A Game of Dwarves

 PC
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 66
  3. Negative: 12 out of 66

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  1. Mochnant
    Nov 13, 2012
    5
    "A Game of Dwarves" is a not likely to satisfy many players. It is not Dwarf Fortress, it is not Dungeon Keeper, it is not the Sims. What it is is a shallow, well meaning, half-game with very attentive developers. Unfortunately, no amount of developer forum interaction can make up for the thin gruel that they are working with. Gameplay is repetitive, the graphics are cutesy but not"A Game of Dwarves" is a not likely to satisfy many players. It is not Dwarf Fortress, it is not Dungeon Keeper, it is not the Sims. What it is is a shallow, well meaning, half-game with very attentive developers. Unfortunately, no amount of developer forum interaction can make up for the thin gruel that they are working with. Gameplay is repetitive, the graphics are cutesy but not endearing, and so many design decisions seem to have been either bungled or not made at all. In the game's defense, it is priced at a very budget level ($10) and that certainly reduces any feelings of being ripped off. There is a game here to play, and I got a few hours of enjoyment learning the system, but once the newness wears off, most will move on to something meatier.… Expand
  2. RedMattis
    Nov 12, 2012
    3
    If you're reading this hoping for a challenging sandbox survival game, look elsewhere. Enemies appear only in air pockets dug out by the player, and keeping a good supply of resources is just a matter patience of not getting careless along the way (forgetting to make farms). This is the fundamental problem with the game if you're looking for a survival challenge.

    Aside of these problems    If you're reading this hoping for a challenging sandbox survival game, look elsewhere. Enemies appear only in air pockets dug out by the player, and keeping a good supply of resources is just a matter patience of not getting careless along the way (forgetting to make farms). This is the fundamental problem with the game if you're looking for a survival challenge.

    Aside of these problems a number of other major issues and a significant lack of polish plague the game.

    [Combat]:
    Enemies lack proper patch finding and will when encountered instead wildly teleport around the level until they find a dwarf to beat up. Your own dwarves cannot be controlled (aside from teleporting them) and soldier dwarves will simply bullrush your enemy they can patch-find their way to, even if they are on the other side of the level and have 1% of their maximum health available (no way to prevent this aside from sealing them in).
    Enemies teleporting makes traps useless, and since you can't stop your dwarves from blindly rushing into battle the only factor is having more and higher level dwarves than the enemy monsters.

    [Resources]:
    Certainly better than the combat, but basic resources are surprisingly rare, while 'rare' resources when found can buy you immense quantities of these resources, which leads to situations where the best way to get "stone" is to find an unholy rock and sell it for a few thousand rocks. Unfortunately you also need to mash the "buy rock" button a few hundred times since you can only buy very small stacks. Aside from this you have a few minor issues like resources sometimes permanently disappearing from your resource tab if they reach 0.

    [Graphics & Sound]:
    The sound and graphics for the game are both nicely done and get the point across. Aside of a few minor issues designing a good looking dwarf fortress is both possible, fun and fairly easy to do.

