Massive Chalice

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Brash Games
    Aug 30, 2015
    70
    Although it was an enjoyable experience there were plenty of aspects that could have been more polished and with more to do, plus the constant similarities to XCOM only made me yearn for another playthrough of Firaxis’ offering.
  2. Edge Magazine
    Jul 17, 2015
    70
    Beautiful and varied. [Aug 2015, p.122]
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  3. Toronto Sun
    Jul 6, 2015
    70
    Massive Chalice’s personality and ingenuity ultimately win out over its shortcomings, and it’s certainly worth a try for strategy fans who don’t want anything too ponderous or serious. But its cup does not, as they say, runneth over.
  5. Kill Screen
    Jun 9, 2015
    70
    By following the tangled paths of lineage, we’re left with tales too large to be understood in terms of the lone hero.
  6. USgamer
    Jun 4, 2015
    70
    There's the foundation for a phenomenal strategy game here if Double Fine is willing to build on it. As it is, though, it makes for a diverting few hours, and a welcome change of pace from XCOM.
  7. IGN
    Jul 8, 2015
    67
    As much as I enjoyed its aggressive brand of tactical combat and interesting enemy types, there are too many unpredictable variables outside your control, and too much happening to too many quickly aging, mortal characters for this tactical game to feel like decisions matter.
  8. LevelUp
    Jun 23, 2015
    65
    Massive Chalice is a fun and simple turn based strategic game, but not quite as engaging as the XCOM games it tries to be.
  9. Games.cz
    Jun 24, 2015
    60
    Nicely done tactical strategy with solid foundations looks like a prototype of something bigger. As if the developers forgot to add more layers over the basic structure. Fans of the genre will enjoy Massive Chalice anyway, even though the gameplay mechanics do not bring anything new and move the shallowness of the content is way too visible.
  10. Level7.nu
    Jun 10, 2015
    60
    Massive Chalice holds some really great ideas, but is unfortunately dragged down by uneven design and a lack of depth.
  11. GameSpot
    Jun 8, 2015
    60
    It’s a game with enough ambition and execution to spark the imagination, and enough organic entropy to let you suspend your disbelief about the families you help sire. But Massive Chalice extends you the invitation and then offers you a half-empty world in return.
  12. Destructoid
    Jun 8, 2015
    60
    There is some payoff with the bloodline idea at the end, but it is not worth the rote meat grinder to get there.
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  1. Ars Technica
    Dec 9, 2015
    Massive Chalice doesn't surpass XCOM: Enemy Unknown as the tactical strategy RPG of note, but it does offer a bit of the same satisfaction with a great deal less frustration. Try it.
  2. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Jan 19, 2016
    There are many good things within Massive Chalice, but they’re frustratingly kept at arm’s length from me.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Dec 8, 2015
    I wish Massive Chalice had done more to make me feel those deaths. The game’s stylized art only leaves room for some vague similarities in looks to remind me that I’ve got a family fighting together.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 85
  3. Negative: 27 out of 85
  1. Canisrah
    Jun 1, 2015
    2
    It sounded better as a concept when they were raising funds for it (most DoubleFine games do). I backed it way back then as at the time IIt sounded better as a concept when they were raising funds for it (most DoubleFine games do). I backed it way back then as at the time I still held out hope that DF were a half decent studio. Time has proven otherwise. The result in this case - is a boring, derivative, uninspired turkey.

    In every element there is almost no substance - the art style is lacking, the combat is boring (like X-com with all the fun sucked out of it) and the meta game is a missed opportunity. It was meant to be Game of Thronesesque, but it's superficially 'House' based without ever really capitalizing on that in terms of good gameplay.

    Double Fine are a joke now. If they aren't failing to deliver games (Broken Age) or cancelling them entirely (Spacebase DF9 - atrociously managed), they are churning out half-baked money grabbing rubbish like Hack'n'Slash and Massive Chalice.

    There are some genuinely talented real indie devs out there that deserve customer support but DF isn't one of them. They are neither professional nor talented - and they'd rather distract the public with their superficial social justice crusading than make good games.    … Full Review »
  2. Longes
    Jun 3, 2015
    4
    Massive Chalice is okay. That's pretty much the only thing I can say about it. The combat mechanics are a watered down X-Com tactical combat.Massive Chalice is okay. That's pretty much the only thing I can say about it. The combat mechanics are a watered down X-Com tactical combat. Only there's not tactics, because there is no cover system, no relation between accuracy and distance, nothing. The meta aspects of the game are a wasted opportunity. The hero breeding results in small numerical bonuses to character attributes. The whole game is just so... bland. The sales pitch was amazing, but that's all the game has. Yet another Double Fine disappointment.… Full Review »
  3. NinjaBean1337
    Jun 4, 2015
    7
    Definitely a solid entry into the strategy game genre, One of only 2 of the free games with gold games on the xbox one I have thought to beDefinitely a solid entry into the strategy game genre, One of only 2 of the free games with gold games on the xbox one I have thought to be worth a playthrough as of yet. Graphics are not amazing considering how new it is, and there are some parts of the breeding system which make it annoying at times. There is enough enemy and friendly unit variety to make things interesting, but I do feel at times the strategy in the game doesn't have much depth.… Full Review »
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