Take a spin on the Wheel of Fate: Early Access Review

The whole conceit of turn-based strategy games has given us plenty of incredible games, with its basic rules making players use their noggin to plan their next moves with precision. However, the wrench can get thrown into even your most well-crafted plans when changes happen with every step of the way…

Returning peace to the world as the Avatar of Fate

Wheel of Fate centers around a hero (you) who is tasked to save the world of Providence from the influences of Fateless and Affliction. Your character will be a weedy one to begin with, but will gradually live up to the title of Avatar of Fate as you continuously face and overcome the challenges within the Labyrinth. Your progress will be reflected in the town of Kismet’s Fall, a perhaps ramshackle backwater with the potential to become the center of the world. As Avatar of Fate, you will need to guide and protect this town. Should you be successful, the various residents will be happy and productive, thus be able to help you in a variety of aspects.

A dynamic gameplay experience thanks to the whims of the wheel

As the name of the game suggests, plenty of your game will revolve around the titular wheel, acting as the “lord” of the Labyrinth. With every turn of the wheel, the results of a spin will influence the entire world and changes the way the game plays dynamically. The wheel will basically be capable of “learning”, and will adjust the game, environment, loot drops, enemies and even dialogue choices! Needless to say, any decisions you make in one playthrough are more likely than not going to change in your next run.

Managing your town is important in Wheel of Fate. Kismet’s Fall needs the same care you shower on the Avatar. The most direct analogies you can make are seeing the population of the town as your progress indicator, and the buildings representing your equipment and abilities. With its own backstory, looks and unique purposes as well as having colourful characters, Kismet’s Fall hides its own secrets – what good fantasy town doesn’t? It’ll be up to you to uncover them as you develop the town!

Working the Active Response Battle system

Battles are turn-based, as mentioned, utilizing an Active Response Battle system. It’s easy to pick up, but hard to master, as it works to push your skills. The system needs you to respond accordingly in real-time, with the appropriately flashy effects when you nail it right. You’ll need to be at least competent with using your characters, defeating your foes with a mix of strategic choices, coordination and prudent decision making to maximize the effects from your attacks while simultaneously minimizing your injuries.

You’ll be able to start as a custom Avatar from four races: Ashar, Ikara, Rovar and Veikar. You can play around with the options to create your dream (?) Avatar, while you get flanked with a supporting party of unique races and classes that will act accordingly to your playstyle. Below are the classes currently available:

• Champion: A close-range warrior capable of combo attacks and AOE
• Arcanist: A mage with long-range attacks to murderize their foes
• Chosen: A highly survivable class, the quintessential tank to draw attacks from enemies
• Ranger: A specialized hunter in long-range combat to deal massive damage to foes

Throughout your journey, you’ll meet up with your supporting cast that you can add or remove from your party at will. You will also have full control over their growths and equipment! As you get access to these characters, you can choose to shift them into a different specialty to carry a more diverse set of skills to complement your other party members. To ensure they’d be in top shape, you will need to clear Companion Quests. Each of these quests will be able to raise the strength of certain party members permanently, granting them exclusive items or new abilities.

Verdict

Wheel of Fate is a unique RPG with an ever evolving AI working to keep in step with you and challenge you on your journey being the Avatar of Fate. The blend of turn-based with active system allows more active inputs from you, especially if you’re one who’ve found turn-based “too slow”. If you’re a fan of old-school turn-based RPGs, then you’re very likely to enjoy the game. The updates will continue to roll in until launch, so if you’re interested to provide your feedback, then go ahead and get a copy!

FINAL SCORE

7 / 10

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