    [Summary]:
    A few major design flaws and a severe lack of polish across the board prevents this game from reaching its full potential. Perhaps the game will change later on, but as the game is now I do not feel that I can recommend it to anyone. 3/10 (note that I consider 5 to be an average game)    … Expand
  3. devil_92
    Oct 24, 2012
    7
    A game of dwarves is a cute little game created by Zeal game studio,what is it? its a dwarven manegment game where the ultimate goal is to try to survive and thrive underground,and it does this very well,sure there are some moments that people may not like,like how the dwarves can be incredibly tupid at times and trap them selfs and then ultimatly starve them selfs,but it does many thingsA game of dwarves is a cute little game created by Zeal game studio,what is it? its a dwarven manegment game where the ultimate goal is to try to survive and thrive underground,and it does this very well,sure there are some moments that people may not like,like how the dwarves can be incredibly tupid at times and trap them selfs and then ultimatly starve them selfs,but it does many things good,the exploration,the hunt for resource,the avoidance of ogres so they dont slaughter all of your dwarves,and at a 10$ price tag the expectations is not all that high,but they deliver enjoyment non the less and is a very fun game.… Expand
  4. Diswin
    Dec 7, 2012
    4
    I'm really disappointed in this game. Dwarves - proud builders of monumental Khazad-dum stone halls, unmatched smiths were diminished to some ugly digging moles (or rats if you like). Which dig, dig, dig and dig and dig again. Game is boooring and too plain compare to other strategic games with indirect-control. Building options are too limited, traps and doors are pretty useless, watchingI'm really disappointed in this game. Dwarves - proud builders of monumental Khazad-dum stone halls, unmatched smiths were diminished to some ugly digging moles (or rats if you like). Which dig, dig, dig and dig and dig again. Game is boooring and too plain compare to other strategic games with indirect-control. Building options are too limited, traps and doors are pretty useless, watching over dwarves is not fun at all.… Expand
  5. emeralderin
    Dec 12, 2012
    7
    While pretty much every level feels similar to the previous, there is a strange attraction to go back and dig deeper. The threat of repetition looms overhead after your fourth dig, but never really hits home. All said and done, A Game of Dwarves is a fun game that will keep you pushing around your dwarven underlings for many a long hour. So start digging that Dwarven Kingdom, you know youWhile pretty much every level feels similar to the previous, there is a strange attraction to go back and dig deeper. The threat of repetition looms overhead after your fourth dig, but never really hits home. All said and done, A Game of Dwarves is a fun game that will keep you pushing around your dwarven underlings for many a long hour. So start digging that Dwarven Kingdom, you know you want to. Read the whole review @ http://www.hookedgamers.com/pc/a_game_of_dwarves/review/article-980.html… Expand
  6. jubjub1277
    Oct 24, 2012
    10
    This game is really great for its price and is basically a updated version of Dwarfs Fortress. Its really easy to get into and is very casual. The game also requires an activation for it on steam and the total download is about 1.4 GB/s. The game is really enjoyable and I can casually play it while doing other things at the same time. Also if you buy it now there's additional free contentThis game is really great for its price and is basically a updated version of Dwarfs Fortress. Its really easy to get into and is very casual. The game also requires an activation for it on steam and the total download is about 1.4 GB/s. The game is really enjoyable and I can casually play it while doing other things at the same time. Also if you buy it now there's additional free content in the in-game shop which is pretty nice. The art style is interesting and the story is very humorous. This game is definatly worth the 10$ and i love it. There were some minor AI issues but its easy to overcome them and for such a cheap game its not that big of a deal. Definatly get this game if you're into games such as minecraft and strategy/management games.… Expand
  7. troxer
    Oct 28, 2012
    8
    A Game of Dwarves is a fantasy city-building management sim in the same vein as old Bullfrog classics like Dungeon Keeper and Theme Hospital. In AGoD, you administer a clan of dwarves on a grand quest to rediscover ancient secrets of the old civilization and defeat a group of evil mages along the way. The game is developed by Swedish ZEAL Game Studio, who are quickly proving themselves aA Game of Dwarves is a fantasy city-building management sim in the same vein as old Bullfrog classics like Dungeon Keeper and Theme Hospital. In AGoD, you administer a clan of dwarves on a grand quest to rediscover ancient secrets of the old civilization and defeat a group of evil mages along the way. The game is developed by Swedish ZEAL Game Studio, who are quickly proving themselves a force to be reckoned with in the PC gaming industry with solid releases like this year's Starvoid and 2011's acclaimed arcade puzzler Dwarfs?!

    Although AGoD may, at a glance, bring to mind Bay 12's cerebral masterpiece Dwarf Fortress, allow me to begin by dispelling that notion: AGoD is not DF with graphics. There simply is no comparison to be made between the two, other than the fact that both games have dwarves in them. If you buy into AGoD expecting the depth, breadth, and weight of DF, expect to be hugely disappointed. If, however, you can recognize the true inspiration behind AGoD and you enjoyed those old Bullfrog classics as much as I, strap on that mining helmet and get ready for a real treat.

    So I've established that AGoD has dwarves in it. If you don't know what dwarves are by now, then you've probably been living under a rock for the past decade (or over a rock, as the case may be). Dwarves are short, stout, frequently grumpy creatures who live underground and enjoy mining the earth for shiny things. They love digging, they love hoarding gold, they love building grand structures, and they love to fight. Your task, as Prince, is to tend to your clan as they go about their daily lives doing all of these things.

    Digging and fighting isn't all dwarves are about, though. There are several job classes your dwarves can be assigned to, including workers to harvest food, builders to craft furniture, and scholars to research new technologies. You begin each level with a predetermined number of rotund candidates, and it's up to you to decide who needs to do what. Orders are given indirectly, meaning that when you place a new table, a craftsman dwarf will eventually make his way over and build it for you. Some dwarves will do things autonomously: Fighters will hone their skills on practice dummies (if you've built any for them), and workers will harvest food and replant crops without needing direct orders to do so. All administration by the player is handled at a macro level, although you can teleport dwarves directly to their destination should the need arise. This allows the player to focus his energies more on the exploration and discovery aspects of the game. Each map is rife with procedurally-generated mineral goodness, and the only way you can find the shiniest stuff is to search for it. Along with the gold and stone staples, your dwarves will eventually discover more rare elements that can be sold at high prices or used to craft advanced furniture and structures to ensure your clan's survival in the dangerous depths.

