Depending on what generation you are from, your idea of a good time may be . . . slightly different. For instance, how does the thought of sitting in a dimly lit basement, huddled around a messy table sound? What if we added four people, who are showing signs of schizophrenia, and scribbling on paper? You’re probably thinking . . . “what?” Stay with me.

Envision flipping through, page after page, paperbound books that continuously nag you to make tough decisions. Who needs that pressure?! To make it worse, the outcomes of your decisions often result in either life or death. How does that make you feel? Call me crazy, but I have to admit that these scenarios sound amazing! And if you know what I’m talking about, then I’m sure you will appreciate, and enjoy, the revival of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain. If not, keep reading and it’ll all make sense!

Developer: Tin Man Games

Publisher: Tin Man Games

7 Hours Played // Review Copy Provided // Price: $29.99 USD

In the intro paragraph I may have exaggerated a bit; but then again, maybe not. I was hyperbolically describing tabletop role-playing games and choose your own adventure books! The actual play session of these activities may take place in different settings, or through different mediums, but the experience is what it is all about. It all comes down to the player and their own imagination. That’s the beauty of it!

There are no boundaries when it comes to the limits of your mind. Immersing yourself into the role of the hero (or villain) is as epic, emotional, and extravagant as only you can imagine. This magic is what Tin Man Games has brought to us in an aesthetically pleasing package that is The Warlock of Firetop Mountain: Goblin Scourge Edition! For those unfamiliar with the origins of the novel, or the Fighting Fantasy series, you can find some background information on them here. Suffice it to say those old books have an extensive history and played a huge part in shaping what and how the role-playing genre is today.

What Are You Getting Into?

A quick synopsis of the story goes like this: Firetop Mountain is a brutal area filled with unimaginable danger . . . but also famed wealth (because of course it is). It has been overrun by the dark magic of Zagor, the evil Warlock. Fun fact tangent: the difference between a sorcerer/ wizard and a warlock is that a warlock is specifically male, and subscribes to magic that is inherently evil. Now that you’re enlightened, back to the story! Many adventurers have gone into this ‘Firetop Mountain’ – either for gold, power, or glory, but none have returned. This game then provides you with your choice of a figurine, representing different heroes, to choose from. Every adventurer has their own motivation and backstory. You must utilize them, play to their strengths, traverse the labyrinth, find Zagor’s hidden keys, and ultimately destroy Zagor. Will you have what it takes? Turn the page to find out.

*FLIPS PAGE*

The Warlock of Firetop Mountain: Goblin Scourge Edition! is a modern re-imagining of the original book, yet still stays close to the roots. It is adapted to provide each player with both original texts mixed with hand-drawn illustrations. This title also incorporates digital, character-modeled figurines that act as your “game piece” as you navigate throughout the world. Each of these eighteen hero miniatures has different back stories, respond to situations in their own manner, and incorporate unique skills and attack styles. We’ll revisit that again later but let that number sink in – EIGHTEEN. #RPGLIFE #GAMEGOALS

Choice of Choices

Cheesy social media reference aside, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain contains many notable positives working hard for it. One thing that I wanted to bring to light is its accessibility. Right from the start, in the options menu, you can change the font and text size/style in order to make it easier on the eyes – and it is beautiful. Also, upon starting the game, the player can either choose to go “text only” style (the traditional means), or play the story as the creative minds behind this iteration intended. These options are great to have. Were they necessary? Arguably, no. Do I commend them for it? Absolutely. The one addition that could have made it legendary would have been if it there were an option to listen to a charismatic voice-narration. But money is an object, of course, so it’s only a minor criticism.

Next up are the visuals. This indie game is full of vivid colors, clean character models, and fun animations. You can tell the developers had a good sense of atmosphere when they created the game space. Each portion of the map you are traveling on will literally fall into place upon decisions being made. Colors play a role in reflecting the vibe of the space. Sometimes you can see the path ahead and other times you won’t. It all seems very strategic and methodically set. The combination of these details will leave you guessing as to what might happen with every decision you select, each corner you turn, or doorway you enter.

“It’s an ‘ACTION FIGURE’, not a ‘doll’!”

Speaking of details, the character you control is miniature of sorts, stuck in their individual signature pose or battle stance. Think to what you see some DND groups use, or something like a Nintendo Amiibo. You then get to see this piece moving space by space as you progress. It feels like you are a part of a board game unfolding before your eyes. When the map transitions to a battle sequence, each piece has its own attack animations. Offensive maneuvers will have relatively simple animations for basic attacks but will become more elaborate with special attacks. The miniatures also change colors/ have special animations based on status effects as well. These types of subtle features are what I would imagine as a kid playing with toys in my room. It’s a nice touch, and again, doesn’t take away from the tabletop feel.

