Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled

 DS
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 24
  3. Negative: 5 out of 24
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  1. Nintendo Gamer
    45
    This is a love letter to 16-bit RPGs, albeit written in really messy handwriting. [Sept 2009, p.73]
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  2. Gaming Age
    42
    I don't feel like it's portable friendly, and while I'd give Chrono Trigger a pass on that because it's a port, Black Sigil has always been in development as a handheld game of some kind, but the end result doesn't feel like it.
  3. Game Revolution
    33
    It's just so not remarkable, so bland, so... not interesting... you get what I'm saying. Slow and lame, that's what I'm saying.
  5. Destructoid
    30
    RPGs are going to have to do a lot more these days than simply say "Look at how old school I am" in order to impress. This game has not done that. It's not really done anything well at all.
  6. Gamer Limit
    25
    Black Sigil is a game made to deliberately give an old school experience. However, that experience is mired in tedium, never-ending combat, a story which is both mediocre and convoluted, and several huge glitches.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
41
#41 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 5 out of 20
  1. AlexH.
    Oct 14, 2009
    3
    I love old-school RPGs and this is NOT one of them despite what reviewers say. The random encounter rate is far too high to enjoy this game I love old-school RPGs and this is NOT one of them despite what reviewers say. The random encounter rate is far too high to enjoy this game at all, where you literally take 2 steps between each fight. The worst part is the exp rewards for fighting are so low, they are just a waste of time. Coupled with the maze-like dungeons, it seems all this game wants to do is waste your time rather than try to provide a challenge or a good story. It is a shame because this game COULD have been a good old-school RPG and has excellent graphics that are reminiscent of Chrono Trigger. I would not recommend this game for anybody, however, and I am frankly appalled it ever even got made.… Full Review »
  2. MikeC
    Jun 23, 2009
    8
    This game gets almost everything right. Beautiful 16-bit art and effects. Catchy music. I story that, so far, doesn't seem too cliched. This game gets almost everything right. Beautiful 16-bit art and effects. Catchy music. I story that, so far, doesn't seem too cliched. The only problem is the developer must have spent the entire time in test mode, because the encounter rate is WAY too high. This game obviously too some inspiration from Chrono Trigger, and in my opinion, should have just been a full copy. Allowing the player to choose their encounters is a feature that makes every RPG more fun. Random battles only existed in the 8/16-bit era because it was often too processor intensive to show the enemies on screen. As is, you end up fighting the same 3-4 canned encounters 30+ times per dungeon. At it's worse, by the time the screen has fully faded in from the battle, it'll already be fading out to a new random battle. I pre-ordered the game based off the trailers. I'm glad I got it so this type of game can be supported, but I don't consider 2 hours of random battles for 10 minutes of dialogue a fair trade off.… Full Review »
  3. ArdaJ.
    Jun 19, 2009
    9
    Prior to the game's release, I read a lot about Black Sigil. I've been a big fan of these types of games since the late 80's Prior to the game's release, I read a lot about Black Sigil. I've been a big fan of these types of games since the late 80's when I spent countless hours playing Zelda. Even though I don't own a DS, based on the critics preview comments and the video trailers seen, I decide to get this game and, of course, a new DS to play it on. As a person who enjoys music with depth, I am pleasantly surprised with the sound. Chatting with the characters that often provide helpful hints and exploring the various areas reminded me of how much I love these types of games. The graphics are eye-catching and quite colorful on both screens. I'm in one room and then suddenly I've been transported into a completely different area. I'm having a lot of fun with this game.… Full Review »
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