Mar 2023
Once upon a time, in a land drowning in saltwater and bad decisions, six unlikely heroes band together to tackle the pesky Black Mist causing problems in the land. Welcome to 'Ruined King: A League of Legends Story,' where the challenge is real, and the laughably dramatic cutscenes can be overwhelmed by complex turn-based battles that will have you scratching your head and shouting at the screen.
Diving headfirst into this turn-based RPG, you find yourself controlling a party of six familiar characters from the League of Legends universe. Our heroes—Miss Fortune, Braum, Yasuo, and friends—battle through the cursed regions of Bilgewater and the Shadow Isles, utilizing a fresh combat mechanic called the Initiative Bar. No, not an actual bar where your heroes can sit and drink away their troubles, but a timeline indicating who attacks when (and, spoiler alert: it’s usually not you). This makes positioning and timing everything. You’ll need to pick your party wisely, as only three characters can join you at a time. Each hero brings unique abilities to help and hinder—with pyrotechnic Miss Fortune blasting her enemies and caring absolutely zero about their feelings, while Braum offers protection like a lovable, huggable fortress. There’s also a Dungeon Ability mechanic where characters can turn into door-opening experts (because everyone needs a locksmith) while navigating the vast world. Choice is paramount here; if you send the wrong character in to decipher the ancient texts, you might end up doing a lot more walking than you bargained for. The combat system demands skill, not just brute force. You can't just power through; no, you need to think strategically. The Initiative Bar isn’t just for show—it’s a puzzle that can make or break your fight, especially against the infamous ‘puzzle bosses.’ It’s like trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces are actually trying to stab you. Let’s not forget about the Ultimates. Each character has three locked away in what feels like an RPG treasure chest. As you progress, you fill up an Ultimate gauge to unleash these colossal moves. Remember, managing this gauge is key—use the Ultimates wisely, or prepare for the emotional rollercoaster of defeat. Finally, there’s the Overcharge mechanic, making resource management a breeze while dealing with long dungeons and daring encounters. It’s like paying your bills with Monopoly money—difficult but just absurd enough to keep things spicy. If you’re looking for a challenge that truly rewards your brainpower, look no further. 'Ruined King' will keep you guessing with its tactical depth, requiring the kind of thought you generally reserve for calculus exams. Who says video games aren’t educational?
Visually, 'Ruined King' isn't going to win any awards for realism, but it’s bursting with charm and character, much like a pirate tavern at three in the morning. The vibrant colors pop against the dark, eerie themes of the Shadow Isles, beautifully capturing the essence of its League roots without making you feel like you’re stuck playing a glorified graphics demo. The animations are smooth, and character designs are distinct, again highlighting the excellent art direction of Airship Syndicate. Who knew pirates and rogue spirits could look so stylish? You’d almost think someone put thought into it—oh wait, they did. Bravo, team!
To wrap it up, 'Ruined King: A League of Legends Story' isn’t just another run-of-the-mill RPG stuffed with characters—we finally get to see who rocked the salt-sprayed threads of Bilgewater and the creepy shadows of the Isles. With a solid combat system that challenges even the most battle-hardened warriors and engaging narrative elements, it’s an adventure as unpredictable as the tides. If you’re looking to put your strategic thinking to the test while humorously wrestling with pirates, revenge plots, and a writing style that tickles your funny bone, grab your controller and set sail. Just don’t forget your sunscreen—this journey is sure to get hot!
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