Tyranny Reviews
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!
An enthralling world with 'meaningful choices' is surely ahead of you, but for such a short game in this genre, the story stumbles and trips in its consistency and its appeal. On top of that, for a fantasy world, there's not much variety in enemies or creatures, so it can be a bit of a disappointment in that regard.
Tyranny is a memorable RPG that looks great and feels fresh, even while largely working in the confines of the old Infinity Engine style. It's also the rare sprawling RPG that invites you to replay it, as its comparatively short running time and significant changes based on choice greatly change the experience from playthrough to playthrough, and combat is deep enough to last. With Tyranny, the old feels new again.
A rich fantasy characterized by deeply troubling themes, imagery, dialogue, and actions
Tyranny is an excellent first step into RPGs, with an enticing storyline that manages to continually surprise and excite. While hardcore RPG fans may dislike the simplified combat and shorter core game length, these factors help the storyline shine and keep it accessible for more people. Definitely worth a look, especially for Pillars of Eternity fans.
The banality of evil is on full display in the dark and disturbing Tyranny.
Perhaps one of the most interesting features to make its way into Tyranny is the new reputation system. Unlike other RPGs, where morality plays a key part in the story, Tyranny takes a different path, basing its reputation system on Fear and Loyalty. Throughout the story the things you do either instill Fear or Loyalty into your party members and companions. It is an interesting way of going about the famed RPG repuation system, and it gives you a little more leeway with how you play the game. But when it is all said and done it almost feels like a wasted system. No matter what your reputation with your companions, their story never changes. They will always be there, unless you let them die, and you never get a chance – no matter how scared or loyal they area – to see more into their lives. Unlike Pillars of Eternity, which featured different quests to showcase your companion’s lives, Tyranny allows the companion system to fall flat, ignoring it in favor of stifled choices and tiresome combat.
Obisian knows how to drag us into Tyranny's lore and story. One of the most attainable rpg of the last years. Both the newbie and the veteran will enjoy Tyranny at his best.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The latest role-playing fantasy from the Pillars of Eternity creators puts players into a morally ambiguous universe of tyrants and mercenaries
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.
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.
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 offers a unique RPG experience where the standard good vs evil format is turned on its side.
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.
Even in a world where a magical Edict by an evil Overlord can engulf an entire region with earthquakes and deadly sandstorms.
It seems the Classic RPG is here to stay
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
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.
Tyranny is one of the few games that can tackle extremism and ethical divergences in a meaningful way. An interesting perspective of how flawed humanity is.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
It has its faults, but its approach to magic and reputation, alongside predominantly good writing make Tyranny a valid choice for cRPG enthusiasts. With all its missteps, I want to go back and replay Tyranny, simply for the sake of making different decisions and seeing what happens if I support the Scarlet Chorus or, why not, nobody. While not flawless, writing outshines combat and, for me, that’s enough to warrant a replay.