Serpent in the Staglands

 PC
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. GameStar
    Jan 16, 2017
    74
    This extremely difficult indie RPG in the style of the 90s offers a lot of depth but no comfort features.
  2. Games.cz
    Jul 8, 2015
    70
    Moves the retro style to a whole new level. If the graphics or complete absence of any explanation doesn't discourage you, you'll get quite a portion of entertainment from Staglands.
  3. RPGamer
    Dec 8, 2016
    60
    If you crave an exploration-heavy, open-ended, lore driven game Serpent in the Staglands will satisfy that craving like few other games today. But take care to brace yourself for the jarring impact that will bring it all crashing down in the end.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 8 out of 35
  1. Haba
    Jun 17, 2015
    10
    Serpent in the Staglands is probably the only game of those times that does not simply pay lip service when it claims to be 'old school'. ItSerpent in the Staglands is probably the only game of those times that does not simply pay lip service when it claims to be 'old school'. It is truly one of a kind experience. It takes you back to the early years of cRPGs, throwing you into an unfamiliar world and forcing you to you to use your wits to survive.

    This sense of unfamiliarity that a player grown accustomed to the luxuries and safety of ‘modern’ cRPGs experiences works excellently to build this sense of being tossed into a hostile world full of unknown dangers. The hand-drawn pixel art is just abstract enough to leave room for imagination to fill in the gaps, further reinforced by the eerie soundtrack. And surprisingly competent writing takes care of the rest.

    The game truly doesn’t pull its punches, whether when looking at the puzzles, combat or character system. You’ll be frustrated and overwhelmed at times – just like you were when you played your first cRPGs many moons ago. In a peculiar way this all adds together into a special mix where even the weakest parts of the combination contribute in a positive way. It is a game that makes you forgive a lot, especially when you consider the fact that it is a debut work of a two-man studio.

    I won’t claim that this game is for everybody. Mollycoddled modern gamers will most likely get a severe allergic reaction from the mere exposure. But for those with an open mind and willingness to learn, this battle-scarred veteran of hundreds of RPGs can heartily recommend Serpent in the Staglands. Give it a chance – I can guarantee you will be positively surprised.    … Full Review »
  2. Pattington
    Jun 19, 2015
    10
    It's more than a love letter to classic RPGs. This is one of the best RPGs from the last decade. The world building, reactivity, andIt's more than a love letter to classic RPGs. This is one of the best RPGs from the last decade. The world building, reactivity, and exploration are amazing. It's like Fallout plus Darklands plus Baldurs Gate 1.

    There was a bit of a buggy launch but that's cleared up now and the game runs fine (albeit a bit slow--Unity). I haven't finished my first play through but there will be a second. Possibly a third.    … Full Review »
  3. Lerk
    Jun 19, 2015
    10
    This game is a love letter to 1990s rpgs, doesn't hold your hand, and as such fully immerses you in its world and story. If you loved Fallout,This game is a love letter to 1990s rpgs, doesn't hold your hand, and as such fully immerses you in its world and story. If you loved Fallout, you'll appreciate this game. It treats you like an intelligent human being, capable of reasoning and deduction. As such it's a rarity, and a valuable one.

    Explore, experiment, put together clues and experience the satisfaction of having accomplished something without the game leading you by the nose to it. Pore over hand drawn in game maps, recovered diaries, stolen missives; research ancient tomes; talk to animals, attempt to understand the hostile natives - or show them the diplomacy of the sword. Wonder who to trust, or who to avoid, or who to kill. Build your character, and others, with a classless system that has over 100 stats, skills, spells, and aptitudes that allow for unique builds. Wander an entire peninsula as an outcast God, trying to find his way home, while trying to discover the identities and motivations of his enemies.

    When's the last time you've been able to say any of the above about a crpg?

    You're not going to like this is you have come to rely on quest logs, objective compasses, and expect an RPG to allow you to "romance" (ugh) your party members. You're not going to like it if you expect an RPG to have a third person over the shoulder view or if you don't like reading in your computer games.

    But you will cherish it if, like me, you can remember marathon pnp rpg sessions where it felt like an entire world was out there, waiting to be discovered, and you were only limited by your own intelligence and imagination.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »