BLACKTAIL serves as a reminder that you shouldn’t be hasty when drawing conclusions. Foolishly, I wrote this game off before giving it a decent crack. As such, I nearly missed out on a unique fantasy title with a resounding level of depth. Instead, with the right energy and time invested, I experienced a wonderfully vivid game that excited me and tested me repeatedly.
Developed by THE PARASIGHT and published by Focus Entertainment, this is an adventure RPG title. What’s more, you have game-defining choices to make, a marvellous morality mechanic, survival elements, and plenty of crafting options. As such, you are free to craft new gear depending on your play style.
BLACKTAIL lets you carve your own path.
I, like many gamers, love the Fable franchise. This amusing, interesting, and rich RPG lets you forge your own destiny. Thankfully, BLACKTAIL follows suit but in a more “adult” way. Instead of kicking chickens, stealing meagre items, or being a pain in the arse, you make serious decisions. These choices have a big impact on how your character is perceived and how the game plays out. Subsequently, you must consider every decision and accept the resulting madness.
You are Yaga, a 16-year-old girl who is banished from a medieval Slavic settlement. Accused of witchcraft, this girl is feared by her surrounding peers. Matters turn worse when her memories of the past return to haunt her as foul and obnoxious monsters. Accordingly, she must master the power she has been accused of and hunt down every ghastly creature.
This unique game blends classic RPG gameplay with some interesting dialogue, fantastic characters, and stunning locations. Moreover, its exploration elements make BLACKTAIL a surprisingly fun and rewarding experience. On top of this, you must consider the thorough skill tree, the excellent crafting mechanics, and the slick combat elements.
A slow burner.
I may be in the minority, but BLACKTAIL was a slow burner. At first, I struggled to navigate the eye-wateringly gaudy world. However, as things settled down, I enjoyed its strange design and oddly beautiful ways. Furthermore, the fantasy creatures and the strange plot take you on a mind-boggling journey. Consequently, you’ll meet plants that can talk, enormous bosses that are super pissed, and an array of weird and wonderful creatures.
Alongside this, the classic witchcraft tropes play a key part throughout. Alchemy, cauldrons, and black cats feature heavily. Accordingly, this may seem clichéd, but I adored it nonetheless. Moreover, the unlocking system/skill tree was great. To unlock new elements and objects, you must find specific items. This basic approach crept into the survival genre, and that was a big plus point. Instead of the developers rehashing another Fable-type game, they have generated plenty of original and enjoyable fantasy ideas.
BLACKTAIL looks incredible.
Though I adored the strange creatures and the morality elements, the graphics take the gold medal. BLACKTAIL looks absolutely incredible thanks to its varied locations and clean-cut lines. Furthermore, the wonderful lighting and strange environment are enhanced by the rich colour palette. Alongside this, I adored how the game moved from a first-person adventure title to a side-scrolling platformer. The latter idea was used as a filler between chapters and worked perfectly. However, this idea replaced the traditional use of cinematic, and I believe there was room for both. Accordingly, it may have missed a trick by ignoring this classic idea.
The amazing visuals were supported by exceptional audio. With sombre and melancholy tunes interlaced with high-energy tracks, you get the best of both worlds. On top of this, the amusing dialogue is delivered with oomph and desire. Consequently, you’ll chuckle and frown as giant mushrooms, ants, fish, and more try to drag you into their world.
It’s incredibly easy to play.
I was impressed by how easy this was to play. The responsive controls and excellent layout are complemented by the amazing UI. Furthermore, the combat is slick, fun, and never gets old. Whether you are firing your bow, twirling your broom, or casting a spell, you’ll be hooked.
Adventure RPGs are renowned for replay value and longevity. Luckily, BLACKTAIL doesn’t buck the trend. Thanks to its crafting system, the survival elements, and plenty of quests to complete, you’ll be kept busy. However, I wish there was more variety in each quest. Sadly, there is too much reliance on doing task A, completing task B, and returning to the quest giver. Consequently, it would have been better if there was more variety and a greater degree of difficulty.
BLACKTAIL fascinated me.
Though I stupidly wrote this off very early on, I’m glad I returned for more. If you can get through the opening stages, you’ll enjoy a fun and interesting title that’ll fascinate you throughout. Moreover, the amusing characters, slick combat, and brilliant crafting options give you plenty to get your teeth into. Accordingly, I loved this slow burner, and I recommend that you buy it here! Will you fulfil your potential and become the guardian of the woods? Choose your path, complete your tasks, and forge the legend of Baba Yaga.
