Check Out: Stoneshard

[@Kyrkby]

Can't wait until the game is released in 2037.

[@grey_wulf]

Right? LOL

[@FretboardToAsh]

Yep, the game looks great and has been my primary example of why not to buy early access.

[@tpfraden7249]

These things… they take time.

[@R3TR0JVN]

7 years tops being real

[@zeronikku3549]

Just play The Doors of Trithius instead. It's updated way more regularly.

[@ashuggtube]

Sounds like a table-top RPG where the DM hates your guts but your parents and their parents have said you two have to play together 😄

[@AyarARJ]

I haven't gotten far into the vid, noting some "nope" flags, was going to stop it early. But then I saw this comment. Now I must watch the whole vid.

[@GreenOne01]

I don't think this is far off 😂

[@grabeck666]

I can't recommend Stoneshard enough. Game is beautiful. There is attention to detail in every aspect. Its hard, and yet every build is viable, highly customisable and different in meaningful way in terms of gameplay. And even besides build you have so many options of traps, throwables, consumables etc. Sure, updates are rare. There is no denying that. But every update makes so many changes that it often feels like new game. Not to mention that the one that just dropped was the biggest one BY FAR. It not only overhauled many already existing aspects of the game but also added few additional separate activities. Damn, and I already have like 900h in this game.

[@NotXsoXoptic]

Always reminded me of Graveyard keeper but without the single narrow vision that gave Graveyard keeper it’s identity

[@RethShannar]

Some thoughts from someone who's put far too many hours into the game. - Survival is binary at lvl 1, and lvl 1 is brutally hard. Each level (and cash infusion) makes it a little easier. - Injuries and condition kick in far more once you reach a point where survival is no longer binary. I find this happens between lvl 3-5, depending on how lucky you are with the loot and which character you start with. (Some of them start with decent armour) - I've found I don't have a problem with the save system- It's nothing that I don't end up doing accidentally in any RPG I play. If anything, the fatigue system makes it less likely that I forget to save and just push on. - If you're struggling with the save system, invest in the survival tree after you've got a couple of combat abilities and clear camps around the map. If you're struggling to find camps, talk to random people and select the "have a chat/any news" options. - The caravan makes the resting problem less of an issue, since you can park the caravan (and the safe save tent there) on the next map over from a dungeon.

[@kolosmenus]

Also, taking a bedroll with you on the way to a dungeon to save before entering saves a lot of time

[@rotm4447]

I dunno man, the game is really barely even fun even after you deal with the nonsense tedium.

[@anthonyfaccaro7118]

​@@rotm4447Then this genre isnt for you. Its not a spam one button game. Sorry, not sorry.

[@rotm4447]

@@anthonyfaccaro7118 Enjoy your empty screen walking simulator and 3 dungeons. People should stop giving it infinite slack just because its small dev and should be way better than it actually is.

[@RethShannar]

@@rotm4447 Honestly, just sounds like it's not the genre for you. People who aren't you actively enjoy the game, you don't... so don't play it. I prefer the slower pace and the need to play smart rather than clicking madly. A good metric for people on this channel is Wrath of the Righteous. If you enjoy playing that on turn-based and core or higher? Good chance you'll enjoy Stoneshard. As for slack, the devs found themselves living on either side of a war halfway through development. I trust I don't have to explain why that might slow things down.

[@michaelhand4246]

This game is awesome. The art direction and attention to details is way better than it has a right to be. The music is grounded and beautiful. Dealing with all the game systems is like a giant puzzle to figure out. Single player RPG with a splash of Tarkov management. The Save system never bothered me because I treat each sleep-save like a fresh run. If you die, it’s like hardcore but way less punishing because you start back to when you woke up that day. Highly recommended this game.

[@TheGroszber]

The game starts as a peasant adventure simulator. Very ambitious eastern european game, hope they get the support to continue. The difficulty could be dowmtunable..

