City of the Shroud

The art for City of the Shroud is quite good. Ranging from nicely done class models that have a little bit of customization to them, to a beautifully done city background that feels fresh. Add to that the hand-drawn character faces whenever you talk to someone and it helps to give the game its own feel and look. Overall the story as it stands now feels of a good quality with a combat system that carries the game well.

It’s a delight to see it has delivered on this potential – and then some. The combat is engrossing and frankly addictive. The aesthetic is beautiful and enchanting. And the storytelling is the crowning jewel of it all. Stephen King once said ‘Story is king’. City of the Shroud epitomises this approach, putting narrative at the heart of what it does, and emerging triumphant as a result.

With City of the Shroud, the premise is far better than the execution. The five different sides of the story is by far one of the best parts but is buried far too often in meaningless fetch quests and mediocre writing. The combat system would be better served if it was turn-based and deeper, as spamming is simply far more effective and not particularly fun.