Sword of the Stars: The Pit

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 97
  3. Negative: 13 out of 97

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  1. Dexyt
    Mar 15, 2013
    6
    I want to warn people about a serious flaw in this game. Random instant death exists and it's as stupid and frustrating as it sounds. As of 1.0.2.0, a certain monster has a chance of instantly ending your characters life with no mistake or fault on the player's part. If it wasn't for this, I would give the game an 8 because it's otherwise a fun little game.
  2. notyourbuddy
    Nov 18, 2013
    6
    The Pit is a RPG rogue-like that is pretty easy to pick-up and play. The interface and combat may take about 10 minutes to figure out but after that it is smooth sailing and the control scheme I find works quite well.

    The game offers lots of crafting recipes, a wide variety of character stats, a good array of weapons, lots of misc items to discover, socketing for improving your    The Pit is a RPG rogue-like that is pretty easy to pick-up and play. The interface and combat may take about 10 minutes to figure out but after that it is smooth sailing and the control scheme I find works quite well.

    The game offers lots of crafting recipes, a wide variety of character stats, a good array of weapons, lots of misc items to discover, socketing for improving your equipment, durability, repairing, status conditions (bleeding, poison, disease, hunger, etc). All the stuff you'd expect from a good RPG.

    Its only missing one thing... fun. The adage, "Its about as fun as taking a trip to Pittsburgh," applies here. The level designs are bland and often empty. The monsters the same. Combat doesn't feel very enjoyable at all. The randomization of item drops and things such as disease tend to be annoyingly implemented. You can play flawlessly, but simply find yourself unable to proceed simply because the game refuses to give you any ammo or any weapons. Or find yourself diseased with no way of removing it. Will it go away on its own? Maybe. When? 1 turn, 5 turns, 10 turns, never? HeII the game might decide to just outright worsen it and kill you despite having full hitpoints. Gee thanks. Its just so random. Everything is. Rogue-likes are supposed to be random, but The Pit loves to cross that fine line between fair and screw you. When your destiny is already pre-determined before the game even begins that is flawed game design.

    As for replayability the base game only has 3 un-customizable classes (Scout, Engineer, and Marine) which all tend to play rather similarly. Only in the expansions will you find more. Couple this with the aforementioned gameplay mechanics and your desire to start anew after each death basically becomes an exercise in stubbornness and masochism.

    This isn't a bad game, I just simply found it to be a very mediocre one with faults that have a tendency to overshadow its positives. I don't regret buying it and still play it from time to time, but if I had to recommend a good inexpensive RPG rogue-like I'd recommend Dungeons of Dredmor over The Pit. Better combat, its got humor/personality, an interesting world, just as in-depth item/stat/crafting if not more, but unlike The Pit ...Dungeons of Dredmor is fun, addicting, and feels fair with a character customization so deep you will find yourself rushing to replay the game over and over again after each death.    … Expand
  3. tsakiym
    May 12, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it............................… Expand
  4. Type4101
    Sep 12, 2013
    5
    This game is solid. There are good mechanics, a real challenge that doesn't feel unfair, and a colorful art style. Unfortunately, an almost total lack of a plot detracts. There is something going on, but figuring out the plot, even at the end of the game, is an exercise in futility. A better story would hold elevate this indie gem. In the end, The Pit is just a combat-fest with randomThis game is solid. There are good mechanics, a real challenge that doesn't feel unfair, and a colorful art style. Unfortunately, an almost total lack of a plot detracts. There is something going on, but figuring out the plot, even at the end of the game, is an exercise in futility. A better story would hold elevate this indie gem. In the end, The Pit is just a combat-fest with random loot. Fun, but flawed.… Expand
  5. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    7
    Juego de rol pixelado en el cual se gestiona muy bien el tiempo real y los turnos. Realmente interesante y complejo, a veces te puedes llegar a perder, pero te quedas con gana de rejugarlo. Buena compra.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. RPG Fan
    Apr 10, 2019
    81
    Whether played with DLC or not, The Pit is one of the more solid roguelike titles on Steam, especially in a relatively flooded market. It is challenging but generally fair and allows the player a lot of choices in character development while providing a good atmosphere for dungeon delving. While its graphics and sound may not impress, The Pit's gameplay will keep players unafraid of long streaks of failure and ensure they come back to challenge it "just one more time."
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  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Sep 19, 2013
    60
    An interesting choice if you long for a proper challenge, and you don't mind there's no feast to your eyes. However, if rogue genre says nothing to you, take a different road. [Issue#232]
  3. PC Gamer
    Apr 24, 2013
    73
    While its RPG aspirations may be overshadowed by your need to constantly source the basics like ammo and health, The Pit--with its random elements and permadeath--is justified in its boast of replayability, even if it is only out of necessity. [May 2013, p.61]
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