SpellForce III Reforced

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. COGconnected
    Jun 27, 2022
    82
    Spellforce 3: Reforced is a rare example of a genre mashup that makes sense. The two genres actually complement each other and come together to create a unique and enjoyable hybrid. Its story and setting are pretty over-reliant on well-worn high fantasy elements, but there’s more to the game than the main campaign. Controls on console work about as well as possible, given all the moving pieces inherited from the PC version. Fans of strategy and roleplaying games should find common ground in Spellforce 3: Reforced.
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Jun 17, 2022
    80
    Spellforce III is, effectively, a throwback game, being both old-school RPG and old-school RTS, stuck on top of an old-school fantasy setting. The developers have done a remarkably good job of taking complex controls and making it work on a controller, and while the game isn’t particularly boundary-pushing, innovative, or stand-out, it is engrossing in the way that it combines genres so seamlessly and entertainingly.
  3. God is a Geek
    Jun 7, 2022
    80
    Spellforce 3: Reforced is a confident mixing of genres that does well with both elements, and brings a ton of content to consoles.
  5. GamersRD
    Jun 6, 2022
    80
    SpellForce 3 Reinforced has a very special mix of genres. It surrounds us in a world of medieval fantasy to control an army. The controls are well adapted although it took some getting used to.
  6. Softpedia
    Jun 20, 2022
    75
    It cannot be denied that Spellforce III was launched more than five years ago and the new release while not bad at all shows its age. The good news is that with the DLCs included, the countless patches have been implemented as well, so the Reforced edition offers the best experience. The new crafting system is also a welcome addition, just as the possibility to upload your own maps into Journey mode. The main issue remains the control scheme. That said, if you are curious about the result of mixing RTS and RPG, I can only recommend the console version of Spellforce III Reforced only if you don’t own a PC.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Kaw117
    Jul 10, 2023
    10
    Probably a 8-9 RTS in general but for a console RTS it's amazing, It reminds me alot of The LOTR Battle for middle earth game in AstheticProbably a 8-9 RTS in general but for a console RTS it's amazing, It reminds me alot of The LOTR Battle for middle earth game in Asthetic almost and you can have alot of fun matches, Great Graphics and atmosphere, awesome RTS mechanics (tho I dislike each Unit being singular rather then a Squad) and love the music ect. It's just alot of fun. In terms of RTS games on Consoles it's a Outright 10 lol.… Full Review »
  2. RatchetClank111
    Dec 4, 2022
    6
    The game is decent, and still worth a playthough if you like RPGs/RTS , However, there's a lot of things that hold this game back from beingThe game is decent, and still worth a playthough if you like RPGs/RTS , However, there's a lot of things that hold this game back from being really good.

    Cons:
    -Biggest flaw are the controls as spells would not activate even when clicking, would have to do the attempts several times to make it work. Not game breaking, but really annoying when spells are very important in this game
    -Some of the RTS sections are way too difficult and would often have to turn down the difficultly to easy, it's odd as the AI isn't that good, and will commonly just bullrush with units earlygame as the AI gets stupid advantages and lots of units right away. However, it won't do this for every RTS section, which makes it easier to handle. But seriously there are some really dumb battles where I shouldn't lose like in very few minutes because i have no units because the section/gameplay just started....
    -The RTS sections don't feel very rewarding and honestly just feel like a slog to complete just to advance the story. And RTS games can be fun, but this game doesn't quite get to good RTS
    -Dumb that the RTS sections, "allies" will have units but don't even allow you control them to help, and even on one map they just get stuck.
    - Not a lot of choice in the RPG, like the conversations.

    Good
    - Did like the voice acting and most of the characters
    -Thought that the overall story was good but does sometimes get slowed down by the RTS sections of the game
    - Graphics look great on the system
    -Did like the spells/ability trees that you can use, and good equipment too
    - Good enemy variety
    - good gameplay length of around 35-40hrs

    Overall, it's a decent game that gets brought down by some of the RTS elements of the game and annoying controls that don't always work.    … Full Review »
  3. Jt0429
    Jun 10, 2022
    7
    Good-
    Great graphics, solid story, generous amount of content
    Bad- Generic sound design. Shallow RPG elements. Steep learning curve    Good-
    Great graphics, solid story, generous amount of content

    Bad-
    Generic sound design. Shallow RPG elements. Steep learning curve

    Thoughts-
    SpellForce 3 Reforced is likely to succeed to those it’s aimed at, and maybe even go a bit further as its basic elements are somewhat friendly compared to other RTS games in the console space. The crowded interface and bewildering controls don’t really feel justified considering the game’s comparable lack of general depth, but depending on how much the story sucks you in or how quickly you get addicted to the admittedly well-crafted systems, that may or may not bother you long-term. There are better RTSs and better RPGs out there on console right now than SpellForce 3, but not a whole lot. And almost none that take this particular path across both. All-in-all, it’s an admirable effort in most ways. Reforced has plenty of content, and does its best to present it in a digestible way. How much it clicks with you will largely depend on your personal ability to acclimate to the few areas where it does get in its own way.    … Full Review »
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