    The dangers of digging too far beneath the earth are well-documented throughout fantasy literature. Orcs, goblins, gnomes, and evil moles await the poor unsuspecting digger dwarf at every turn, and you'll want a decent squad of warrior dwarves to keep everyone safe. From hammer-wielding shieldbreakers to bare-knuckled berserkers to dynamite-tossing grenadiers, there are plenty of roles your fighters can specialize in. In stark contrast to all this variety, combat in AGoD is unfortunately a rather uninspiring affair and occurs too infrequently to satisfy a player seeking lots of action in his dwarf game. Monsters dwell in predetermined areas that are clearly marked on each map with question marks, mitigating any real sense of imminent danger. The traps that can be researched and constructed throughout your citadel, while nifty in theory, feel a little half-baked in practice and often don't warrant the trouble you have to go through to make them. The developer has already stated that these things will be addressed in future updates, but for now it's far more efficient to just use your military units.

    Speaking of the developer, ZEAL is definitely trying to live up to their name. They are extremely active in the community, and we've already seen a patch and a hotfix with a much-requested game feature thrown in for good measure. As a rule, I don't rate games on potential; but the eagerness and enthusiasm for AGoD exhibited by ZEAL thus far is borderline unprecedented, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this title. I would love to see it attain the cult status of its predecessors, but only time will tell. And for $10, I'm more than happy to participate!    … Expand
  8. NeasOlc
    Oct 27, 2012
    8
    For the price it's asking, this is a pretty good deal. The gameplay is simplistic and easily exploitable, but at the same time there is a lot of room for creativity, which largely makes up for it. If I was allowed decimals I'd give it a 7.5, but I'll round it up to an 8 if only for the cheap price.
  9. VitaminK
    Nov 23, 2012
    9
    great game, great team behind the game. they actually listen to the fans on the forum and USE there suggestions. in the first couple weeks several big changes were made to the game after feedback was left and discussed along with several free additions to the game. its obnoxious how many people are hating because this isn't dwarf fortress, just because it has dwarves in the game and it hasgreat game, great team behind the game. they actually listen to the fans on the forum and USE there suggestions. in the first couple weeks several big changes were made to the game after feedback was left and discussed along with several free additions to the game. its obnoxious how many people are hating because this isn't dwarf fortress, just because it has dwarves in the game and it has management mechanics DOES NOT mean it is DF. that is where the similarities end. this is a build game with some combat. if you like to build this is the game for you. if you are looking for something with heavy strategy and combat look elsewhere.… Expand
  10. klauskjensen
    Oct 26, 2012
    6
    There is potential here. Unfortunately I think that the decision to have more levels on the X-axis is the wrong decision. It makes the gameplay clunky and less engaging. I think that digging on only one level on the X-axis would have been better. The game is not entirely without merits though. The intro is great and the production values are good. If you like dungeon sims you might like this.
  11. DrIron
    Oct 28, 2012
    5
    Don't get the complaints, this is one of the better minion management games I've seen since Evil Geniuses. The art style is nice even if it is simplistic, the tutorial teaches you all you need to know, it's true that you can't turn the camera up to look at the ceiling but you don't need to. Ever. Seriously, ignore the reviews complaining about that, you build in -layers- in this game. JustDon't get the complaints, this is one of the better minion management games I've seen since Evil Geniuses. The art style is nice even if it is simplistic, the tutorial teaches you all you need to know, it's true that you can't turn the camera up to look at the ceiling but you don't need to. Ever. Seriously, ignore the reviews complaining about that, you build in -layers- in this game. Just go up a layer, that's how it works.

    I've seen some idiotic reviews outright complain that you can't build much above ground. Uh, duh? Do you complain about not being able to walk in Mario Kart? About not being able to knit in Street Fighter? This is a game about dwarves building subterranean kingdoms, -subterranean- -dwarves-.

