GWENT: Rogue Mage

 PC
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 27
  3. Negative: 11 out of 27

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  1. dubesor
    Jul 9, 2022
    5
    I only played 2½ hours (2 runs) and was already bored within the first run. They tried to cheaply copy the system of Slay the Spire but the pacing just doesn't feel right in the Gwent engine. The fact that you always play 1 full round vs any enemy means that there is far less strategy than with multiple rounds.

    Also, I used to play Gwent a few years ago and I recognized about 90% of the    I only played 2½ hours (2 runs) and was already bored within the first run. They tried to cheaply copy the system of Slay the Spire but the pacing just doesn't feel right in the Gwent engine. The fact that you always play 1 full round vs any enemy means that there is far less strategy than with multiple rounds.

    Also, I used to play Gwent a few years ago and I recognized about 90% of the cards and UI from Gwent. So engine, and the majority of assets are simply copy-pasted. Since gameplay and pacing fell completely flat for me I was hoping that the game would make up for it in the story department, we are talking Witcher lore after all. However, there isn't really any story whatsoever, you got 2 mages with voice snippets reading out a generic line every now and then but nothing even remotely comparable to the Witcher or even Thronebreaker.

    If you played Gwent before, this will be too repetitive. If you have played Slay the Spire before, this will feel inferior, if you played Thronebreaker before, this will feel empty.
    If you have never played any of the other titles or any competing products, then by all means, give it a shot. It's not a terrible game. It's mediocre all things considered, but I expected far better.    … Expand
  2. Rilke21
    Aug 11, 2022
    6
    Ehhh, this one is disappointing…

    The 6 rating is based on overall game quality, but I should point out this expansion is at least a 7 and maybe even an 8 if we’re only interested in value for the price point (which is high.) But the gripes are real. First off, if you purchase on GOG, you do NOT get access to mobile play for free—you need to purchase the app separately if you also    Ehhh, this one is disappointing…

    The 6 rating is based on overall game quality, but I should point out this expansion is at least a 7 and maybe even an 8 if we’re only interested in value for the price point (which is high.)

    But the gripes are real. First off, if you purchase on GOG, you do NOT get access to mobile play for free—you need to purchase the app separately if you also want to play on your phone. This is ****

    Second, the possibilities here are largely unrealized. I’m a fan of the general premise, but the gameplay becomes repetitive extremely quickly. There are very few enemies, the narration sounds like some Jim was pulled off the street and given free meteorite powder to be a voice actor for a day, and where I’ve come to expect plenty of subtle little interactions and intricacies from…well, from pre-Cyberpunk CDPR…there are few to be found here.

    Third, I own all of these cards and most of their “premium” versions in GWENT—WHY do I have to look at the ugly non-premium cards in a single player expansion, when the game could be exponentially nicer to look at? Perhaps I will be milked for extra money in a future “upgrade”…

    TLDR: Could have been a gem, falls flat, still good value for the price.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 25, 2024
    40
    Rogue Mage is an enjoyable card game that I was happy to spend a few evenings with. However, it lacks the greater depth and addictiveness of classic rogue-like titles for prolonged play. As a result, this version of the cards isn't bad, but it's unfortunately the weakest of all on offer. [Issue#321]
  2. SECTOR.sk
    Aug 8, 2022
    65
    GWENT: Rogue Mage is an expansion suited for players who need new challenges, like to test their patience and improvise strategies. But because of a rather repetitive gameplay and disappointing story, it’s a game that casual fans of Gwent can easily skip.
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  3. CD-Action
    Jul 29, 2022
    70
    Rogue Mage lacks the scope and ambition of Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales, but despite that provides lots of fun thanks to its addictive, well-balanced gameplay. It’s also a great way to get acquainted with Gwent.
    Read full review
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