Review: Fictorum (Steam)

Fictorum is an action RPG featuring destructible environments, a procedural node-based world map, and dynamic magic shaping.

Pros:

• 9548MB Download size.
• Steam achievements.
• Trading cards.
• Controller support.
• FOV Slider.
• Optional tutorial area.
• Good graphics.
• Graphic options are all sliders fro quality of shadows, Terrain, Foliage etc.
• Action combat gameplay. Throw/use magic to wreak havoc.
• Can “Shape” spells to change how they get used for instance you can change your spell to multi shot or make it more explosive.
• Simple enough controls. Hold LT to shape spells, RT to cast and A to jump.
• Can rebind keys.
• Invert look options.
• Five difficulties- Reese mode all the way up to nightmare.
• Open levels.
• Loot chests hidden in levels.
• Blow up buildings and get a chance of loot.
• Procedural generated world map. You choose which route to take every time and must get from one side to the other.
• Some great locations from the desserts to grassy hills to medieval towns and encampments.
• Goal in each level is to do the missions then finish the level by clearing out the outposts controlling the altar you use to escape.
• Day/night with weather effects like rain.
• Find/unlock new spells and modifiers to shape them.
• Can be really enjoyable in small bursts.
• Physics! Building explode, Debris flys all over the place. Its a real cool looking mechanic. Debris can hurt you as well as enemies.
• Camera controlled by the right stick. View is third person except indoors where it switches to first person.

Cons:

• Long initial load.
• Controller can play havoc with the mouse pointer in menus.
• Hard to see enemies especially from distance.
• Can get stuck in scenery or fall into parts with no way of getting out.
• Maps feel very barren and lifeless due to the size.
• Simple missions like destroy all buildings or kill all enemies.
• Hard to get health back in between levels.
• No alert for enemies.
• Controller analog stick acts as a mouse in the menu.
• Feels a bit empty and unfinished in other levels.
• AI is either really dumb or crazy accurate and over powered.