Tyranny Reviews
Thanks to masterfully written dialogues, the story and screenplay of Tyranny are intriguing and well-paced. We appreciated as well the freedom provided in the character development, as well as the innovations introduced in the combat and spless systems.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tyranny comes to a screeching, premature halt, but prior to that it spins an absorbing tale with which player actions have long-reaching consequences.
So much of Tyranny is enveloped in player choice, however the decisions you’ll have to make along the way will probably feel very different than what you may be used to. More often than not, players will be forced into situations where they’ll stare directly into the depths of their own depravity.
With a rushed third act and a few frustrating quirks here and there, Tyranny falls just short of reaching the legendary heights of the games that inspired it. Obsidian has, however, once again delivered on their pedigree with an engrossing and inventive story of betrayal and tyrannical rule. This game is a must-play for fans of isometric narrative roleplaying games.
A sort of adventure title that delves deep into the mind of an evil tyrant: You.
Evil is a tough nut to crack, but Obsidian have made a few fractures in the shell surrounding it; the next step is to break it wide open with a sequel. Otherwise, Tyranny will likely remain a cult classic RPG in the vein of Arcanum or Suikoden; great ideas that ultimately fall short of their full potential.
Tyranny is another showcase of Obsidian’s penchant for quality world-building and writing prowess, but limitations in the game’s scope and length as well as repetitive gameplay prevent Tyranny from being a must-play title even for fans of western styled RPGs. That said, it is an interesting enough experience that those who decide to undertake the role of Fatebinder will experience a mostly memorable tale of conquest and rebellion.
Judicial administrator for the Court of an all-powerful Imperial Overlord is one hell of a premise and driving force for an RPG. Tyranny pulls it off, thanks to Obsidian’s reliable attention to world design and a dedication to ambitious, branching choices.
Tyranny is an exercise in depicting humanity’s worst facets, and it does so in a nuanced, interesting way while being an engaging and accessible CRPG.
It's hard not to recommend Tyranny to old school CRPG veterans, as its systems and gameplay mechanics are reminiscent both of the excellent Pillars of Eternity and the classics form the early 2000, but, at the same time, it sometimes seems as a lazy reskin of Obsidian's last efforts.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you like a challenging RPG with a "classic" feel, and choices that actually change the quests and outcomes of the game then Tyranny is for you. For those worried that they will be forced to play as an evil character, I can confidently say there are more than enough "good" choices to satisfy you and not ruin your experience. Tyranny boldly goes where no game has successfully gone before and pulls it off in menacing fashion. At 44.99 USD, this game is a no brainer!
It seems the Classic RPG is here to stay
Even in a world where a magical Edict by an evil Overlord can engulf an entire region with earthquakes and deadly sandstorms.
A tale about evil, but not as you know it.
Whilst new and familiar, plodding and rushed in turn, Obsidian are proudly wearing the mantle left by Black Isle and have crafted another enjoyable story for fans of isometric CRPGs.
Another fantastic game from Obsidian, the formula they have created from Pillars has served up another brilliant RPG for people to sink their teeth into for hours of Tyrannical enjoyment.
Tyranny is flawed, but more in the vein of a future cult classic than a failure. It's got great ideas, just not the depth to let them shine.
Tyranny may have its issues and it may be shorter than other RPGs but it often means that, in the end, it comes together as a greater and more concise experience.
That being said, if you enjoy a well-written book that happens to have a few dungeons and some evenly-leveled combat thrown in every ten minutes or so, you really can’t go wrong with Obsidian’s wordy magnum opus. Just get a good pair of reading glasses first.