That topic leads into the next one – the battle sequences. As if The Warlock of Firetop Mountain doesn’t offer enough variety, the battle portions feel like individual mini-games each time you engage in one. Granted, there are ways to avoid some battles, but you will inevitably find yourself upon that grid of death soon enough.

It’s Your Move

Each time you fight you will find yourself on a uniquely-shaped battlefield. Every battle/ grid contains its own details and atmosphere based on the type of terrain you are currently in. This means in one run, no two encounters are exactly alike! What they do share is this: they are all sectioned into individual movement spaces that give you the option to either move or attack. Prior to making your decision, spaces will highlight. The spaces that are lit show the player which areas of the grid can be potentially affected or interacted with. Herein lies the necessity of coming up with a game plan.

As you may have guessed, all of the aforementioned points mean that attacks are turn-based. And it’s set up in a way to feel like you are playing chess. I enjoy this because literally every move requires a great deal of strategy if you are to survive to beat the game. It’s not some generic, button-mashing mess, but actually exercises the mind. Movements should be made in anticipation of your opponent’s next moves. Though the smaller individual fights won’t typically pose much of a challenge, the further you progress the more challenging they become.

Warning!

It may have taken a while to get here, but it needs to be mentioned: heed my warning when I say this game is TOUGH. I severely underestimated how many runs it would take to finally make it through Firetop Mountain. However, I came to realize this is by design. Each run should become easier. The player will adapt by discovering new paths, learning what to do in each interaction to maximize each outcome, and memorizing the location of key items. Aside from this, you will also unlock new characters and find out which battle style and stats you prefer. But even with all of this knowledge from experience you, as the player, are still subject to two facets of randomness: One – the areas that are procedurally generated. And two – none other than the classic dice roll skill check.

Think Again

And you thought you knew everything about this game already?! Nope! I don’t like giving too much away but let’s just say late-game keeps it interesting with some areas that are different every run. This is because two major parts are procedurally generated, so no matter how many runs you’ve completed it will still be new. It seems it is purely just to add difficulty, as the first half will become easier and easier the more you attempt it.

As for the skill checks, every so often there is a choice you will make that require “quick reflexes” from your character. When this occurs, get ready to blow on your Switch for good luck! Be prepared as you will be tapping that A button and hoping for the best! Failing these skill checks can hinder your progress in a number of ways but the most common theme is taking damage. Protect your stamina with your life and you just might make it out alive.

Alive Does Not Equal Living

Let’s take a smooth segue from living to . . . living! Not just staying alive but trying out different characters and game modes. Enjoy everything The Warlock of Firetop Mountain has to offer, as there is so much! I just wanted to add a small section here just to advise the reader this. Plus there is also one other tip to give here as well. And it is this – should you venture into the mountain, be sure to take in every option and explore every pathway. This piece of knowledge is to discreetly let you know that this game will reward your curiosity!

One other mention is that this game also includes a “Gauntlet Mode”. It adds yet another layer and allows the player to focus on combat. You actually get to be a monster of your choosing (unlockable), and tackle the mountain fighting evil with evil! It eliminates the need to make a bunch of rational decisions and purely puts you on the forefront of battle. Utilize each monster and practice their abilities. If you’re smart, you will learn their patterns and take advantage of this knowledge. Become even stronger in your next heroic journey to eliminate Zagor!

Final Thoughts

Last but not least, I’d like to finish off the review with my final thoughts. This title was an experience to be had. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Firetop Mountain and the challenges it presented. I do believe this game is inclined to appeal to a niche audience; however I also believe that this audience has the potential to grow! The hybrid tabletop/ RPG style, accessibility, play options, and fantasy narrative that this game brings to the Nintendo Switch is something many would enjoy. If you are a fan of reading, strategy games, RPG’s, DND, or fantasy genres I can positively recommend this title. I look forward to seeing more from the developers.

Thanks for taking the time to join me in this review! We appreciate our returning Nindie fans and newcomers alike. If you like this style, consider taking a look at either of my reviews for Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut. (Part 1) (Part 2) If you want to show support in other ways, we also have a community Discord, a YouTube channel, and a Patreon. Thanks again; until next time!