Reigns

Rating: 4.5	Downloads: 1,000,000+
Category: Card	Offer by: DevolverDigital

Reigns is a critically acclaimed, award-winning game developed by Decon Industries that masterfully combines puzzle elements with narrative storytelling. It falls into the unique category of interactive fiction with strategic decision-making, where players assume the role of a monarch making choices that shape their kingdom’s fate. The gameplay is particularly interesting because each choice has consequences, often resulting in the sudden death of the player’s character if poor decisions are made consecutively.

The Reigns experience is defined by its minimalist aesthetic with charming pixel art, simple yet effective sound design, and an engaging, story-driven approach. Players will appreciate the game’s compact size and the fact that it’s entirely playable in under 10 minutes per “day” or life. However, the true appeal lies in the replayability, as different choices create branching narratives and endings that keep players coming back for more, seeking different outcomes and uncovering new story possibilities.

Gameplay and Features

• [Core Gameplay Loop]: Players assume the role of a king or queen who must make rapid-fire decisions presented vertically on screen. Each choice affects the protagonist’s health, with poor choices gradually wearing down their life force while good choices temporarily restore it. The objective is to survive as long as possible while making difficult moral and practical choices that impact the story.
• [Visuals or Art Style]: The game features minimalist, charming pixel art with a limited color palette that effectively conveys different moods and situations. Simple animations enhance the storytelling, while the interface maintains a clean, user-friendly design that doesn’t distract from the narrative.
• [Modes or Levels]: Reigns offers a single linear story mode with approximately 30-40 days of gameplay, featuring branching paths and multiple endings based on player choices. The game is entirely single-player and emphasizes replayability through the different outcomes available based on decision-making patterns.
• [Controls or Interface]: Gameplay relies on simple touch controls (or mouse clicks on PC) with intuitive on-screen buttons for decision choices. The interface presents each decision clearly at the top of the screen, with the player’s health status prominently displayed below.
• [Customization or Power-ups]: As players progress, they earn crowns that can be used to temporarily power up specific character traits or skills during gameplay. Certain choices can also lead to permanent upgrades for future playthroughs.
• [Any Special Systems]: The game includes a “Save” system where players collect crowns to store progress between sessions. The health decay system creates a sense of tension, as each poor decision chips away at the player’s ability to survive.

How to Play

Beginner’s Guide:

• Step 1: Download the game from the appropriate storefront for your platform and launch it. The game will start automatically with the introduction sequence.
• Step 2: You’ll be presented with your first decision. Read each option carefully, considering the consequences before making your choice. Your health bar will decrease slightly if this choice is unfavorable.
• Step 3: Continue making choices that balance short-term benefits with long-term survival. Collect crowns earned throughout your reign to save progress or unlock new content. The game ends when your health reaches zero, after which you can restart to try a different path.

Pro Tips:

• Select “Health” choices whenever possible to extend your gameplay session, even if they seem mundane or unexciting.
• Pay attention to recurring themes in the dialogue and choose options that align with your playstyle to discover different endings.
• Use your crowns strategically to power up positive traits before facing difficult situations that test your character’s resilience.

Similar Games

Game Title	Why It’s Similar
ZORK Series	Shares similar narrative depth and interactive fiction elements, appealing to fans of story-driven decision-making games.
Undertale	Applies the story-first approach combined with strategic choices, though with a more combat focus than Reigns.
Skyrim	Popular among fans of “Reigns”. Has comparable gameplay and replay value, though with a much larger scope and world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a single playthrough take?
A: Most players complete their first playthrough in 1-2 hours. The game consists of approximately 30-40 days worth of gameplay, each day featuring a set of 5-7 decisions.

Q: Are the endings randomized or are they based on specific choices?
A: Reigns features a complex system of branching narratives where your choice patterns significantly influence the endings, rather than just individual decisions.

Q: Can I revisit earlier days to see different endings?
A: No, once you complete a playthrough, you cannot revisit earlier days. Each new playthrough requires you to make fresh choices.

Q: Are there any microtransactions or pay-to-win elements?
A:Reigns is a 100% free-to-play game with absolutely no microtransactions or pay-to-win mechanics – all achievements are earned through normal gameplay.

Screenshots