Rondo of Swords

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Apr 15, 2008
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Nintendojo
    84
    With the movement-based attacks and extensive roster of characters, there's no doubt that strategy fans will find a lot to like here.
  2. Play Magazine
    80
    Ah, battle...for it is here that the true potential of this title shines brightest. [Apr 2008, p.69]
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  3. Cheat Code Central
    80
    A really excellent SRPG and probably the best game of the genre on the DS to date.
  5. Deeko
    80
    If you like strategy role-playing games as a genre, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not picking this title up.
  6. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    Fans should love the challenge here, but the RPG crowd will probably be split on this one. The intense difficulty of the new battle system combined with more traditional RPG traits turns out to be great fun, but tricky.
  7. IGN
    68
    It’s simple, visually basic, but very difficult and rewarding as well. It isn’t Fire Emblem, and it isn’t Final Fantasy Tactics. It’s Rondo of Swords: A simple, challenging, entertaining turn-based strategy that dares to be different, and succeeds despite its flaws.
  8. RPG Fan
    68
    Rondo of Swords could have been a great strategy RPG.
  9. Worth Playing
    67
    With a unique combat system, colorful graphics, and character upgrade options that deliver plenty of challenges, Rondo of Swords might not be the kind of war that everyone may want to fight, but it won't hold back those who decide to take up the struggle.
  10. 1UP
    67
    Rondo of Swords can be a frustrating game. But those frustrations feel like an intentional part of the design; it's not meant as a cakewalk.
  11. Nintendo Power
    65
    The triumphs may be sweet, but the aggravations have them outnumbered. [May 2008, p.90]
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  12. Zentendo
    60
    Dedicated, hardcore strategy buffs will likely find it rewarding to work their minds through the seemingly impossible odds, but gamers at large will probably just find it to be frustrating.
  13. Thunderbolt
    50
    With average graphics, adequate story, standard music and decent battles you truly end up with an average, run-of-the-mill game. Is it worth its selling price? That comes down to how bored you are.
  14. GamesRadar+
    50
    If you're really into strategy role-playing games, and if you can tolerate the low budget sights and sounds, you may enjoy Rondo of Swords.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best DS Game of 2008
62
#62 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. Ullianov
    Feb 7, 2013
    7
    As of today, I've never played a turn-based strategy RPG like Rondo of Sword. The game is very crude, lacking in some important ways (hiddenAs of today, I've never played a turn-based strategy RPG like Rondo of Sword. The game is very crude, lacking in some important ways (hidden stats and abilities, little to no information about skills...), the plot isn't that good and most of the characters turns into empty shells as the story advances, but it is unique in a well estabilished genre. Thoughtful strategies (the Route Maneuver System is a blast take time to learn about it beforehand), hard missions, great depth in character's build and party planning: there are as much things to dilike as things to like, but overall, I find it worthwhile.… Full Review »
  2. Magilla07
    May 16, 2022
    8
    The battle system is unique and that's why I'm rating it an eight. Graphics aren't bad, but during battle sequences the animation is blurryThe battle system is unique and that's why I'm rating it an eight. Graphics aren't bad, but during battle sequences the animation is blurry causing some eye discomfort.… Full Review »
  3. DanielB
    Feb 12, 2009
    9
    This is a great game, easily overlooked, but super fun nonetheless. Yes, it is brutally challenging at times, but figuring out the correctThis is a great game, easily overlooked, but super fun nonetheless. Yes, it is brutally challenging at times, but figuring out the correct strategy is half of the fun. The move based battle system is unique and affords many more possibilities in battle than your average SRPG. Great character management, upgrade and story make this a must play on my list.… Full Review »
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