Tyranny

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 665 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 472 out of 665
  2. Mixed: 109 out of 665
  3. Negative: 84 out of 665

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  1. TruthSeaker
    Aug 15, 2023
    4
    The begining of the END for Obsidian.
    Pointless experiment.
    Terrible combat, extremely short, awful visuals.
  2. Geralt123
    Jul 18, 2023
    5
    Unbalanced final boss fights.

    While the game itself is ok, the final boss fights (you have to do 2 fights in a row) have a horrible balancing, way too hard. I had to switch to easy mode. It was very disappointing.

    Are the devs dumb? How can you make the final fight so hard?
  3. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    Extremely interesting premise and writing, really sells the banality and logic of evil. Very interesting and influential narrative choices to be made. Very short with a sudden ending, not 100% committed to letting your characters stay evil. Combat is bland and empty, although custom spell system clear standout
  4. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    8
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  5. Awanka
    Apr 12, 2023
    8
    This is an excellent RPG with a great story and setting. The world is similar to Mistborn or The Black Company, where the bad guys have won and established an empire of crushing domination, and you work for them. It can be off-putting initially to be following orders from terrible people, but once you accept the bleak and hopeless setting for what it is, the fascinating and well-writtenThis is an excellent RPG with a great story and setting. The world is similar to Mistborn or The Black Company, where the bad guys have won and established an empire of crushing domination, and you work for them. It can be off-putting initially to be following orders from terrible people, but once you accept the bleak and hopeless setting for what it is, the fascinating and well-written backstory of the world begins to sprawl out before you, and you are given free reign to make open-ended choices, including working for the rebels or yourself.

    This is what fantasy writers would call a high-magic setting. Magic is all-powerful here, similar to the Glen Cook novels, and mages can cast spells that devastate armies. It plays a significant gameplay role with one of the most elaborate magic systems I've seen since Morrowind or Ultima 8. You can craft spells using various runes that describe the various qualities such as cold, area of effect, and modifiers. It's pretty great, and necessary for winning on the higher difficulties.

    The only real downside was some of the squirrelly combat. Enemies make a bee-line for your characters with the lowest armor. This might make sense, but it throws a wrench into tactical combat dynamics. It would be like if you're playing an MMO, and every enemy immediately targets the healer. There's also a lack of enemy variety, as 90% of your opponents are enemy humanoids.

    I've played every RPG Obsidian has released, and this is my favorite. My experience was also wonderfully bug-free.    … Expand
  6. Bushido_DZ95
    Mar 20, 2023
    2
    According to the description, the game deserves attention and I was looking forward to it. The graphics didn't matter to me, although I have to admit that it looks very bad.
    It would be possible to close your eyes to all the disadvantages of the game if it were not for the combat system. This is the level of browser games. God, there must be some limits...
  7. PenetratorGod
    Feb 23, 2023
    7
    The only isometric role-playing game from Obsidian that's worth playing. After a terrible Pillars Of Eternity experience, at least Tyranny was a game I was able to get to the end and finish.
  8. theirrelephants
    Feb 6, 2023
    6
    This game is relatively (it's an RPG, so it's still a doozy) short, but was clearly meant to be played several times.

    I love the unique setting, the writing was... okay (there was no reason to have the INCREDIBLY out of place lezbos in Lethian's Crossing just so you could have lesbians in your game, obsidiots). There was also more than one occasion of a character talking to me about    This game is relatively (it's an RPG, so it's still a doozy) short, but was clearly meant to be played several times.

    I love the unique setting, the writing was... okay (there was no reason to have the INCREDIBLY out of place lezbos in Lethian's Crossing just so you could have lesbians in your game, obsidiots). There was also more than one occasion of a character talking to me about another character that I had not only not met, but WHO HAD NOT EVEN BEEN MENTIONED as if I was supposed to know who they were.

    The combat mechanics were somehow more annoying than poes.

    Also, there should have been UI scaling. I have a 4k monitor, and I had to set my resolution lower because I could barely see the buttons.

