Skald: Against the Black Priory review – a robust but inessential throwback to the RPG’s primordial era

Skald: Against the Black Priory – A Retro RPG Review

Skald: Against the Black Priory is a throwback RPG that immerses players in a dark fantasy world with its 8-bit aesthetic. Developed by High North Studios AS and published by Raw Fury, this game takes players on a journey back to the roots of role-playing games, offering a unique experience in a genre filled with modern competition.

Skald’s narrative starts with a shipwreck caused by a sea monster, leading players on a quest to find a missing woman on the Outer Isles. The game’s dark and gritty atmosphere is evident from the first moments, as players encounter mutated creatures and eerie landscapes that set the tone for the journey ahead.

Skald creates a powerful mood through its simple visual style. | Image credit: Raw Fury / Eurogamer

One of the standout features of Skald is its use of the Commodore 64 aesthetic to enhance the eerie atmosphere. The 8-bit visuals, coupled with a haunting soundtrack, contribute to the game’s grim personality and evoke a sense of dread throughout the gameplay experience.

While Skald’s narrative draws inspiration from Lovecraftian themes, it manages to weave these elements into its own lore, offering a unique take on familiar tropes. The game’s characters are well-written, though they adhere to traditional RPG archetypes, providing a familiar yet engaging dynamic within the story.

A screenshot of Skald: Against the Black Priory, depicting a successful diceroll in the game's refugee camp. — Combat in Skald offers tactical depth and rewarding gameplay. | Image credit: Raw Fury / Eurogamer

From a gameplay perspective, Skald embraces traditional RPG mechanics, offering top-down exploration, turn-based combat, and text adventure-style dungeon crawling. The game’s combat system, though visually simple, provides an immersive experience with impactful sound effects and music.

While Skald excels in capturing the essence of classic RPGs, it may not offer a groundbreaking experience for players familiar with the genre. The game’s main strength lies in its nostalgic appeal and moody atmosphere, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans of retro aesthetics and fantasy storytelling.

Overall, Skald: Against the Black Priory delivers a dark and immersive RPG experience that pays homage to the roots of the genre. While it may not revolutionize the RPG landscape, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic role-playing games.

A copy of Skald: Against the Black Priory was provided for review by Raw Fury.