[@jonsible]

I'm gunna pronounce this game "Stones Hard" and you can't stop me

[@SemperSalam]

Game def has a lot of potential just not sure it will ever be completed.

[@drshinobi3979]

A good tip if youre not making your own bedrolls is to clear out small bandit camps, then you got future saving spots you can visit on the way. Same goes for friendly lookout points etc. This game is all about prepping since its also a survival game. Its a genius mix the devs been cooking and i love it. Also this game is pretty deep and its not only what you see is what you get. Heck the game even has its own banking system along with services ^^

[@KnightRiderDDR]

The saving system is one of the things that most players complain about because life happens and sometimes you need to stop playing and do something else. But if you are not near a save point then you either have to keep the game open or quit and start from the last save point and loose your progress which in some cases can be an hour or two lost. The explanation the devs gave is that there is just too much things to save (items, enemies and their states) and that is why you cannot save everywhere. Even when you save in an inn you only get to keep your items,experience, completed quests and the world otherwsie resets. However since you are in a safe area it doesn't feel so obvious. If you are able to save in tje middle of a dungeon where you have eliminted a bunch of enemies and then you start the game again and you spawn surrounded cause they have respawned it will be a much different experience. I am not sure what is the engine limitation about saving the states of the objects at least in your immediate area but I guess if it was technically possible it would have been implemented since this is the main issue pointed out in the Steam reviews too and it would have benefitted the overal reception of the game.

[@Jraox]

there is save on exit now. Has been for a while too. You press save and exit then the game starts where you left of.

[@KnightRiderDDR]

@@Jraox Thanks for the info. Haven't played for a while. Will give it another try and see how it works now.

[@AyarARJ]

@@Jraox Good info. Since lack of customer friendly saving is major red (now yellow I guess) flag. Thanks.

[@neo_child]

Save on Exit is a thing now as stated but there is more ways to save as the map is more condensed, more camp spawns, you now have a Caravan to plant directly next to the dungeon if you so choose and several ways to rest. If you have issues and struggle with dungeons eating half your supply before you are done, you can honestly just leave. The dungeons don't exactly reset unless you were gone for several days so you can pack it up and continue the run after resting. The entire comment is woefully outdated and has been addressed and patched looooooong ago. Wish you can update your original comment to reflect this

[@krisgeo]

This video is spot on to my feelings about the game. Stoneshard is a great game hidden behind a frustrating save system, if you can get past that and you are okay with the long development time

[@foolgharsalten9497]

StoneShard’s save system represents a thoughtful balance between the punishing elements of roguelikes and the accessibility of traditional RPGs. It manages to retain the stakes and tension that make roguelikes so compelling, where every decision matters and death carries meaningful consequences, while also offering a practical safety net that avoids the complete reset of progress seen in more traditional roguelikes. This system is particularly notable because it encourages strategic gameplay without undermining the sense of risk. Saving at inns or using a bedroll requires careful planning, with the added dynamic of bedrolls allowing wilderness saves at the cost of a potential ambush. This creates a risk-reward mechanic that keeps players engaged and on edge, even during moments of rest. It’s a system that doesn’t diminish the challenge but instead complements it by making every choice-from when to save to how far to push your luck-more impactful. What’s truly commendable about this approach is how it blends the thrill of roguelike tension with the flexibility of an RPG. Players aren’t punished so harshly as to erase all their progress, but they also aren’t given the unrestricted freedom of saving anytime, anywhere. This strikes a harmonious middle ground, ensuring the game remains challenging while still respecting the time and effort invested by the player. In this way, the save system allows for meaningful experimentation and exploration, while maintaining the high-stakes atmosphere that roguelike fans value. It’s not about catering to any specific audience but rather about creating a well-rounded experience that embodies the best of both worlds. The result is a game that feels fair yet demanding, accessible yet uncompromising-a perfect mix of roguelike intensity and RPG depth.