    Lastly the companions have neat portraits but they use the same ugly low budget 3d model they use for generic npc #3513 when you're talking to them, for no reason I can discern.    … Expand
  9. Pmstz
    Jan 30, 2023
    6
    Nice RPG game.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  10. hileger
    Dec 27, 2022
    7
    лучше пиларсов лучше пиларсов лучше пиларсов лучше пиларсов лучше пиларсов
  11. Ogurechka
    Dec 20, 2022
    7
    Cool, but small and short game. The spirit of Obsidian is felt in the plot in this every way. In general, before playing Tyranni, you need to understand that this is primarily a story game, and then an RPG. Despite this, the game has an interesting spell system. But it’s has problem with clothes, it makes sense to bother in equipment only at high difficulty levels, at low ones it’s boringCool, but small and short game. The spirit of Obsidian is felt in the plot in this every way. In general, before playing Tyranni, you need to understand that this is primarily a story game, and then an RPG. Despite this, the game has an interesting spell system. But it’s has problem with clothes, it makes sense to bother in equipment only at high difficulty levels, at low ones it’s boring and pointless. Naturally, there are no complaints about the plot and forks, and despite the fact that many write that you won’t win back a good character here, this is not entirely true, you just need to be a little more cunning to understand how))) I was very upset by how the game ends, we can only hope that the sequel will come out and we will see the end. In general, this RPG is not for everyone, but she made a fuss for a reason.… Expand
  12. WanderinMelmoth
    Nov 7, 2022
    5
    Tyranny has one major flaw that drags it down: it's real-time with pause. I hate rtwp - it's a terrible concept, it was terrible in Baldur's Gate and it's terrible now.

    The basic idea is pretty good. You are evil. The question is how much so? That was a brilliant idea instead of the typical fantasy trope of saving the world. A bit short though. Don't expect an epic game here, you    Tyranny has one major flaw that drags it down: it's real-time with pause. I hate rtwp - it's a terrible concept, it was terrible in Baldur's Gate and it's terrible now.

    The basic idea is pretty good. You are evil. The question is how much so? That was a brilliant idea instead of the typical fantasy trope of saving the world.

    A bit short though. Don't expect an epic game here, you should beat it within 20 hours, which isn't long for an RPG. The devs argued with replay value, but I still think 20 hours is too short and replay value is not valid for everyone. Hence 5 out of 10. It just made the "average" mark.    … Expand
  13. BoomerZoomer
    Jul 19, 2022
    7
    sidequests in this game feel like main story quests in any other CRPG same with any locations and i think this alone tells a lot

    But every combat encounter is you hacking enemies to death no tactics involved after throwing few buffs in
  14. tontonac
    May 16, 2022
    10
    Amazing RPG, with great universe, characters, choices, story... It is really memorable.
    A bit short, but what Obsidian did with very little money and people (even compared to PoE1 and 2) is really awesome.
    Voice acting is really expensive, so of course there is very little (wich is very good for everyone that doesn't speak English natively, 90% of humankind, because English voices with    Amazing RPG, with great universe, characters, choices, story... It is really memorable.
    A bit short, but what Obsidian did with very little money and people (even compared to PoE1 and 2) is really awesome.
    Voice acting is really expensive, so of course there is very little (wich is very good for everyone that doesn't speak English natively, 90% of humankind, because English voices with Chinese or Spanish text is a chore) please look at the game budget. Also, don't play classic CRPG if you don't like reading, should be obvious.    … Expand
  15. Istio
    May 13, 2022
    8
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good
  16. Nomac69
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    I played this game on a whim and it's one of the best games I've ever played. There's no other game that drew me into the rich lore and story than Tyranny. Hoping for a sequel.
  17. Suhoi_Kaktus
    Mar 7, 2022
    10
    One of the best Obsisan RPGs here. Tyranny is really re-playable, in first 2 hours you will make decision that cut half of game content, and some other choises can lead you to different road with different locations and quests. This game is not about many ways to solve the situation, usually you have only genocide path. But some solutions in this game will change a lot. (like i saidOne of the best Obsisan RPGs here. Tyranny is really re-playable, in first 2 hours you will make decision that cut half of game content, and some other choises can lead you to different road with different locations and quests. This game is not about many ways to solve the situation, usually you have only genocide path. But some solutions in this game will change a lot. (like i said before). And a lot of other thing that was written in other reviews. 10.… Expand
  18. Bioreactor1987
    Oct 19, 2021
    8
    По началу игра не зашла, но пересилив себя я потерялся в ней с концами. Бесила боёвка, но по итогу я привык и оно того стоило. Хороший представитель жанра.
  19. storygamer
    Jun 20, 2021
    8
    Obsidian strikes again! Tyranny is an interesting western RPG with a great story and characters. For fans of Diablo and Baldur´s Gate but with new and fresh aspects. Really good in so many aspects!
  20. Umadbro
    Mar 22, 2021
    7
    It's short forgettable and unfinished but not the worst thing you can pickup.
  21. bancandrei
    Jan 24, 2021
    6
    The good: The setting. It feels fresh, meaning there is a lot to discover and a sense of wonder and excitement, what fantasy should be.
    The bad: The combat. This really drags. Anyway, real-time with pause just seems to me like the worst of all worlds. Some people complain about too much text in this game, I complain about too much combat.
    The ugly: It's really weird that it has some    The good: The setting. It feels fresh, meaning there is a lot to discover and a sense of wonder and excitement, what fantasy should be.
    The bad: The combat. This really drags. Anyway, real-time with pause just seems to me like the worst of all worlds. Some people complain about too much text in this game, I complain about too much combat.
    The ugly: It's really weird that it has some voice acting for some characters for some lines. Just go all in one way or another. All text for an old school cRPG is not that bad.    … Expand
  22. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    Jan 23, 2021
    8
    A very enjoyable crpg with an incredible story - really outstanding and unique - bogged down a bit by minor bugs and clunky combat. I recommend the hardest difficulty (potd). Playtime ~ 50hr

