GreedFall Review – A Hidden Gem of Colonial Fantasy RPGs
When GreedFall first launched in 2019, it slipped under the radar for many RPG fans who were busy with bigger-budget releases. Developed by Spiders, this AA studio title offers a unique blend of fantasy, politics, and exploration. While it doesn’t quite reach the polish of a BioWare epic, GreedFall carves out its own identity as a colonial-era RPG rich in choice, atmosphere, and moral dilemmas.
Story & Narrative
Set in the 17th-century-inspired world of Teer Fradee, you play as De Sardet, a diplomat and explorer caught between factions of settlers, natives, religious zealots, and mercenaries. The central conflict revolves around Malichor, a deadly plague ravaging the continent, and your mission to seek a cure while navigating political intrigue.
The narrative excels in its morally gray choices. Rarely are decisions black and white; siding with one group often alienates another, making your alliances and reputation feel weighty. While the main story doesn’t reinvent RPG storytelling, the richness lies in faction quests and companion arcs, where loyalties and betrayals shape the outcome.
Playability
GreedFall wears its BioWare inspirations proudly: branching dialogue trees, companion loyalty systems, and multiple quest resolutions. Combat blends melee, firearms, and magic in real-time, with a tactical pause option for those who prefer a more strategic approach.
That said, combat can feel stiff and repetitive over time. Enemy AI is serviceable but not particularly dynamic, and animations lack fluidity. The progression system, however, is satisfying—whether you spec into charisma, alchemy, or brute force, your build meaningfully impacts how you approach both battles and diplomacy.
Graphics & Atmosphere
Visually, GreedFall punches above its weight for a mid-budget RPG. Teer Fradee’s environments—lush forests, fog-draped swamps, and ornate colonial cities—exude a distinct atmosphere. Character models and facial animations, however, show the game’s budgetary limits, especially during close-up conversations.
Where the game shines is in its art direction. The colonial-fantasy aesthetic is underexplored in gaming, and GreedFall leans into it beautifully with detailed costumes, muskets, and ornate architecture. The world feels grounded yet mystical, a refreshing change from typical medieval or sci-fi RPGs.
Music & Sound
The soundtrack complements the atmosphere with sweeping orchestral themes and moody, ambient tones. It never overshadows the gameplay but subtly reinforces the setting. Voice acting is competent, though uneven—some companions feel fully fleshed out, while others suffer from flat delivery. Sound design in combat—musket fire, clashing steel, magical blasts—has a satisfying weight.
User Experience
From a UX perspective, GreedFall offers accessibility through flexible difficulty levels and adjustable playstyles. Menus and inventory management are functional but clunky, and quest tracking sometimes lacks clarity. Load times can drag on older hardware, though modern patches and versions have improved performance.
Despite these hiccups, the experience is rewarding for players who enjoy exploration, dialogue-heavy RPGs, and the freedom to roleplay their character through choices that matter.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unique colonial fantasy setting rarely explored in RPGs
- Deep faction-based storytelling with meaningful choices
- Flexible builds that impact combat and diplomacy
- Strong atmosphere and art direction
- Companions with engaging backstories
Cons:
- Combat can feel stiff and repetitive
- Limited enemy variety and weak AI
- Facial animations and some voice acting lack polish
- Clunky menus and occasional quest-tracking issues
Final Verdict ★★★★☆
GreedFall may not have the blockbuster polish of a Dragon Age or Witcher title, but it delivers where it counts: narrative depth, player choice, and a refreshingly original setting. For fans of story-driven RPGs hungry for something different, it’s a hidden gem worth discovering.
by Lokhi | 9 September 2025
