Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click
- Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Infamous Quests
- Publishers: Infamous Quests
The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge (2016)
Be a Bard! The challenge awaits!!
Join Finn the bard as he undertakes “The King’s Challenge” and see if he has what it takes to not only survive, but to write the greatest song in all of the land of Uir!
The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge is a role-playing game developed and published by Spiderweb Software. It was released for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux in 2016. The game is a sequel to The Order of the Thorne: Vengeance of the Witch Queen, and the second game in the Order of the Thorne series.
The player takes on the role of Finn, a young bard who is tasked by the king to travel the land of Uir and collect stories and songs. Finn must use his musical abilities to charm and persuade the people he meets, and to overcome the challenges that await him.
The game features a turn-based combat system, in which the player can use a variety of musical abilities to attack and defend. Finn can also learn new songs and abilities as he progresses through the game.
The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge is a challenging and rewarding RPG that offers a unique and immersive experience. The game’s world is rich and detailed, and the characters are well-developed and engaging. The combat system is fun and strategic, and the game’s story is both exciting and thought-provoking.
Gameplay
The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge is a turn-based RPG in which the player controls a party of up to four characters. The game’s world is divided into a series of interconnected zones, each of which contains a variety of enemies, puzzles, and treasures.
The player’s party can move freely around the world, and can interact with the environment and the people they meet. The game’s combat system is turn-based, and the player can use a variety of musical abilities to attack and defend.
Finn can learn new songs and abilities as he progresses through the game. These abilities can be used to attack enemies, heal allies, or buff the party’s stats. The player must carefully manage their resources and abilities in order to succeed in combat.
In addition to combat, the player must also solve puzzles and interact with the game’s environment. The game’s puzzles are often clever and challenging, and require the player to use their wits and creativity to solve them.
The player can also interact with the game’s many NPCs. These NPCs can provide the player with information, quests, and items. The player must build relationships with the NPCs in order to gain their trust and support.
Setting
The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge is set in the land of Uir, a realm of forests, mountains, and rivers. The land is home to a variety of cultures and peoples, from the human kingdoms of the north to the elven forests of the south.
The game’s story begins in the kingdom of Thorne, where Finn is tasked by the king to collect stories and songs from around the land. Finn’s journey takes him through a variety of environments, from the bustling streets of Thorne to the treacherous peaks of the Shadow Mountains.
Along the way, Finn meets a cast of colorful characters, including a wise old wizard, a beautiful princess, and a cunning thief. Finn must use his musical abilities and his wits to overcome the challenges that await him and to write the greatest song in all of Uir.
Characters
The player’s party in The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge consists of four characters:
- Finn: A young bard who is tasked by the king to collect stories and songs from around the land. Finn is a skilled musician and a quick wit. He is also a kind and compassionate person, and he is always willing to help those in need.
- Aria: A beautiful princess who is Finn’s childhood friend. Aria is a talented singer and dancer, and she is also a skilled fighter. She is a strong and independent woman, and she is always there for Finn when he needs her.
- Gareth: A wise old wizard who is Finn’s mentor. Gareth is a powerful magician, and he is also a kind and caring person. He is always willing to share his knowledge with Finn, and he is always there to help him in times of need.
- Alistair: A cunning thief who is Finn’s rival. Alistair is a skilled fighter and a master of stealth. He is also a charming and charismatic person, and he is always able to get what he wants.
Story
The story of The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge begins in the kingdom of Thorne, where Finn is tasked by the king to collect stories and songs from around the land. Finn’s journey takes him through a variety of environments, from the bustling streets of Thorne to the treacherous peaks of the Shadow Mountains.
Along the way, Finn meets a cast of colorful characters, including a wise old wizard, a beautiful princess, and a cunning thief. Finn must use his musical abilities and his wits to overcome the challenges that await him and to write the greatest song in all of Uir.
The game’s story is both exciting and thought-provoking. It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. The game also features a number of twists and turns, and the player is never quite sure what to expect next.
Reception
The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its challenging and rewarding gameplay, its rich and detailed world, and its well-developed characters. The game was also praised for its unique and immersive experience.
The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge was nominated for a number of awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Design. The game was also included in a number of “best of” lists, including PC Gamer’s “Top 100 RPGs of All Time.”
Conclusion
The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge is a challenging and rewarding RPG that offers a unique and immersive experience. The game’s world is rich and detailed, and the characters are well-developed and engaging. The combat system is fun and strategic, and the game’s story is both exciting and thought-provoking.
If you are a fan of RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Order of the Thorne: The King’s Challenge. The game is a true hidden gem, and it is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8.5/10