    +great story way above the genre average +great dialog, lots and lots of choices, skill checks etc. +multiple unique playthroughs possible +beautiful backdrops and effects +spell crafting system    A very enjoyable crpg with an incredible story - really outstanding and unique - bogged down a bit by minor bugs and clunky combat. I recommend the hardest difficulty (potd). Playtime ~ 50hr

    +great story way above the genre average
    +great dialog, lots and lots of choices, skill checks etc.
    +multiple unique playthroughs possible
    +beautiful backdrops and effects
    +spell crafting system
    +you rly feel powerful towards the end of the game
    +innovative intro sequence that is achnowledged trhoughout the whole game
    ~item, skills and classes are just ok
    ~character models are just ok
    -majority of companions are garbagio
    -majority of the dialog not voice acted
    -skill checks require very low stats and are therefore trivial
    -insanely frontloaded difficulty
    -bugs in quests, spells, skills
    -description of stats and skills is kinda confusing
    -badly optimized    … Expand
  23. PowerGamer
    Jan 13, 2021
    3
    Low quality, soulless, garbage RGB.
    Maybe something that would have been just meh in 2005, certainly not anything special even by 2016 standards.
    At least I got it for fee from Epic games.
    Nothing like "Pillars of Eternity", save your time and money. Too many better RPGs to play.
  24. KarolP
    Jan 2, 2021
    7
    Complex, interesting and even quite complicated (at the beginning) story, with plenty of decisions to make. Most of them connect with some consequences, but not every is justified. World's creation is quaint, but its cut into little pieces with loading between them (which are definately too long). Fight looks the same through whole game, especially enemies are boring. Audio would beComplex, interesting and even quite complicated (at the beginning) story, with plenty of decisions to make. Most of them connect with some consequences, but not every is justified. World's creation is quaint, but its cut into little pieces with loading between them (which are definately too long). Fight looks the same through whole game, especially enemies are boring. Audio would be evaluated nicely, but most of dialogues do not have their voice actors. Through whole game we are sentenced to digging through the text, what would be okay in that kind of the game (it is really full of story background feature), but IMO more dialogues should be readen. Graphics style is attractive at first, but many locations are repeteable. Their look is nice only in far shoot, after zooming it is not that great. Character models are poor.

    Despite some worse moments during campaign (Old Walls are more than boring), I am pretty sure it is exciting game for fans of classic RPGS with isometric projection.    … Expand
  25. ScathachPreach
    Dec 29, 2020
    10
    One of the most underrated, yet best RPGs out there.
    Playing a rising star from the evil empire is different than your average RPG story. Your choices matter and shape the ongoing conflict and end of the game in various manners, and there are ways to play a lot more humane than one might think. It's beautiful, and the dialogue is written really well.
  26. jseph1234
    Dec 20, 2020
    8
    I really love this game and premise for it so that i can be as evil as i want to. The Story AND RPG flavor of it is first rate and its from Obsidian Studios!
  27. Hexen-Slayer
    Sep 11, 2020
    5
    So... Obsidian made another BALDUR's GATE. I personally never was a fan of the COMMAND & CONQUER style combat system with optional pausing. Either go turn-based or go DIABLO-style. TYRANNY offers more of the same. Sure, this time you supposedly play the "bad guy". OK... what really sucked in BALDUR"S GATE / ICEWIND DALE / NEVERWINTER NIGHTS was that you never really were given a realSo... Obsidian made another BALDUR's GATE. I personally never was a fan of the COMMAND & CONQUER style combat system with optional pausing. Either go turn-based or go DIABLO-style. TYRANNY offers more of the same. Sure, this time you supposedly play the "bad guy". OK... what really sucked in BALDUR"S GATE / ICEWIND DALE / NEVERWINTER NIGHTS was that you never really were given a real choice - choose the "good" option and get experience or choose the "evil" option and get no experience, be under-leveled and at a major disadvantage.
    TYRANNY has some serious issues:

