Massive Chalice Reviews
I really tried to like this game, i couldn't do it. I lost track of how many arrows my hunters fired into nothingness, while having the enemy at an arm's length. Thank god they were not nearsighted. I ran out of heroes many times because i could not generate any offspring via marriage or conquest. The combat system is far too simplistic, having to reveal enemies hidden in fog-of-war and moving characters in the grid system. Luckily, Double Fine's humor is always present in the interactions we have with the chalice and the different genetic traits of our heroes. Far from top tier games like Xcom or Final Fantasy Tactics, which is far far superior, and came out in 1997.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Massive Chalice is the sort of video game that I would love to see Kickstarter users focus on more in the coming years, a title that does not rely only on nostalgia in order to get access to development funds and also stays the course during the creation process, with no hiccups from the studio in charge.
Double Fine has produced a good tactical strategy game with 'Massive Chalice'. It wears its inspirations on its sleeve, but also brings some of its own ideas to the table. It's not without its faults, but if you can look past those, you may find an engaging strategy experience.
Taken as a whole, Massive Chalice is basically tactical strategy "lite." It is easy to pick up and play, and there are enough varied elements to keep veterans of the genre interested, but it doesn't break any new ground. If it were a $60 game, Massive Chalice wouldn't hold up, but as a $20 game, it fits the bill nicely. This isn't a title that is going to compete head-to-head with the next XCOM, but it is a good way to pass the time while you wait for XCOM 2.
Games like Massive Chalice live or die on the emergent narratives they create, which makes designing death as an inevitability for your cast of heroes an admirable risk. They're trusting that, as the wheel of time turns, players will glimpse a larger shape coming into view. The stories that stand out are family epics, like the Buendias of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude. By following the tangled paths of lineage, we're left with tales too large to be understood in terms of the lone hero.
Double Fine's new strategy game isn't likely to disappoint anyone who's been keeping tabs on Massive Chalice over the last few years.
There's bound to be some disconnect with the mortal world when you live forever, but I could have used a reminder why this war is worth spending 300 years to win.
As turn based strategy games go Massive Chalice has some nice innovations that make it well worth playing if you are a fan of the genre. With a distinctive art style and an interesting combination of story driven multiple choice decisions and roguelike mechanics there is nothing else really like it out there. The lack of multiplayer is a real shame though and the game loses a point because of that. But the games positives far outweigh its few negatives and considering Massive Chalices budget price it is a hard game not to recommend to both strategy and Double Fine fans alike.
Massive Chalice is the best turn-based strategy title of 2015 so far, and its unique simulation aspects make it especially intriguing. This isn't going to be thought of as a title that can contend with XCOM on the back of its combat alone, but managing each hero's genetic traits adds another level of depth to an already deep genre.
Chaotically fun in doses, but lacking in vitality
Massive Chalice is lots of fun and highly addictive. Yes a lot of the best things about it come from it being highly influenced by XCOM: Enemy Unknown, but it not only captures a lot of the spirit of our Game of the Year 2012 but Double Fine also manages to provide their own unique spin on it with the Game of Thrones-style setup.
Massive Chalice is about time, about heroes, and most importantly, it's about taking that deep breath before the strike.
Massive Chalice's personality and ingenuity ultimately win out over its shortcomings, and it's certainly worth a try for strategy fans who don't want anything too ponderous or serious. But its cup does not, as they say, runneth over.
Between the far-reaching scale, the slick and intuitive combat, and the fun of raising heroes through the years, MASSIVE CHALICE brings a whole lot to the table. While each piece may not be strong enough to stand in its genre alone, the combination and way that each plays into the other creates a phenomenally fun experience.
Functional, but often uninspired, Massive Chalice may please strategy enthusiasts but will likely bore anyone else.
Massive Chalice is an interesting twist on the genre, though it does sort of feel like more could have been done to differentiate it. The game's style is good, and the basic structure is engaging and challenging. Combat could be a little more tactical, but overall it's a solid game that provides a great outlet for any turn-based craving you might have.
If you're a fan of strategy games, there's a lot to enjoy in Massive Chalice. The combat demands you play smartly, which doesn't always mean conservatively. It's visually appealing and carries with it the charm that all Double Fine games have been known for. It's also not as difficult as other similar strategy titles which can make it more accessible, though the menus and new concepts are still rather daunting if you aren't a genre veteran. The Bloodline system never fully achieves what it set out to do, which, as its selling point, is its biggest disappointment. While it lacks the depth it initially promises, the system still plays a crucial role in the outcome of your centuries long war. Decisions you make early on will impact the tide of war decades later. It's just too bad all those people growing up under your command ultimately die without their story ever really being told. This is by no means a must-play if you aren't a strategy fan, but those who do frequent the genre should consider Massive Chalice a flawed but worthwhile addition to their Keep.
There are many good things within Massive Chalice, but they're frustratingly kept at arm's length from me.
Double Fine's unusual, generation-themed turn-based strategy epic forces players to learn to let go of their favourite champions.