There is no shortage of surprises from independent teams in 2024, and Songs of Silence is undoubtedly one of such games. Chimera Entertainment did not take care of all the elements of the new IP, but ultimately the game may surprise a wide audience. Read our review
Chimera Entertainment decided to use the concept of several genres to offer an interesting game that should appeal to fans of 4X turn-based strategies, real-time strategies, and the entire project also includes elements from RPGs and card games. The whole thing was covered with an interesting fantasy world, and although in the end you can feel some shortcomings here, it is Songs of Silence can keep you glued to the screen for several hours.
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Songs of Silence for many months it was in the Early Access program on Steam, during which the developers began to significantly expand the game – the entire campaign was introduced only with the full version (1.0), but before that the title received improvements when moving on the map, the team added new levels difficulties, new languages or new heroes. The developers significantly expanded the game and at the same time developed a version for consoles.
The campaign is an appetizer
In the reviewed Songs of Silence, players have access to two main modes from the beginning. The campaign should be of interest to many fans of the genre, because it is thanks to it that we learn about the realities of the world and receive a lot of details about the gameplay. Skirmish, on the other hand, is a classic gameplay variant that offers the freedom to arrange the game. The game also includes an online mode with a “fast connection”, the option to join a friend using a code or create a specific session, but unfortunately, when testing the production, I was unable to find willing players to play.
I started playing in Songs of Silence from the campaign, because honestly I didn’t know what Chimera Entertainment could really offer me and I thought that the story mode would be a good introduction to the fun. I was not wrong, because the story lasting about 13 hours is, on the one hand, an extensive tutorial, thanks to which during the story we receive the necessary information about all systems and simply learn the game, and we can also participate in a pleasant story.
The scriptwriters from Chimera Entertainment decided to introduce players to Lorelai – she is the new crowned queen, who, however, cannot enjoy her castle and develop society. It’s all because of an attack on her hometown – the woman gathers her people and sets off on a journey to find a peaceful oasis and then implement the plan. The creators have prepared an interesting story that carefully reveals the behind-the-scenes of the entire world. The writers have created a pleasant plot and discovering its details may prove to be a great pleasure for many players.
Songs of Silence, however, did not escape from several problems, because of which learning the story itself may prove to be simply tiring for some players. Sometimes the balance of battles has not been fully refined, so even though we take part in several very simple battles, we then bounce back from one, exaggerated battle – in addition, the system blocks the possibility of expanding the army, so we have to attack the same target several times, hoping that this time we will be able to break through the enemy’s defense or our troops will simply behave better during the competition.
The developers engaged Ashleigh Haddad in the project, who provided her voice for the main character, and the actress known from, among others, SOMA and Triangle Strategy, did a brilliant job, but during the gameplay it is easy to see that the creators mainly focused on developing the game for PC for many months. Sitting down to review Songs of Silence on the sofa, I was tired of looking at subsequent very small inscriptions – the entire UI should be better adapted to different (larger) screens.
And what is the gameplay?
I have already written a few words about the assumptions of the main mode Songs of Silenceso it’s high time to present a few words about the gameplay itself. Chimera Entertainment has combined several genres to provide a 4X strategy in which the hero runs around a large map, conquers castles or fights the creatures we encounter. However, the player must pay attention to the movement bar, because running around without much thought may result in a quick attack by enemies. Castle sieges are also interesting, because when attacking fortifications, the kingdom has time to call for reinforcements or even perform a quick counterattack. In terms of exploration, the game is reminiscent of Heroes of Might and Magic with a slight touch of Sid Meier’s Civilization – the developers were clearly inspired by the best in the genre to provide players with an interesting mix.
When jumping into the castle, we are not greeted by large buildings, but we can easily review our unit, add additional units or arrange them appropriately – the developers use a selection wheel, thanks to which we can easily control all the elements related to management. The system itself in this case is not particularly extensive, it lacks a bit of depth, but it basically fits the assumptions of the game – during the game I had the impression many times that Chimera Entertainment wanted to offer the game to a wider audience, so although they decided to use systems from a much more extensive series, most of the mechanics are not particularly complicated.
