The Lonesome Guild Reviews
The Lonesome Guild isn’t a game I would really recommend to anyone, but it’s also one I can see a very specific type of player enjoying. Every aspect of the game is undercooked, such as barebones combat, a childish story that never reaches its potential, and a relationship system that feels shoved into the game just for the sake of it
A polished and charmingly drawn action role-player, whose straightforward battles, simple puzzles, and elementary but prolific dialogue will appeal to children more than it will seasoned players.
Setting aside its sometimes sluggish combat controls and a few frustrating mechanics, there’s a lot to enjoy about The Lonesome Guild. With beautiful art and a much-appreciated theme centering on connection and communication, The Lonesome Guild should appeal to fans of puzzle-heavy action RPGs looking for narrative depth.
The Lonesome Guild is one of those games that completely sneaks up on you. It’s a heartfelt journey wrapped in charming art and great writing. Even when combat drags and abilities feel underdeveloped, its sincere core shines through, doing well to make up for its shortcomings.
The Lonesome Guild may be a bit simple in its combat and puzzles, but its world and meta-narrative are incredibly touching and deeply captivating.
The Lonesome Guild has a few flaws, the most blatant being the underutilised combat system. However, this can’t detract from the passion, interweaving gameplay systems, and introspective story about friendship, that combines to perhaps take this to the top of many best indie games lists.
A heartfelt adventure about bonds and belonging, held back by performance hiccups but glowing with charm and spirit
As stated in the beginning, The Lonesome Guild is a solid adventure game all around. The RPG elements are deep enough to give the action some teeth, while the action is easy to pick up but is involved enough that the game isn't a button-masher. The adventure is entertaining, while the story gives the game some unexpected heart. The Lonesome Guild will make adventure fans happy.
The Lonesome Guild takes you into a wondrous world and unpacks relatable themes through its narrative, but while the combat, storytelling, and environments are serviceable, they don't reach their full potential.
A sincere and visually fascinating ARPG that blends a mature narrative about connection and solitude with a simple, yet effective and well-balanced gameplay.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Lonesome Guild is one of my favourite indie games of the year with its heartfelt story, well-balanced blend of action and puzzles, and delightful visuals that beautifully tie it all together. You're sure to think fondly back on your adventure for years to come. 👻
...if you push through that rocky opening, The Lonesome Guild becomes a heartfelt story about connection and healing. Each of the six characters you recruit brings something different to the game; not just in battle, but emotionally. Mr. Fox, for instance, became my favorite because of his grounded personality. He’s sarcastic and honest in a way that feels human, and his response to events (when compared with Davinci’s constant need to keep things light and happy) is refreshing. The story shifts focus from the red mist and Ghost’s identity to what it means to find belonging in a world that’s forgotten how to connect.
The Lonesome Guild, which is slow-paced, sentimental, and based on poignant storytelling, perfectly captures the cozy RPG vibe. However, it struggles to strike a balance between warmth and depth. The idea of loneliness as an antagonist in the story is fascinating, but the writing and pacing fail to keep the reader engaged. Although useful, combat is simple and unchallenging, and the relationship system never reaches its full potential.
The Lonesome Guild is a charming yet shallow adventure that pairs colorful visuals and smooth combat with simple systems and underdeveloped storytelling, making it a pleasant but lightweight experience best suited for newcomers or players seeking something easygoing.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
The Lonesome Guild tackles themes of loneliness and connection in a world engulfed by a mysterious mist. It is a beautiful story for both young and old alike, touching on kindness and companionship. The combat and puzzles might feel stale, but the soundtrack and beautiful story make the world feel very much alive. You play as Ghost, possessing party members to fight and unlock boosted actions. The environments are noted for being well-designed, with logical light puzzles. Early enemies may take longer than expected to defeat, which can slow down the pacing. Davinci the rabbit inventor and Sarangalyn the dagger-wielder come with distinct personalities and playstyles.
The Lonesome Guild is an adorable action RPG with a nice message, but repetitive combat and a lack of difficulty make it a tad tedious.
The Lonesome Guild is a small but significant step forward for Tiny Bull Studios: a work that combines the team's narrative sensibility with a more mature and accessible game structure. It is not only a well-crafted action RPG, but also a reflection on the meaning of companionship, the fear of being alone, and the strength of the bonds that save us. It's just a shame about a few flaws in the map system and a combat system that lacks depth.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Lonesome Guild is also visually stunning in a way that immediately sets it apart from most indie ARPGs. Its hand-painted 2.5D aesthetic that blends warm colors, soft edges, and expressive character animation to create a world that feels alive but scary and reflects in every aspect of the game from the exploration, combat and cutscenes. Every scene looks like it could have been lifted straight from a storybook not overly fancy but distinct enough to make you pause and take in the details. Some of the most impressive visuals you get is when Ghost stumbles across memories in the world and you get treated to these beautiful artistic cutscenes which paint a picture of NPCs and characters you later meet. On top of that the soundtrack compliments the direction of art by carefully crafting the soundscape to what environment you find yourself in the music and sound effects really help set the mood and tone with the pacing. If you are looking for a charming Indie with plenty of emotional moments, witty humor and a amazing overworld brimmed full of secrets and adventure then look no further!
With solid ideas, The Lonesome Guild runs up against the limits of its budget, delivering compelling characters, a story that stretches longer than it should, and combat that lacks impact.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The narrative is the highlight of the game, and the art direction does an excellent job of helping to tell that story. There are some gameplay shortcomings, such as the absence of a map or clearer direction on where to go, as well as enemies having too much HP. It is recommended for those looking for something lighter, but still meaningful.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review