[@jimbodice2672]

I got this game early 4-5 years ago. It's fun but just seems like it's never going to end.

[@Baraz_Red]

I have not played yet, but you can save now in caravans that you can move and you can carry a sleeping bag to save. EDIT: I am also informed there is a Save and Exit feature now too! So it is possible to have a savepoint near the area you are taking risks at. // I bought it to support them, but I am waiting a bit, though it seems (I think as an observer only) in near-release state now.

[@PiiskaJesusFreak]

Wow, this sounds like a more modern and visual take version of adom. I need to try this, thanks! Even the save system sounds really good to me. The added possibility of saving in the inns seems nice. Losing only an hour of progress instead of 10+ seems neat, as I've grown much less hardcore with age .

[@szymond2302]

I wonder if this will be released before Star Citizen

[@veespa_]

Reminds me of the Yoda’s/Indiana Jones’ Desktop Adventures. I feel like the only person that loved those games as a kid lol

[@A9Wag]

I love that you’re checking this out. It’s one of my favorites of all time. It’s unforgiving, but utterly unique and beautiful. It deserves more attention!

[@Kroeghe]

I was listening with one ear and then I glanced at the screen and seen the graphics. Neuron activation. Target locked. I really like her mane.

[@Kaedevirus]

I've bought and played this game for a bit on the 9th of February 2020. Thought it was fun, but decided to let it cook a bit longer, thought I'll finally play it once the character creation is added. Well, it's been nearly 5 years now.

[@TheHeartThatRunsCold]

Playing caves of qud right now, and oh boy sandbox rpgs are unmatched in their brutality and satisfaction of conquest.

[@TheAxebitten]

I 100% agree with his points. I wish the save system would be an option. Other than that, this is such a niche game, with so much attention to detail.

[@NahuelPavano]

You should try caves of qud. It hit then 1.0 release afger 17 years of development.

[@MICKEYrenraw]

the save system should be the recommneded way to play/save but NOT the only way

[@batrider2985]

I'm definitely gonna pick this up at some point, but I'm going to wait till it's had a little more time in the oven.

[@susaac9755]

Did they add the character creator or at least new character options yet?

[@grabeck666]

Seeing how many people ask about it, I'd assume it will be moved in priority to 'asap'.

[@alexanderhorsfall]

I think the game is currently worth its price. It’s very tough and rewarding. All the characters are fun and varied.

[@tobiastheblueman]

Long time coming. Glad to see they're still chugging along on the game, regardless of how slow it has been

[@Dsonsee]

My experience with the game (said as someone who likes it) is that every single encounter can leave me dead or on the brink, so I avoid all unnecessary fights, always bring at least a net with me, and spend most of my money earned on supplies to ensure victory on my next contract. Even then, I die every once in a while and it hurts 😢

[@nwahally]

Stoneshard has popped up numerous times in my YT feed. TBh. I grow less and less interested the more I hear about it.

[@enfangelo]

I bought this when it was released in EA. You could only save when sleeping at the inn. No campfires, bedrolls, saving when quiting... It put me off completely and told so to the devs. One of them replied that they would add some more options. I guess they did. But it's still too punishing for me. I'm not a kid with hours to kill anymore...

[@kayes4540]

I have been wanting to suggest this to you for a long time as I conside it a great game and was looking forward to your opinion on it! Almost like a christmas wish come true. I think some of the achievements are quite time-consuming (finish skill tree x...) so maybe there will not be a 100% video on it 😅 looking forward to watch your video tonight, keep it going!

[@dr_ubo]

May you wander in wisdom Mort! As for today’s KZbin jazz comment: There’s 3 games I think you should cover sometime and those are Moonring, XCOM 1&2.

[@MortismalGaming]

I have covered moonring

[@3xAmazing12xFresh]

Really need to add steam deck compatibility.

[@repskillian1313]

played this around 3 years ago for about 10 hours and really liked it.