    1) Devs: In TYRANNY you have so many choices! And they matter!
    Really? I never could tell! You spare someone - they either kill themselves or attack you and you are forced to kill them anyway. Brilliant!

    2) TYRANNY main campaign takes about 20 hours to complete. Compare that to PILLARS OF ETERNITY (40 hours) or BALDUR's GATE II SHADOWS OF AMN (70 hours!) and that is just pathetic.
    Devs: " But it's designed to be played through again!
    Sorry, that is not acceptable. Multiple playthroughs are a bonus and not an excuse to put out a short campaign.

    3) Time limit. The first quest has a time limit. If you're like me and you want to explore every nook and cranny in this type of game that can be an issue. This is a serious faux pas!

    4) Combat is bland. I already mentioned my personal dislike for the COMMAND & CONQUER-style combat system. That aside, in TYRANNY you'll encounter mostly two enemy types: humanoid armored enemies and humanoid unarmored enemies. The unarmored enemies take less damage from bludgeoning weapons but are susceptible to bladed weapons. With armored enemies it's the other way around. You will constantly get the prompt "weapon ineffective", so you'll constantly be switching between two different weapons. Oh, you only have swords? Well, you're screwed then!

    5) With a game this short, surely they have all dialogues fully voiced! NO! Just as in PILLARS ? BALDUR's etc. only a few lines are spoken, then you have endless novels to read. If I want to read, I have tons of books here.

    I'll give the game a plus for the setting (Bronze-like era) and the conquest theme. It's not a terrible game by any means, just average. With so many games with the same engine out there, PILLARS 1 & 2, BALDUR's GATE I & II, ICEWIND 1 & 2, PLANESCAPE... this comes just as yet another BALDUR's clone. Therefore I give it a 5 out of 9 (AVERAGE).    … Expand
  28. Grahl1
    Aug 23, 2020
    6
    Tyranny excels in all areas, except in actually presenting any challenge to the player. Pretty much the standard these days. A great movie, a mediocre game. It's what sells, I guess.
  29. raorian
    Aug 8, 2020
    9
    This game has a lot of negatives, mentioned elsewhere
    but the best parts are 12/10, so overall 10/10
  30. Dingo__
    Jul 27, 2020
    9
    Excellent game overall. Definitely a nice follow up to Pillars of Eternity that uses much of what made that game excellent (while implementing some changes to character stats and parry size for better or worse) but differentiates itself with it's unique world and characters.

    It's one of the first games if it's Type I really sunk time in to and solidified my relatively new love with this    Excellent game overall. Definitely a nice follow up to Pillars of Eternity that uses much of what made that game excellent (while implementing some changes to character stats and parry size for better or worse) but differentiates itself with it's unique world and characters.

    It's one of the first games if it's Type I really sunk time in to and solidified my relatively new love with this genre as well as gave me a greater insight and appreciation level for Obsidian's reputation as a developer.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best PC Game of 2016
34
#34 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
37
#37 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 67 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 67
  3. Negative: 0 out of 67
  1. RPGamer
    Apr 4, 2017
    70
    Tyranny, is fun little throwback to an older style of game. It does it well and it does it without having to cash in on a particular brand or nostalgic sentiment. It presents a brand new world in a compelling and understandable way. It showcases a much more nuanced take on being the bad guy than games tend to do. I found myself reminded more of Unrest than Baldur's Gate while playing this game and that is a good thing.
    Read full review
  2. PLAY! Zine
    Feb 20, 2017
    90
    If you are tired of same old fantasy setting in RPGs, you will absolutely fall in love with Tyranny. Another great isometric RPG from Obsidian.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    Jan 27, 2017
    80
    It may sound like the weight of the game’s criticism lies too heavily on its story, but that’s where Obsidian has decided to focus its efforts. It doesn’t do anything to ultimately spoil what is a great classic-style RPG, and should be considered if you enjoyed Pillars Of Eternity but wouldn’t consider classic RPGs your typical sort of gaming experience.
    Read full review
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