Silent Hope

It feels like hack-and-slash indie RPGs are intentionally becoming more minimalist, but is that necessarily a bad thing? Silent Hope feels like a testament to the fact that complex titles may be stemming off in favor of something that's accessible to a broader demographic of players, something casual enough to appease the time-limited gamer but with enough intricacies to apply challenges to the hardcore RPG fan.

Embark on a journey of exploration, combat, and crafting to enhance the capabilities of seven unique heroes within this eerie, muted realm. Under the guidance of the Princess, you will plunge into the enigmatic depths of the Abyss, uncovering the secrets surrounding the fallen monarchy of the King and his devastated kingdom. The question looms large in a realm devoid of speech: Will this game be an intriguing RPG?

All Hope is Quiet

Let's build the groundwork for the story here. A serene kingdom was suddenly plunged into turmoil one fateful day when a dreadful catastrophe befell it. Amidst the ensuing chaos, the once-trusting populace turned to deception and betrayal. Their sovereign, wielding formidable magic, silenced their voices and cast himself into the ominous Abyss. And now everyone is silent, and it's your job to figure out why.

In this captivating game, players can select their preferred hero from a diverse ensemble of characters. Whether you're inclined towards the versatility of the Wanderer, the sharpshooting finesse of the Archer, or the brute force of the Warrior, there's a character to match every play style. As you gain valuable experience, you'll be able to hone your skills and embrace new roles and abilities, adding depth to your gameplay.

The Abyss is generously dotted with crystals that serve as pivotal waypoints, allowing you to seamlessly switch between characters or quickly return to your Base Camp, ensuring a dynamic and engaging gaming experience. It's impressive that Silent Hope offers so much diversity despite its very elementary aesthetic and interface, feeling accessible without draining too much mental energy.

While the gameplay and story elements outlined above certainly offer depth and intrigue, there is a potential downside worth noting. Some players might find that the complexity of the character choices and the narrative's twists can occasionally lead to confusion. With a crew of characters and evolving roles, it may take time to fully grasp each hero's unique abilities and how they synergize with the overarching storyline.

Silence is Silver

In the first few hours, Silent Hope appears straightforward and accessible, which can be a welcoming aspect for new players. However, as one delves deeper into the game, a noticeable issue emerges: combat encounters and tasks tend to become repetitive and somewhat monotonous over time. It starts to feel like one of those gritty JRPGs with many unnecessary mechanics; think a stripped-down version of the Dragon Quest series.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The minimalist aesthetic comes off well
• Plenty of diverse gameplay to engage in
• The reward system is satisfying

Cons:

• A confusing plotline
• Combat and tasks become repetitive and uninspired
• The game feels it doesn't quite accomplish its aims