The Basics:
Picture a roguelike, only set in medieval times. You have your burly warriors, lithe archers, sullen spellcasters, and more at your side as you fight to overcome an evil entity whose influence is slowly spreading across the map from the far West (how convenient). Combat is turn-based and straightforward, if a bit janky. You fight on a grid with obstacles to move around or use to delay the enemy; each unit has both health and energy, with the latter used to power their abilities. The twist here is that attacks may targets energy – and if you run out of energy, those attacks will now drain your health instead, for double damage. Thus, you have to make the choice between devastating attacks that can clear half of the field at a cost of most of your energy, or hanging back and whittling away at the foe via attrition. Also, as with any rogue-ish game, once someone dies, that's it. Whether they fall in battle or due to a choice you make during the storyline, dead is dead.
The Story & Flow:
An ancient evil, The Reaping, once thought long gone, has reawakened and is slowly taking over the land. One of the few remaining immortals from the last battle with this evil must work with any humans he can find to put an end to this darkness before it's too late, if they can do so at all. The story is presented primarily through more or less static cutscenes most of the time, and standard animations otherwise. Just remember: your choices in this game are permanent, and have lasting consequences. Your supplies will only carry you so far, and the decisions regarding the fates of those you see will have effects that last.
Controls:
Mouse for combat/menus and pretty much everything. Combat controls take a little getting used to, but one acclimatizes quickly. One unusual mechanic is that characters may target either an opponent's health meter or their energy meter – The latter is used to fuel their special abilities and, once it's depleted, any anti-energy attacks will drain health at double the normal rate. Thus, providing significant reason to target it first whenever possible. It also has a secondary card-based boost system with minor CCG elements tied to it. A multiplayer mode is also available.
Graphics & Sound:
Wide vistas and detailed cities done in a nice, hand-painted style that sometimes seems a bit bright for the subject matter...at least, until you come across a huge hunk of stone that has been splattered with the blood of local villagers. The cinematics are beautiful, and in general the art-style is really something to behold. The background music melds well with the story being presented, and the rising swells and crashing lows suit the title well. At other times, the music is appropriately moody and apocalyptic.
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa