Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar

Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar is a classic-style, turn-based dungeon-crawling RPG set in a high fantasy world. Developed over twenty years by Golden Era Games, the game emphasizes deep, complex systems and traditional mechanics, offering players a challenging experience focused on strategic combat, intricate spellcraft, and extensive exploration within its meticulously designed subterranean realms.

Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar: Review

Introduction

Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar is a game that defies conventional timelines. Conceived in the mid-1990s and released in 2017 after over two decades of development, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic dungeon-crawling RPGs. Developed by Cleveland Mark Blakemore under the banner of Golden Era Games, this title is a love letter to the golden age of turn-based fantasy adventures, drawing heavily from the likes of Wizardry and Might & Magic. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its reception, ultimately assessing its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar’s development is a saga in itself. Cleveland Mark Blakemore, a programmer with a background at Sir-Tech (the publishers of the Wizardry series), began work on Grimoire after the cancellation of Wizardry: Stones of Arnhem. Disillusioned with the project’s management, Blakemore embarked on creating his own vision of a classic dungeon crawler. The game’s development spanned over two decades, marked by numerous setbacks, missed deadlines, and a failed Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign in 2013. Despite these challenges, Blakemore persisted, releasing the game on August 4, 2017, after securing a spot on Steam Greenlight.

The game’s development was constrained by both technological and financial limitations. Blakemore worked largely in isolation, relying on a custom engine and hand-drawn 2D graphics that harken back to the 1990s. The gaming landscape at the time of its release had shifted dramatically, with modern RPGs favoring real-time combat and 3D graphics. Grimoire’s unapologetic embrace of turn-based, first-person dungeon crawling made it a niche title, appealing primarily to hardcore fans of classic RPGs.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Set in the fantasy world of Hyperborea, Grimoire’s narrative revolves around the Metronome Mysterium, a lunar clock created by the White Owl to maintain peace. As the clock begins to unwind, the player must locate nine hidden tablets to restore balance to the world. The story is rich with lore, blending traditional fantasy tropes with whimsical and surreal elements, such as interdimensional babies and alien bounty hunters.

The game features a branching narrative with multiple beginnings and endings, influenced by player choices. Dialogue is context-sensitive, allowing for deep interactions with NPCs. The writing is witty and often humorous, with a narrator who provides commentary that adds to the game’s charm. However, the lack of a manual and the game’s steep learning curve can make the narrative challenging to follow for newcomers.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Grimoire is a turn-based, first-person dungeon crawler that controls up to eight party members. The gameplay is heavily inspired by Wizardry 6 and 7, featuring grid-based movement and tactical combat. Players can choose from 14 races and 15 professions, each with unique skills and attributes. The game offers over 1000 items, 240 enemies, and 144 context-sensitive spells, providing a vast array of strategic options.

Combat is turn-based and tactical, with players setting up actions for each party member before executing them. The game features a complex lockpicking minigame and numerous puzzles that require both exploration and problem-solving skills. The UI, however, is often criticized for being cumbersome and outdated, with some players finding it unintuitive and slow.

Character progression is deep and rewarding, with skills and spells improving as characters level up. The game also includes a spirit bar mechanic, allowing for additional customization and strategy. Despite its complexity, the lack of a tutorial and the game’s unforgiving difficulty can be daunting for new players.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Grimoire’s world of Hyperborea is a richly detailed fantasy setting, blending traditional fantasy elements with surreal and humorous touches. The game’s hand-drawn 2D graphics are reminiscent of classic RPGs, with a colorful and vibrant art style that fits the game’s tone. The MIDI soundtrack, composed by Ellsworth Hall, complements the game’s retro aesthetic, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of RPGs.

The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by its detailed environments and the inclusion of atmospheric sound effects. The world is filled with secrets and hidden areas, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. The game’s map system, complete with auto-walking and auto-healing features, helps mitigate some of the tedium associated with classic dungeon crawlers.

Reception & Legacy

Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s ambition, depth, and faithfulness to classic RPG mechanics but criticized its outdated UI, lack of a manual, and steep learning curve. GameStar awarded the game a 30/100, citing its unfinished state and user-unfriendly design. However, RPG Codex ranked it #22 in their “Top 101 RPGs of all time for 2019,” highlighting its deep gameplay and challenging combat.

The game has developed a cult following among hardcore RPG fans, who appreciate its old-school approach and the sheer amount of content it offers. The game’s legacy lies in its defiance of modern trends, offering a purist experience that harks back to a bygone era of gaming. Its influence can be seen in the resurgence of interest in classic dungeon crawlers and the appreciation for games that prioritize depth and complexity over accessibility.

Conclusion

Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar is a labor of love that successfully captures the essence of classic dungeon-crawling RPGs. Its deep gameplay, rich world-building, and unapologetic embrace of old-school mechanics make it a unique and rewarding experience for fans of the genre. While its outdated UI and lack of a tutorial may deter casual players, those willing to invest the time will find a game that offers hundreds of hours of challenging and engaging gameplay.

In the annals of video game history, Grimoire stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic RPGs and the dedication of its creator. It may not be a perfect game, but its ambition and depth ensure its place as a notable entry in the dungeon-crawler genre. For those seeking a true old-school RPG experience, Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar is a must-play.