[@Stefan-xt5sk]

I wish you could play with a party of multiple characters. As a solo adventurer, it's incredibly punishing if you get disabled, crit, etc and escaping from a fight is often almost impossible. That coupled with the save system has often made me lose larger amounts of progress. With multiple characters, you could somewhat balance that and have them cover for each other.

[@chocopuddingcup83]

I've been watching it for 4 years and waiting on custom character creation. It's going to be a while. The game seems nice but it's VERY rough around the edges and needs some major quality of life issues fixed.

[@ohdubwest7533]

I was an early supporter of the game and I’ve honestly had a lot of fun with the game. The save system is kinda frustrating, but it’s passable. As far as the slow development, the devs had to relocate as a result of the war in Ukraine, so … yeah. War has a way of messing with timetables.

[@looneypersoney]

My tip for anyone playing this: savescum, my blood pressure rise when i've done a lot and died and i forgot to save

[@cavalettibnu3488]

true, allways "rest" in a bed everytime you can after some dialogues xD

[@Notsram77]

Nothing says "this game is in a good place" like players advising that you exploit the game to not ragequit.

[@SemperSalam]

How though? You can barely save progress unless you have a bedroll or rent a room.

[@looneypersoney]

​@@SemperSalam most inn is cheap, if you don't have money just use caravan

[@hectormackenzie4091]

@@SemperSalam Make a copy of the exit save somewhere, your desktop for example, and then copy it into your Stoneshard character folder for your current character when you die. This works and, without it, the game is far too annoying to play.

[@coconutologist]

Thanks for the video. So, like, there's much ado in this game? JKs. Onward to 400k. All glory to the algorithm.

[@jamiedavies3810]

I've had this on my wishlist for years. I was tempted to pick it up, but now I'm not so sure.

[@SuperLocrian]

Thanks Mortym!

[@Phosphophyllite524]

hoping and praying you look at Caves of Qud at some point cuz it comes from a similar branch of the genre but has fully released as of this month (after 17 years of development) and (imo) solves a lot of the issues you mention here as a result, with a world and setting that is unfathomably deep.

[@samimiettinen5539]

This game is great, and I hope will be... And I love the art style

[@kostyasaushkin2450]

I have 300 hours in the game, and it's a fascinating experience. It's hard as hell, you need to have the right mindset to play it, but it's so rewarding. Also the save system is just stupid 😂devs love it too much to be healthier for all of us.

[@maxmustermann-hx3fx]

Looks awesome but the negative reviews worry me a bit. So I'll probably wait until it is out of early access or has a few more content updates. Probably getting into Caves of Qud in the meantime.

[@R3TR0JVN]

ngl looks like a must have game for my steamdeck

[@OvercastMetal]

will become one of the best rpg ever made when released

[@davidhlavac3998]

Hope I will be still alive when it happens

[@OvercastMetal]

@@davidhlavac3998 I doubt it will ever happen, but i'm sure your grandchildren will love it

[@smeartyke]

If* released

[@jimbodice2672]

In the year 2045. Hope to be still alive by then.

[@Madosatoshist]

Stoneshard is The Cathedrals of games. Takes centuries to build but they're world wonders.

[@papajoots]

This is on my list but I've burned a few to many times by early access. The moment I can I will mod out that save system, I really don't have time to screw around with kind of thing.

[@Krunk_VT]

aye! i remember recommending this too you! glad you finally checked it out.

[@Zero_Zone.]

I initially read this game title as "Stones hard." 😂

[@rofflesvanwagon]

Such a great game. I will be trying the new update soon.

[@hisvin]

Can you do a video on "Caves of lore", it's an indy RPG with some interesting mechanisms. A lot of love in that game by the only one developper.