The creators came up with an interesting idea for fights. The fights take place in real time, but the player does not actually have full control over the fight – the units move around the arena themselves, and we can use cards to influence their movement, for example, add a special spell to the arena that affects their health or simply attack them. enemy army. It sounds really good on paper, and for the first few fights I really praised the concept of auto battles, but I noticed problems very quickly. In very even fights, in which Songs of Silence there is no shortage, even one stupid move of the unit can prevent us from celebrating the expected and needed victory – unfortunately, units far too often do not move in the right direction, they can stop for a moment or simply go in a completely different direction. This situation, combined with the unfinished balance, can be very frustrating.
An interesting idea in the case of duels is the use of cards – the player uses various commanders who receive experience points by winning subsequent duels, then gain further levels, can expand their armies and at the same time receive new cards or improve the previously available ones. At the beginning of the game I wasn’t particularly excited about this system, but the mechanics show their craftsmanship during gameplay – it’s easy to appreciate the ability to cast a variety of spells. On the one hand, the player is not involved in the entire fight, but on the other hand, he can add a few powers that can influence the outcome of the fight. An important detail in the case of this proposal is the fact that the commander cannot freely use magic, because each card has a cooldown time.
The idea of an auto-combat with cards is interesting, but sometimes I had the impression that this concept was missing something – during the duels I took part in exciting fights many times, but sometimes Songs of Silence I didn’t feel very excited about subsequent victories. It’s great to watch a working machine for a few hours, which sometimes gets out of breath, but I’m sure the authors could expand this idea to make the gameplay engaging even after many hours.
The skirmish is the key to the fun
Even if I could complain a little about the campaign, the level of challenge of which was not always adjusted appropriately, I would Skirmishment is the key to success and fun in the reviewed Songs of Silence. This is where we first choose the size of the map, decide on the type of world, choose solo or team play, and after a while we can start playing with one of the three factions. Thousand Kingdoms, Old Race and Crusade – three different propositions that focus on slightly different gameplay (combat) styles, have their own units (about 20 unique, there are 115 in total in the game) and additionally we can choose different heroes. In the case of heroes, the creators encourage gameplay because by completing various tasks, the player can unlock new characters that ensure diversified gameplay.
In fact, it is Skirmish that offers the best essence Songs of Silence. At the beginning, the player receives a small army and one castle, and after a while he attacks the first location to not only increase the hero’s level, which affects the size of the army, further skills and the expansion of fortifications, but also takes over other places and expands his capabilities in preparing further attacks. The game often turns into a very tactical game – on the one hand, we have to take care of our castle and take over other areas, but when we are plundering enemy camps, we can be attacked in the back. For this reason, it is worth constantly expanding settlements, controlling new heroes or, of course, creating new units – the developers even used the card system here.
The skirmish offers the greatest replayability, and although in my case I quickly felt “I’ll just play one more round”, a lot in this case depends on how much you like this mix of genres. At some point, the gameplay can get a bit boring, which is due to very shallow systems – on the one hand, we have the castle expanding thanks to cards, on the other hand, the hero gains new powers that we use during duels, we constantly gain access to new units, but after after a few sessions it’s easy to see that Songs of Silence is a solid game, but it’s not particularly complicated.
The interesting world created by Chimera Entertainment studio certainly deserves a separate paragraph. Each faction has its own history and provides a slightly different style of gameplay – for example, the Star Race is an ancient, conservative people whose representatives focus on defense. During the game, the player must create a “connection to the Anthem network” so that subsequent captured locations will provide him with a unique resource. The opponent of this faction is the Thousand Kingdoms, which focuses on attacking because its representatives want to constantly increase their prosperity – in this case we can use Divine Favor to summon heavenly entities.
In addition, Songs of Silence takes place in two different lands – the player has the opportunity to run around the World of Light and the World of Darkness. Some maps are set in different versions of the land, which of course affects the gameplay, but also colors the biomes themselves in an interesting way – the setting is not particularly detailed, but there is no doubt that this game has an appropriate atmosphere. The atmosphere is created by a brilliant soundtrack, because during each mission we are constantly fed with uplifting songs.
The developers have even prepared a very accessible guide that allows you to learn all the necessary elements of the game – details related to places, combat, movement, cards and factions have been neatly described. The game even received a Polish localization.
Is Songs of Silence worth playing?
Honestly, it’s not easy for me to answer the above question. On the one hand, I feel that the developers could have expanded the game a bit more during Early Access, but on the other hand, I was currently having a really good time getting to know the factions and taking part in subsequent battles.
