As we reflect on the past year, it’s evident that some noteworthy titles slipped through the cracks of our review schedule. With the dawn of 2025 approaching, we find ourselves in a delightful position to revisit these gems and share our insights. One such title is Skald: Against the Black Priory, a throwback roleplaying game that initially sparked my curiosity but also raised some reservations. My fondness for old-school RPGs typically wanes when it comes to anything predating 1997, and Skald’s aesthetic, reminiscent of DOS and Commodore RPGs, felt daunting yet intriguing.
However, upon immersing myself in the game, I discovered a refreshing modernity woven into its fabric. Skald presents a polished experience, balancing complexity with accessibility, and it deftly captures the essence of what makes RPGs engaging. The writing stands out as a highlight, delivering a compelling cosmic horror narrative that intricately develops its fantasy world and characters before unraveling them in a gripping manner.
Roll for initiative
Unlike some games that leave players grappling with convoluted character sheets filled with stats and jargon, Skald offers a more streamlined approach. Drawing inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons, it introduces a unique progression system based on 2d6 dice rolls, diverging from the traditional d20. Each character class is designed to shine in a party of six, allowing for a diverse range of abilities and playstyles. Character customization is primarily reserved for the creation phase, with opportunities to enhance skills and attributes through gear and passive bonuses as players progress.
The combat system is equally straightforward yet engaging. Battles unfold in a turn-based format on a grid, with each class possessing distinct tactical advantages. Rogues excel in stealth and positioning, while Armsmasters embody the classic tank role. The spellcasting classes, such as the Guild Magos and Battle-Magos, offer a rich array of spells reminiscent of Baldur’s Gate, allowing players to learn new effects as they level up or discover scrolls throughout their journey. Rangers, on the other hand, act as formidable ranged attackers, capable of striking from afar.
While many quests culminate in combat, Skald also embraces non-combat gameplay elements akin to titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Obsidian’s classics. Players can utilize diplomacy to navigate conflicts, with lore unlocking valuable insights into quests and character interactions. Skills such as athletics and lockpicking open alternative pathways and opportunities for exploration, enhancing the overall experience. The game’s mechanics, including in-game dice rolls, evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a modern touch.
Psychedelia
One standout quest involves infiltrating a city overtaken by cultist barbarians, where players must navigate the complexities of faction dynamics. The city itself is rich in detail, providing ample opportunities for exploration and strategic decision-making. My approach led to a clever resolution, as I orchestrated the factions against one another, reminiscent of the intricate storytelling found in New Vegas.
As the game progresses, some encounters may feel less challenging, particularly on the “Normal” difficulty setting, which Skald recommends beginners approach with caution. However, the significant story battles maintain a sense of weight and intrigue. The game allows for flexibility in party composition, offering a mix of preset characters and customizable mercenaries to accompany players on their journey.
While the premade characters may not offer the depth of BioWare’s loyalty missions, they bring a unique charm to the narrative. Each companion contributes to the story, providing commentary and insights that enrich the experience. The world of Skald, steeped in familiar fantasy tropes, is imbued with a sense of history and moral ambiguity, as the living demigods of its ruling class leave behind radioactive remnants upon their death.
High North Studios has crafted a world where magic is derived from an enigmatic ozone layer, hinting at a greater cosmic horror lurking beyond. This intriguing worldbuilding sets the stage for the impending chaos, as players delve deeper into the Outer Isles, encountering increasingly bizarre and unsettling elements. The quality of the writing, reminiscent of classics like Planescape: Torment, adds a poetic layer to the narrative, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
As the story unfolds, players are treated to a crescendo of strangeness that culminates in a surprisingly humorous epilogue. Skald emerges as one of the standout RPGs of the past year, a delightful surprise that showcases the potential of High North Studios and leaves us eagerly anticipating their future endeavors.
