I promised a review when this first came out, but have yet to deliver. For that I am deeply sorry @MultipleChoice. I hope you can forgive me. Anyways, before I continue, I just want to say what an amazing read this was. I bought Fatehaven when it was first released and just now, weeks later, have I fount the time to playthrough it fully. And how stupid do I feel for not finding the time sooner! (I’ve only played though once, so my review will be based on that playthrough.)
I know many, just from reading the comments, have said that the game feels choiceless, but I really don’t mind. I’d rather have a solid foundation of a story then one that was shaky and didn’t make sense when you made a choice, which many, unfortunately, do at times. Some have also hated on the carnivorous aspects of the game, which I won’t go into for fear of once again starting a spark. My only thought on that part is that it’s a game, get over it.
With that out of the way, I’d like to give my rating before jumping into the actual review.
Was Fatehaven what I was expecting from the beta?: No
Is that a good thing?: Absolutely, yes!
Story aspect: 10/10
Choice aspect: 5/10
Enjoyment value: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Omg-moments: 7/10
The Ending(s): 10/10 (I did not see that coming! Curse you for making me cry over a CoG, something I have NEVER done!)
Overall rating: 9/10
Would I playthrough it again just to try and get the other endings?: Yes
Would I playthrough it again for simple enjoyment?: Maybe
Would I playthrough it again and read all the dialogue once more?: Sorry, but no. I hope you can understand why I wouldn’t and won’t hate me for it.
Before I continue I just wanted to add that I played as a female. My renown was 18, and my end corruption was 40%. I would add my other stats, but I forgot them. Sorry.
I think it was something close to this:
Loner: 60% Leader: 40%
Sly: 75% Powerful: 25%
Suave: 85% Direct: 15%
Vigilant: 45% Carefree: 55%
Logical: 50% Emotional: 50%
Resourceful: 55% Faithful: 45%
So, time to pick apart the story. I just want to say that I didn’t make any notes and am simply using my memory to do this review.
I’m going to try and keep each part on the short side, maybe 250 words or less. It all depends on how much I remember. I will try my best to do this without any spoilers, but if I cannot help myself, I’ll warn you ahead of time.
The Beginning:
Enjoyment value: 8/10
I really enjoyed the beginning of the story, there seemed to be more choices, unlike later parts of the story. I really felt like I was able to pick and choose how I wanted my character to act and behave. I loved it. Something I did not like was Bregan, though I came to dislike him less as the story went on.
The beginning was lighthearted and fun, but as it continued, it grew darker. Much, much, darker. Fatehaven is definitely not for those who like riding on unicorns while going down rainbows and searching for pots of gold at the end of them. If that’s what you’re looking for, well, look elsewhere. You’ve been warned.
As a last word, the beginning stats you choice for yourself will affect you throughout the story. After a certain point, I’m pretty sure you cannot change them at all, unless you restart the game.
The Middld:
Enjoyment value: 6.5/10
The middle was when the story really lost focus on your choices. But as stated, do I mind? Naw. I still loved the game. The only upside for me during this part of the story was Patch! Oh Patch, how I loved him so! Other then that, I sadly don’t have much to say about it. It most definitely wasn’t the best part of the story. At least for me, anyways.
The Ending & Prologue:
Enjoyment value: 9.5/10
I enjoyed the ending the most out of the beginning and most definitely more than the middle of the story. The ending was what really sold Fatehaven and made it worth the money for me. Other then that, I cannot say much more without spoiling the ending.
The only thing I will say is that I picked Patch to romance. Would I have liked to explore mine and his relationship more? Yes! That was the main downside for me. Please, skip the next part, there be spoilers ahead! You’ve been warned! So, be gone, fools that haven’t played yet! Be gone I say! Or else!
*spoiler*
When he was stabbed and died, I cried like a baby and I have NEVER done that! I was about to quit, but think goodness I didn’t. When it went into his PoV, I cried even more. I felt like he really did love me (my character). More so than others.
*end of spoilers*
Time for one last rating thingy, this time based on how much I liked the three guys.:
Bregan:
Beginning: 4/10
Middle: 2/10(?)
Ending: 6/10
Note: I’m sorry, he just didn’t click well with me. I found him very annoying to the point I almost wanted to skip his parts! He redeemed himself a little later. But not by much. He felt disposable to me. Would I reply just to try to be his love interest?: I guess.
My Care rating for him:
I/dont even
(5/10)
Silvanus:
Beginning: 7/10
Middle: 1/10(?)
Ending: 1/10
Note: *Warning, I hold very strong hate for this PoS excuse of a love interest.*
So, I liked him some. Not much, but some. Definitely more than Brogan, at lease in the beginning. I don’t have much to say, I think my rating drop speaks volumes about him, for me anyways. So, ya. Would I replay just to try to be his love interest?: Maybe. If I didn’t kill myself first that is.
My Care rating for him:
Go kill yourself Silvanus/Before I do it for you
(1/10)
Patch:
Beginning: N/A, though I’d liked if he had been in the beginning!
Middle: 8.5/10
Ending & Prologue: 10/10
Note: Oh Patch, how you had me eating from the palm, or should I say paws, of your hands! My Knight in shining armor, even if you didn’t show it! Did you have enough game time?: Hell no! Should you have?: Hell yes! Out of every romance, you, my sweet kitty-cat, will always hold a place in my heart! Be it in Tin Star, or even SLAMMED!.
My Care rating for him:
If you ever make me cry again @MultipleChoice/I will find you and cut you
(10/10)
So, my verdict? It’s no Tin Star, SLAMMED!, Way Walkers or even Zombie Exodus, but Fatehaven should definitely NOT be overlooked. At least with it, I was able to finish and have a sense of fulfilment. (I have NEVER beaten Tin Star!)
Is it the best out there?: In all honesty, no. Every game has downsides and upsides and unfortunately Fatehaven’s faults can be hard to overlook. But should that stop you from playing this game? FK no! Play and enjoy this game for how unlike other CoG’s it is!
So, that’s it. My review is over and I can now sleep, but first, a few last words:
Fatehaven is a story and not choice driven game and will hold a place in my heart from now on. Will I impatiently be waiting for the book? Um, yes! Please, pick a female protagonist when you do write it! We need more strong female characters.
I also want to shamelessly add that if you ever need help on your next project, I’d be happy to give feedback!
With all that said, I hope you enjoyed my short review. @MultipleChoice, love those haters! It only means they care. Continue writing how you please and, if you can, give us a hint for your next project?
Oh, and I forgot to ask, what IS the highest amount of renown you can get? Sorry, just had to ask. It was eating at me.
With love,
xNaomi.