Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled

 DS
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
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  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 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 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.… Expand
  2. charlesDG
    Jun 15, 2009
    8
    This is a game for hardcore and old-school rpg fans. A lot of grinding, high encounter rate but great 16-bit era game. Love it...story is great, dialogue also. Music seems fine but only ones you'll hear for a long time are the ones in villages and combat. Mine havent froze yet and im up 6-7 hours of gameplay.
  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 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 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.… Expand
  4. 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. 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 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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Nintendo Power
    50
    Random encounters happen too often, take too long, and involve too much sitting and waiting for the active-time gauge to fill up. [June 2009, p.90]
  2. Play Magazine
    80
    Playing an old-school RPG is great with dual screens and Archcraft have seen to every last detail. The dialogue is first rate (talk to everybody; the maids, farmers…), the systems easy to assimilate, and the visuals are vibrant and painstakingly detailed. Great BGM too.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    68
    There’s a lot of game here, constructed in a way that may prove interesting to a select few. The pacing, however, is slow and mired further by endless random encounters.
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