    The dwarves are a -bit- dumb, but I've encountered far dumber in the genre. I mean they're smarter than the Tropicans and the minions in Evil Geniuses, but not on par with the minions of Dungeon Keeper 2. They're just dumb enough that you have to manage them, but not so dumb that they'll screw you over or get themselves killed. If they're getting stuck and dying of starvation, it's because -you- messed up and trapped them.    … Expand
  12. Lazerius
    Dec 9, 2012
    10
    the 58 user review is **** This game is amazing. Think dungeon keeper meets minecraft meets terraria. If you want to build ultimate bases, you can. If you want to build super army and fight foes, you can. It has MP support, but I havn't played it. I gave it a 10 to offset the BS review. I'd say it's a solid 8.5 easy. Would be higher than than that, but pay for DLC (but it also doesthe 58 user review is **** This game is amazing. Think dungeon keeper meets minecraft meets terraria. If you want to build ultimate bases, you can. If you want to build super army and fight foes, you can. It has MP support, but I havn't played it. I gave it a 10 to offset the BS review. I'd say it's a solid 8.5 easy. Would be higher than than that, but pay for DLC (but it also does eventually become free to play too)...pay for updates always leaves a bad taste in my mouth.… Expand
  13. giskarduk
    Feb 3, 2014
    7
    An enjoyable little Builder/Economy game for players that like that sort of thing. Pretty boring for those who do not. Not great but nice. It looks and feels a lot like Minecraft but plays totally differently.
  14. philthymcnasty
    Dec 11, 2013
    0
    the game had potential, but instead of focusing on game play, the focused on micro transactions. They charge 10 dollars for what should be "free to play". Its buggy, flawed, and boring. you are better off playing gnomoria (which is in alpha and has "retro" graphics) instead of this crap.

    Don't waste your time with it.
  15. vomov
    Jun 21, 2013
    2
    And ANOTHER cheap dwarf fortress ripoff. With a fraction of the depth, a load of bugs, and weird design choices, this is not a good game. No challenge whatsoever, and the cutesy design starts working on your nerves real quick.
  16. Buhadog
    Nov 25, 2013
    6
    As a huge fan of Dwarf Fortress this game imediately got my attention. And after about 10 hours I can say that while it does hold some similarities it's a completely different game. It's much more easier to play (as in, it's much less complicated) but it is still enjoyable. I would have given it a 7 but due to bugs I've decided on a 6.
  17. overfiend87
    Aug 7, 2013
    8
    If you're looking for a game like Dungeon Keeper 2 or Evil Genius this is the perfect game to look for. Not only is there a very interesting story to it, but it expands beyond the two previous games mentioned as it is three dimensional in it's base building and you can dig deeper or higher like in Gnomoria and with the same benefit of the deeper you dig the rarer the materials you find.If you're looking for a game like Dungeon Keeper 2 or Evil Genius this is the perfect game to look for. Not only is there a very interesting story to it, but it expands beyond the two previous games mentioned as it is three dimensional in it's base building and you can dig deeper or higher like in Gnomoria and with the same benefit of the deeper you dig the rarer the materials you find.

    The creators continue to make DLC for the game adding new stuff for both aesthetic value and real game value. There are no designated rooms, unlike Dungeon Keeper 2 so it makes unit management easier. Really this game is well worth the value, however at a later point in the game you will get a little irritated with the repetitiveness, but I believe the story does help it along and well worth it if you are a fan of these types of games.    … Expand
  18. gameshadow
    Oct 15, 2013
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I must admit I had some preconceived notions about this game after having played Dwarf Fortress for so long. But the two games are really very different. With Dwarf Fortress being superior in many ways. A Game of Dwarves is entertaining, but not fun. The game basically has two modes: campaign and sandbox. The campaign is really not very exciting with objectives like: find room X, or kill monster Y.

    I then tried the sandbox mode which consists of growing trees and selling them so that you can buy the other resources that you need. That really sums up the game. Here is my good/bad list for the game:

    Good somewhat fun, but gets boring very quickly. I didn't run into that many bugs and the graphics/music were adequate. So that bumps the score up a few points.
    Bad Repetitive, lackluster campaign mode, lack of freedom in sandbox mode, the game forces you to take the same actions to advance.

    Overall score: 3. Would not recommend the game.    … Expand
  19. Alexander452
    Nov 23, 2013
    6
    Its okay.
    The theme is great, it is however not everyone who is going to like the style.
    The gameplay is simple and the worlds/playing areas are somewhat big.
    But the AI is buggy and the game is SLOW (thank god for the speed up)
    Alot of features in the game also feels not worth using at all.

    all in all an okay game.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Games.cz
    Apr 14, 2013
    60
    A decent management strategy game that is charming because of the managerial strategic principle, its unusual environment and humour. However, it suffers because digging to another floors is badly transparent, the game is not variable enough and it does not offer as much as the similar titles.
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  2. CD-Action
    Feb 6, 2013
    70
    It has a low budget feel to it but decent length of the campaign and low price combined with deficit of similar games make A Game of Dwarves worth your time. [CD-Action 02/2013, p.44]
  3. PC Gamer
    Dec 27, 2012
    66
    Mildly rewarding, but largely unremarkable. There are better options for the management- minded out there.
    Read full review
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