80
Sands of Salzaar is a big game that will provide hundreds of hours of entertainment to those who fall in love with it. And there’s a lot to like in this package, from the variety of skills and tactical approaches to the many activities that can bring treasure and fame. It does take time to understand all the core mechanics but once that’s done everything is mostly solid. The developer also has long-term plans to support it with patches and new content. Unfortunately, I need more time to fall in love with this experience. And not because it is lacking in anything but because there’s so much to see. I worry that there’s something I am missing, that I am not using all the available systems. I like that the game believes I will start over, with Legacy points and extra personal experience. That involves a major time investment in Sands of Salzaar that I’m not ready to make yet.
tbd
I'm a little saddened that I have these reservations, because Sands of Salzaar is a colourful and likeable blending of familiar ideas, elevated by a unique vibe. While I wouldn't quite call it compulsive, it definitely tempts you to keep playing, or go back in again a few hours later. It's just a shame it takes a little too much time and guesswork to get there.
60
Sands of Salzaar, for all intents and purposes, feels more like a work in progress as opposed to a final release. If this were an early access preview, I would say that each of the core components has potential and just needs to be fleshed out. As a final product review, I must say that even though Sands of Salzaar promises an intriguing blend of RPG and strategy elements, it fails to provide the depth and complexity needed for long-term replayability.
7
Game with early-access roughness. impressive but in current state devs need at least 6-12 additional month to polish everything and add more stuff.
10
This game is impressive. Still rough around the edges, but impressive. Rarely have I been so blown away by how niche yet successful game design ideas can be implemented. Now be warned, this will NOT be everyone's cup of tea : the game is weird, has a lot of things going for it, and not everyone might enjoy it. But for those who do, it's the one game they've been waiting forever. I've read around that it's a mix of Dynasty Warriors, Mount & Blade and Diablo, and this is quite accurate. But I'd add that it even adds a Wuxia movie feeling to it, which is just unique and an endless source of fun. It's replayable, the devs are really active in polishing it as much as they possibly can, definitely one of the most promising games I've ever played. And even in its current state, it's already more than an instant classic to me. But hey, it might not be the case for everyone... But if you enjoy those types of unusual, unique games which mix many elements of many genres successfully, then give it a try !
Sands of Salzaar
Released On:
Dec 15, 2021
Metascore
Mixed or Average
66
User score
Mixed or Average
5.9
My Score
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All Platforms
Based on 8 Critic Reviews
66
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
tbd
Metascore
Mixed or Average
50% Positive
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
33% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
17% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Jan 14, 2022
80
Sands of Salzaar is a big game that will provide hundreds of hours of entertainment to those who fall in love with it. And there’s a lot to like in this package, from the variety of skills and tactical approaches to the many activities that can bring treasure and fame. It does take time to understand all the core mechanics but once that’s done everything is mostly solid. The developer also has long-term plans to support it with patches and new content. Unfortunately, I need more time to fall in love with this experience. And not because it is lacking in anything but because there’s so much to see. I worry that there’s something I am missing, that I am not using all the available systems. I like that the game believes I will start over, with Legacy points and extra personal experience. That involves a major time investment in Sands of Salzaar that I’m not ready to make yet.
Dec 16, 2021
80
The biggest issue is just the lack of overall assistance. Sands of Salazaar opens the door, pushes you through, and says “have fun!” before running away and leaving you to figure everything out on your own. Gradually realizing how things work is part of the adventure, though when some of those things include basics such as how to use skills, it’s not quite so fun. These are all issues Han-Squirrel can resolve over time, though. Until then, Sands of Salazaar’s layers and intriguing character stories more than make up for the annoyances, especially for the asking price.
Sep 30, 2020
80
Sands of Salzaar could be considered an unfashionable game because it’s not permadeath roguelike Souls-like with survival and crafting elements. Despite its looks, it’s not a loot-a-thlon either. Instead it’s a fast-paced and personally involving action-RPG that is fresh as a bubbling oasis in middle of the desert that isn’t just a mirage! Mod support and separate multiplayer campaign add to the already addictive experience. All this comes at the price tag of only 13 dollars for some amazing value for money. One could even say that Sands of Salzaar puts many of the bigger titles to shame with its creativity and energy. It may not re-invent computer role-playing games but it shows that there is still kick in the old genre and all it needed was bringing it out to the sun.
Jan 3, 2022
60
Sands of Salzaar, for all intents and purposes, feels more like a work in progress as opposed to a final release. If this were an early access preview, I would say that each of the core components has potential and just needs to be fleshed out. As a final product review, I must say that even though Sands of Salzaar promises an intriguing blend of RPG and strategy elements, it fails to provide the depth and complexity needed for long-term replayability.
Oct 5, 2020
60
The dialogues between named characters and quest givers are equally dull. There was not a single moment of depth in any writing and all characters just spoke their mind and acted out their cliched character tropes. I definitely would not recommend this game for its storytelling. I would say, for most of our audience, to definitely hold off on purchasing Sands of Salzaar as it is still currently under heavy development. However, there is immense potential with the system they have developed! Keep an eye on this one.
Dec 22, 2021
40
This is, unfortunately, where many of Sands of Salzaar’s mechanics fall. The meshing of genres is definitely interesting and full of potential, but so much of what is included feels half-baked or poorly implemented that it feels as though the developers would have had an easier time with a more focused product.
Jan 13, 2022
tbd
I'm a little saddened that I have these reservations, because Sands of Salzaar is a colourful and likeable blending of familiar ideas, elevated by a unique vibe. While I wouldn't quite call it compulsive, it definitely tempts you to keep playing, or go back in again a few hours later. It's just a shame it takes a little too much time and guesswork to get there.
User score
Mixed or Average
25% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
38% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
38% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Jan 5, 2022
10
This game is impressive. Still rough around the edges, but impressive. Rarely have I been so blown away by how niche yet successful game design ideas can be implemented. Now be warned, this will NOT be everyone's cup of tea : the game is weird, has a lot of things going for it, and not everyone might enjoy it. But for those who do, it's the one game they've been waiting forever. I've read around that it's a mix of Dynasty Warriors, Mount & Blade and Diablo, and this is quite accurate. But I'd add that it even adds a Wuxia movie feeling to it, which is just unique and an endless source of fun. It's replayable, the devs are really active in polishing it as much as they possibly can, definitely one of the most promising games I've ever played. And even in its current state, it's already more than an instant classic to me. But hey, it might not be the case for everyone... But if you enjoy those types of unusual, unique games which mix many elements of many genres successfully, then give it a try !
Feb 1, 2022
7
Game with early-access roughness. impressive but in current state devs need at least 6-12 additional month to polish everything and add more stuff.
SummaryBringing you to an exotic desert where you’ll recruit, train, and guide your troops into battle against rival cities and factions. Embark on an adventure that’s uniquely yours; Customizable characters, professions, and factions. The land is filled with a variety of hidden secrets.
Platforms:
- PC
- iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Initial Release Date:Dec 15, 2021
Developer:
Publisher:
