Armello Reviews
A board game that's overly complicated, doesn't really teach itself fully, and heavily based on luck. That's three strikes and I'm out. Maybe people will like this, but there's far better.
Armello makes a great first impression, but it has a bad habit of making you feel like you're playing alone.
I believe that Armello has many of the pieces of an amazing game, but those pieces don't quite fit together just yet. I think that the development team, if given the chance, could iterate on this design to hit a perfect mix of computer mediation and boardgame excitement. While Armello misses the mark for me, I look forward to whatever they cook up next.
Armello oozes charm, and its myriad gameplay systems keep you busy for hours, but it relies too much on luck to keep things interesting.
Armello brings a set of strategy and RPG elements to the Nintendo Switch and while it does not feature a very compelling plot, it offers an interesting mix of gameplay mechanics, along with very attractive views to look at and a good level of challenge. Its tutorials and rules do feel excessive though and its local multiplayer could use some work but overall, Armello is a fun package that can be enjoyed by many players.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Armello is a game that has a promising concept and a top-shelf presentation but falls far short of its potential. Despite its adept systems the game often proves a slow, monotonous affair that suffers from balancing issues. Tabletop enthusiasts and strategy game fans may glean some joy from this game. However, your time would still be better spent playing a myriad of other games that offer more entertainment than Armello.
In the end, Armello does not strive for anything more than being a polished and well-rounded experience, and despite some lingering complaints on its lack of communication and interactivity, it is a worthwhile purchase for any board game fan.
Armello is worth a look for board game enthusiasts. For those looking for a party game to play with friends, its slow pace and lack of local multiplayer make it hard to recommend.
I enjoyed my time with Armello, as did the friends I played it with. While it doesn't quite compete with some of the compelling tabletop games I have played over the past couple of years—and it's marred by some confusing design choices that stand to stifle some of its more unique features—if you and a group of friends enjoy tabletop games but struggle to find the time to meet up and play them, then you'll likely find Armello worthy of your time.
The combination of RPG, 4X and board game really works, and with the exception of a tiny map size and some repetitive elements, it is an extremely promising debut for League of Geeks.
Back in 2015, League of Geeks launched a Kickstarter for a visceral, turn-based game full of anthropomorphized animals. Now, the Australian indie team brings Armello to the Nintendo Switch for those of us on the go. Join a range of animal characters as they fight, scheme, and scurry their way to the throne in a highly acclaimed table top interpretation. This is our review of Armello on Nintendo Switch.
Armello is a solidly-constructed and enjoyable turn-based title that offers a unique setting and plenty of depth.
Armello presents an imaginative backdrop to a fantasy board game with deep mechanics. The steep learning curve and balancing issues may put off some players, but those who put in the time will be rewarded the most.
The low entry requirements and the unique nature of the game will keep you, your family and friends occupied for hours on end. Each game is a story yet to be written, an adventure of your own to craft. Fans of the traditional board experience will find a lot to love here as will those who like a good helping of strategy in their games.
There is a certain charm to a board game; whether that is the feeling of the dice rattling in your hand, the subtle plastics and resins of the miniature units, the detailed boards, the fact that you actually play it with real people, something. While I was excited for a go at Armello, I was also apprehensive; board games are like couch co-op, better with company. Digitizing the experience, I feared, would lesson the impact of a story, the tense nature of a close game, or the excitement that comes with an excellent roll of the dice. Fortunately Armello and the great folks at League of Geeks laid my fears to rest as the board game experience is translated quite nicely (minus the shouting and making up of house rules) to the Xbox One. In reflection I think that the reason it translates so well is because of the little things, like the idea that you use the left analog stick to rock back, then forward, to roll your dice for combat, or the hex-based overworld movement; tied that into an intriguing and genuinely interesting premise and it really is a winner.
Armello has many amazing qualities. It is certainly the most authentic take on digital tabletop gaming I have seen. While it could have benefited from the inclusion of a dedicated campaign, the lore and background infused into it's world make it a joy to play. Board game fans should beware - once Armello casts it's dice-dueling spell on you, going back to the tabletop will never be the same!
Armello is a well-done, smartly crafted turn-based tabletop strategy game. Play if you love tabletops. Pass if you can't stand games that involve dice rolls and skipped turns.
Armello is an intriguing game to play which tickled quite a few things for me in relation to its world and game style
Armello is a misunderstood work of art, despite some simple flaws. It has great mechanics - in spite of a weak tutorial -, an excellent art direction and, even if it looks like a niche game, is really good and should be played by all. Being its developer's debut game, it honours its multiple genres, pleasing both older and newer players.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Developer League of Geeks has succeeded in crafting a solid board game experience in video game form, albeit one that lacks environment diversity and player company. Armello ticks all the right boxes for a keen strategist, and whilst not being the group gathering experience some might hope for, does give a tightly woven system and narrative that is satisfying to conquer.