Hand of Fate Reviews
Brilliant decision making, horrible brawling. Hand of Fate fails to hit a straight flush like it hopes.
A good idea, which comes out as a bore due to repetition. Could further development improve this game further?
Hand of Fate isn't perfect, but its various systems click together with rare elegance. Few antagonists are quite so compelling or vexing as The Dealer, and his theatrics help to sell the game's odd conceit
Hand of Fate has been made to appeal to many players quickly, and that it does. The only concern that sticks between your teeth is one that this desire to make people feel like their being forced to work hard without actually pulling any work out of them will hamper Hand of Fate's scale for replayability.
Hand of Fate comes so close to being something really special – an unexpected concoction of genres and ideas that meshes together superbly to create a really fun experience that's both involving and rewarding, at least in short bursts. But, unfortunately, its potential is cut short by a lack of options and awkward third-person game segments that should really know better.
At the end of the day, Hand of Fate is a solid time waster because of it's sheer randomness offered by the decks you use. The more you play, the more cards you unlock, the more random the game becomes.
Hand of Fate wears its inspiration on its sleeve, but its deck has a few new surprises. Those looking for something new will find something to like here, but diehard dungeon crawlers might be better off waiting for the next edition.
Hand of Fate is a slightly flawed experience that will nonetheless please both card-based gamers and RPG fanatics with its fantastic blend of styles.
It's not a bad game, but it's not the greatest either. It needed to really sit down and choose an identity and then excel in those areas. It was just average in all categories it tried reaching out to. Features solid gameplay and a very thematic story experience, but pales in comparison to other games of its type and playset.
Hand of Fate mixes deck-building with hack 'n slash dungeon crawling in a way that's fluid enough for casual fans to enjoy, but lacks the complexity for veterans of either genre to really sink their teeth into.
Hand of Fate is a fresh take on the rogue-lite genre that starts off flush with unique ideas, but by the final few hands it's out of trump cards.
Hand of Fate blends various elements of role-playing games and card games into a single, satisfying romp.
Hand of Fate delivers a fun, atypical RPG experience that lets you act out the scenarios of a trading card game.
A fun, unconventional RPG with interesting new ideas that aren't entirely overshadowed by its repetitive nature and stale combat.
While Hand of Fate can get aggravating, the novelty and personality oozing through it is undeniably alluring. The game's simple but satisfying combat and risk versus reward card game will have you coming back for one more hand, waiting for your luck to turn around.
'Hand of Fate' is the kind of deviously addictive game that doesn't come along very often. It is innovative, easy to learn, and rewarding. It is also complex and punishing, but keep in mind that you'll never lose any of your cards permanently - if the dealer defeats you, you only lose progress against the current boss, and can restart anytime. The deck-building is fiendish fun, and all those hours spent fighting in the 'Arkham' games pays real dividends here. The real-time combat lets the player make their own luck in many situations. At launch, 'Hand of Fate' has some noticeable problems on the technical side, but is still a great play, especially for card fans disappointed by this year's Magic.
Hand of Fate is an entertaining adventure that will impress tabletop fans and action RPG fans alike. The combat is solid, although a bit on the simple side, but the game provides a deeper challenge about halfway through the game. Earning tokens even when you lose helps with progression and every new card you gain can mean the difference.
Although it's technically flawed in more than a few ways, Hand of Fate is an intriguing premise that delivers an old-fashioned choose-your-own-adventure style card game that's infinitely replayable.
These gripes are incredibly minor though when you evaluate the rest of the game. Defiant has done a fantastic job of marrying together two very different flavours of game, presenting it a stylish package that feels one part adventure book, one part action brawler. The potential for expansions and sequels further down the line is immediately apparent so, hopefully, this won't be the last time we're dealt into Hand of Fate.
An intriguing, action-based card game that I would definitely recommend.