The game is a bit lacking in content (only 3 factions at the start, no additional gameplay options), but even in this situation, the variety offered means that fans of the genre should spend a good few dozen hours in the title.
The developers have already announced the expansion of the game, they are preparing improvements in, among others, the AI and duels, but at the same time players can expect, among others, new maps or new mechanics, units, skills and heroes. You can have fun now, and it will probably get even better.
Welcome to the World of Silence: A Witty Dive into Songs of Silence
Ah, Songs of Silence—a title that sounds like a counterintuitive method for shushing your loud neighbor. And let’s be honest, it’s nice to see independent teams stirring the pot in 2024 with this little surprise! Chimera Entertainment has concocted a game that’s asking for our attention. Do they deserve it, though? Well, let’s not beat around the bush—there are plenty of surprises to unpack here!
A Smorgasbord of Genres!
Imagine walking into an all-you-can-eat buffet where someone decided that “food” would include everything from 4X turn-based strategy to card games, tossing in a sprinkle of RPG. That’s pretty much what you get with Songs of Silence. It’s like Chimera Entertainment said: “Why pick a genre when you can just jam them all into one?” It will keep you glued to your screen for hours…much like your favorite soap opera, but with a little less dramatic sighing.
The Campaign: A Tantalizing Appetizer
So, you’ve got two main modes to chew on right off the bat: Campaign and Skirmish. The campaign has got the depth, the lore, and a good dollop of fun. You get to trot around as Lorelai, the crowned queen with more drama in her life than a reality TV star. Imagine embarking on a quest where your town is under siege, and you need to gather your people to find a peaceful oasis. Just your casual Tuesday, really!
Voice Acting? Yes, Please!
The voice acting? Brilliant. Ashleigh Haddad lends her talents to Lorelai, and while she’s busy saving the world, you’ll be squinting at the tiny UI text. Come on, folks! Seriously? I was practically on top of my TV trying to read those instructions. A commendable voice for a less commendable visual setup—think of it as pizza with a delightful topping that you can’t quite enjoy due to a soggy base.
Gameplay: The Good, the Bad, and the Frustrating
Let’s talk gameplay. It’s a mix of exploration and battles, blending some Heroes of Might and Magic shenanigans with a dash of Sid Meier’s Civilization. But, ladies and gentlemen, let’s not get too cozy. Battles often resemble a game of ‘Where is my unit?’ instead of an epic clash. You see, in this auto-battle realm, your units are basically toddlers in a playground—freedom and chaos, with none of the parental guidance.
Skirmish: The Sweet Spot!
If the campaign left you feeling a bit like the last kid picked in gym class, then skirmish mode will put a spark back in your virtual life! This is where the game finds its essence. You choose your factions and delve into beautiful chaos. Just remember to keep an eye on your back; you might be plundering someone’s camp and then BOOM!—all hell breaks loose.
The World: A Beautifully Crafted Background
This game has a world worth talking about. Each faction brings its own lore, mechanics, and maybe just a hint of personality. The art and soundtrack merge beautifully, creating an atmosphere that might just pull at your heartstrings—at least until the gameplay hiccups jar you out of that immersive experience!
So, Should You Play It?
Now, for the million-dollar question: Is Songs of Silence worth your time? Well, yes and no. If you’re craving something fresh but don’t mind a few rough edges, then dive right in! The game is like that weird dish you’re hesitant to try—it might just surprise you and become your new guilty pleasure. Sure, it could’ve used more content and polish during Early Access, but who are we to judge a fledgling creation? Even Picasso had to start somewhere, after all.
Overall, Songs of Silence may have its pitfalls, but if you’re patient and hold onto your controller when things get sticky, you might just find a delightful experience waiting for you. And hey, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of mayhem when trying to save a kingdom?
So grab your snacks, settle back, and give it a whirl. You might just find that silence isn’t always golden.
As we step into 2024, the independent gaming scene continues to deliver unexpected gems, with *Songs of Silence* emerging prominently among them. While Chimera Entertainment may not have orchestrated every facet of this new intellectual property, its potential to captivate a wide audience is undeniable. Dive into our in-depth review to discover more.
