayer functionality is a standout, allowing you to team up with friends without the hassle of restarting when switching between keyboard/mouse and controller. It’s a seamless experience, though the controller mapping could use a bit more polish—think of it as a dragon trying to fit into a knight’s armor.

Combat is where the game truly shines, with a fluid and responsive system that encourages experimentation. The innovative “ancestral grid” replaces the traditional skill tree, offering a puzzle-like approach to character development. It’s a feature that will have you tinkering with builds like a mad alchemist in a potion shop. However, the character movement can feel a bit awkward, reminiscent of controlling an RC car on a bumpy road.

The game also boasts a variety of systems, from city management to crafting, each adding layers of depth. Yet, the “click to move” mechanic could use a bit more finesse, and the lack of a zoom function leaves you squinting at the screen like a dragon trying to read fine print.

Graphics: A Feast for the Eyes, If Your System Can Handle It

Visually, Dragonkin: The Banished is a bit like a dragon’s treasure hoard—glittering and impressive, but only if you have the right tools to appreciate it. On high-end systems, the game runs like a dream, with stunning vistas and smooth performance that make the most of Unreal Engine 5. However, on less powerful systems, the reliance on upscaling can lead to visuals that are more pixelated than a retro RPG.

The game has made significant strides in reducing visual clutter and improving hit feedback, but the fixed camera angle can feel as restrictive as a dragon in a cage. While the graphics are generally well-received, the performance on devices like the Steam Deck leaves much to be desired, with visuals that can appear washed out and input lag that makes you feel like you’re playing in slow motion.

Story: A Dragon’s Tale with a Few Missing Scales

Ah, the story—a crucial element that can make or break an RPG. In Dragonkin: The Banished, the narrative is as dragon-centric as you’d expect, but not always in a good way. The plot feels like it was cobbled together from the remnants of a failed mobile game, with contradictions and a lack of depth that leave players scratching their heads.

The campaign’s maps are large and monotonous, and the resetting of quest progress upon exiting the game is as frustrating as a dragon guarding an empty cave. While the game does offer some unique narrative elements, such as leveling up your home city and having a permanent pet companion, the overall story feels underwhelming and uninspired.

Dialogue and NPC interactions lack personality, making the story feel more like a chore than an adventure. However, the city system and endgame missions provide a framework that could enhance the narrative experience, offering potential for future improvement.

Final Verdict

Dragonkin: The Banished is a game with a solid foundation, offering engaging combat and a variety of systems that encourage experimentation. While the graphics shine on high-end systems, performance issues and a lackluster story hold it back from reaching its full potential. As an early access title, there’s hope for future development, but for now, it’s a mixed bag of dragon scales and dungeons.

Score: 6.5/10