Chimera Entertainment embraced a multifaceted approach by integrating several genres, thus crafting a game that targets aficionados of 4X turn-based strategies and real-time strategies alike. Moreover, the game seamlessly weaves in RPG and card game elements, all set against a spellbinding fantasy backdrop. While there are certain shortcomings, *Songs of Silence* might just ensnare you for hours on end, keeping you riveted to your screen.
*Songs of Silence* spent several months in the Early Access program on Steam, during which the development team extensively refined the game. The complete campaign was unveiled with the full version (1.0), but prior to this, the title benefited from enhancements such as improved map navigation, the addition of new difficulty levels, expanded language options, and brand-new heroes. Furthermore, the developers have been diligently working on a version suited for console players.
The campaign is an appetizer
In *Songs of Silence*, players are greeted with two main modes right from the start. The campaign mode promises to engage genre enthusiasts by offering a rich introduction to the world and an abundance of gameplay details. Conversely, the Skirmish mode provides a classic gameplay experience, allowing players to shape their gaming journey. Additionally, an online mode enables fast matchmaking, the option to connect with friends using unique codes, or even create specific sessions. Unfortunately, during my gameplay testing, I struggled to find other players ready to engage.
Embarking on my journey in Songs of Silence through the campaign mode felt like the right choice. Admittedly, I was unsure what to expect from Chimera Entertainment, and I believed the story mode would serve as a fitting primer. It turned out I was correct; the approximately 13-hour narrative serves not only as an extensive tutorial, providing crucial insights into the game’s systems, but it also immerses players in an enjoyable storyline.
The narrative introduces players to Lorelai, the newly crowned queen, who finds herself unable to relish her castle or lead her people due to a devastating attack on her homeland. Determined, she gathers her supporters and embarks on a quest to discover a tranquil oasis where she can set her plans into motion. The creators have woven an intricate tale that gradually reveals the intricacies of this world, and many players may find joy in uncovering its unfolding mysteries.
Songs of Silence, however, grappled with several issues, which might render the storytelling process a bit tedious for some players. At times, the balance in combat felt uneven, resulting in frustration; despite facing relatively simple skirmishes, a single, excessively difficult battle could abruptly shift the tide of the game. The system also restricts army expansion, necessitating repeated attacks on the same enemy, leading to either breakthroughs or bouts of disappointment depending on troop behavior.
Notably, Ashleigh Haddad lent her voice to the main character, showcasing her talent as an actress recognized for roles in productions like SOMA and Triangle Strategy. While Haddad delivered an excellent performance, it became apparent that the developers had primarily focused on refining the PC version for several months, resulting in a user interface that struggled to adapt to larger screens—a frustration I encountered while reviewing Songs of Silence from the comfort of my sofa.
And what is the gameplay?
Having touched on the main mode of Songs of Silence, it is now time to delve into the gameplay mechanics themselves. By amalgamating various genres, Chimera Entertainment has crafted a 4X strategy game where players traverse expansive maps, seize castles, and combat formidable creatures. However, one crucial element to monitor is the movement bar; careless navigation may leave players vulnerable to enemy attacks.
Sieges offer an intriguing twist, as players can rally reinforcements or execute swift counterattacks when assaulting fortifications. Exploration within the game evokes memories of classic Heroes of Might and Magic while infusing elements reminiscent of Sid Meier’s Civilization—evidence that the developers clearly drew inspiration from iconic titles within the genre to create a captivating blend.
While entering castles, players are not met with expansive structures, but they can easily assess their units, incorporate reinforcements, and strategize their placements. A selection wheel facilitates the management process, creating a streamlined control experience. However, the system itself feels somewhat lacking in depth, which could be attributed to Chimera Entertainment’s intention to create an accessible experience for a broader audience—resulting in a simplified method for engaging with more intricate mechanics.
An intriguing battle system unfolds, with combat occurring in real time while the player retains limited direct control. Units autonomously navigate the arena, and players can influence their actions through cards that introduce spells or offensive maneuvers. This concept, while promising, presents challenges; during tightly matched skirmishes, a single misstep can obliterate chances for victory, which, combined with the unfinished balance, can lead to considerable frustration.
Collectively, the approach to duels is enticing. Players select commanders who earn experience points, enabling them to ascend levels, expand armies, and gain new or enhanced cards. Initially, I found this system underwhelming, but its depth gradually revealed itself through engaged gameplay as I appreciated the variety of spells at my disposal. While players may recline during combat, they have opportunities to sway battle outcomes through strategic card plays, albeit with cooldown limitations on their powers.
While the auto-combat feature coupled with card mechanics is innovative, I sometimes sensed that the concept lacked some vital element. Throughout many duels, while excitement intermittently surged, it was not a consistent experience. It resembles a well-oiled machine performing a routine, which could use a little more dynamism to maintain engagement over prolonged play sessions.
The skirmish is the key to the fun
Despite minor flaws in the campaign, such as the frequently mismatched challenge levels, the Skirmish mode is where the true essence of *Songs of Silence* thrives. Here, players select map dimensions, world types, and solo or team play options before diving into action with one of the three factions: Thousand Kingdoms, Old Race, or Crusade. Each faction offers unique gameplay mechanics and units, with approximately 20 unique units among a total of 115 available in the game. Additionally, players are encouraged to unlock new heroes as they complete various tasks, enhancing gameplay diversity.
Ultimately, the Skirmish mode distills the quintessence of *Songs of Silence*. Players begin with a modest army and a castle, embarking on their first assault to not only level up their heroes—thereby enhancing the size of their armies—but also to capture additional territories, significantly broadening their strategic options. The gameplay quickly evolves into a tactical endeavor where players must nurture their strongholds while simultaneously launching assaults, all while being cautious of enemy counterattacks.
Although Skirmish showcases the highest replayability, one might encounter moments where the gameplay feels repetitive. Addressing this, the defense mechanics are enhanced by the card system, adding layers to the hero’s progression during battles, continuously introducing new units while expanding the player’s overall capabilities.
The richly conceived world within *Songs of Silence*, crafted by Chimera Entertainment, deserves particular mention. Each faction possesses distinct histories and gameplay styles; for example, the Old Race is a conservative faction prioritizing defense, necessitating players to establish connections to an “Anthem network” to secure unique resources, while the Thousand Kingdoms prioritize aggression in their gameplay approach.
Moreover, *Songs of Silence* encompasses two realms—the World of Light and the World of Darkness. Some maps unfold across these varying domains, impacting gameplay mechanics while enriching the game’s atmosphere, punctuated by a compelling soundtrack that elevates each mission with captivating melodies.
The developers have even provided a user-friendly guide detailing essential game elements, encompassing everything from locations and combat to movement, cards, and faction specifics. Notably, the game is equipped with Polish localization, catering to a broader audience.
Is Songs of Silence worth playing?
Determining whether *Songs of Silence* is worth your time is a complicated endeavor. On one hand, the game feels slightly incomplete, sparking a desire for further content during its Early Access period. On the other hand, I genuinely enjoyed exploring the factions and engaging in successive battles.
While the launch showcased limited content—offering only three factions and no additional gameplay modes—what is available can still provide genre enthusiasts with hours of enjoyment. The developers have teased upcoming expansions that promise enhancements to AI and duel mechanics, alongside additional maps, units, skills, and heroes. The current experience is entertaining, and with future updates, it’s poised to get even better.
What are the core gameplay mechanics that define *Songs of Silence* as a unique 4X strategy game?
Ainment, is a testament to their ambition and creativity. Blending various genres, the game allows for a unique gaming experience, drawing players into its depths.
Final Thoughts
After diving into the various aspects of *Songs of Silence*, it’s clear that while the game has its challenges, it shines brightly in its execution of strategy mechanics and its ability to create an engaging immersive world. The campaign mode, despite its uneven balancing and occasional tedium, introduces players to a beautifully crafted universe and narrative—albeit with a few hiccups. Meanwhile, the Skirmish mode gives seasoned strategists the opportunity to flex their tactical muscles, offering variety and replayability that can keep players invested for long stretches.
As we look to the future, the potential for further expansions and updates offers hope for addressing some of the current shortcomings. Chimera Entertainment’s commitment to refining the game suggests that *Songs of Silence* could evolve into a beloved staple within indie gaming.
if you’re someone who enjoys strategy games infused with a hint of role-playing elements and are willing to navigate through some growing pains, *Songs of Silence* could very well become a comforting part of your game library. Just remember: the beauty of the chaos lies in the moments of triumph and failure alike, no matter how serene the silence may seem. So gear up, strategize, and prepare to embark on a captivating journey through this enchanting realm.