[@oreganoregan5947]

I just bought this before this video was released. It is brilliant but brutal

[@grandlancer]

I've had this game since the launch of EA but, never really gelled with any of preset characters and have been waiting for the character creator

[@argonaut_jay]

I've really been wanting to play this but I refuse to buy it until the devs give us custom characters. They've been saying they're going to for a long time yet still we haven't got it. It'll stay in my wishlist until we get that promise.

[@DamenJoost]

It's a fun game, pretty brutal. I'm curious where it's gonna end up.

[@pendantblade6361]

Adding this comment in the unlikely attempt to convince Mort to do guide videos for Stoneshard when it comes out.

[@chaseyork3131]

I will second this. I love playing with Two-Handed weapons, especially makes, hammers, flails, etc.

[@dinckelman]

I’ve tried this game a couple years ago, and i don’t think any other game has made me change my opinion this fast. I was hooked after the prologue, but as soon as you get into the actual game, i practically lost all interest. It’s brutally and unforgivingly difficult, to the point where it’s not even a “get good” situation, but just a sorry i don’t care enough to figure this out scenario

[@warriordx5520]

It's literally super easy if you're playing normally. Permadeath is the "brutally difficult" part.

[@1ButtonDash]

the game has a crazy amount of content, now, the ones complaining it's "not finished" probably have barely played it at all. there are so many skill tree's that you can sink hundreds of hours into this game creating different characters so I really don't get people's main complaint that's it's still in beta.

[@clifcorcoran9917]

Updated Stoneshard KZbin Jazz 🎶

[@espirite]

I just had my eye on this but was turned off by the steam comments and reviews that all day the game development is insanely slow and light on meaningful content.....or that it will ever get finished. It does look great though.

[@AzureTheSky]

I've added it to my wishlist a good 7 or 8 year ago when they promised a character creator. As far as I know the game still doesn't have one. I check their Steam page every year or so, the game seems to be in a pretty sorry state.

[@ItsaMeGo]

The Demo was incredibly promising, what they changed it into from there instead has been a okay.

[@LesageSinging]

The save system is a no for me. Aint no one got time for that. Shame too. Seems like it could be a real gem.

[@Balorng]

Ok, "unforgiving difficulty", "hardcore", "multiple game systems", "caravans"... "International game studio"? *looks inside* From S.Peterburg, right. Gives me early 2000th nostalgia big time😢

[@ThePMMpc]

not a game for me, but i appreciate the artistic style

[@tuxedoblackfoot]

This game is super worth it. It's not for everyone, but if you think you'll like it, pick it up now.

[@Hathur]

The save system is why I tried.. then refunded the game. I am 45 years old, I don't want games that don't respect my free time, which is scarce enough as it is.

[@NeutroniummAlchemist]

Can you move the screen with WASD? Having to move the screen with the mouse only is rather annoying.

[@onatgz]

free comment!

[@danburke6568]

I own it, but last year still no where near ready. Again still looks miles away, could be good but longer the wait, the more unlikely. The development is so slow. The game is 40% finished at most. Oh the dev's could release it at 60% finished but that a kick in the head for us waiting.

[@RadCommieGamer]

With all due respect, good sir, you said it yourself: game IS hardcore and coming into a hardcore game complaining that it's hardcore is kinda counterintuitive. It's like playing Tarkov and complaining that it's ballistics are hard to learn or that it has no map, while you have an option to go play Call of Duty. Is there other games of it's kind that are more easy, but still fun and complex? Yes. So it is just what it is and you either take it or you don't. I also understand that it is your job to review this game and point out not only it's good sides but to be honest to your viewers and I thank you for that and for your work on that video. I really liked it and will wait for a more full review of this game and hopefully a review after 100%.

[@spacechemsol4288]

Adding an option so more people might enjoy the game takes away from you being a total badass for playing the hardcorest of games? This attitude is one of the reasons for the recent Mixed rating, so you guys enjoy your circle j..k while i spend my money on a different game.

[@maxrobe]

@@spacechemsol4288 Agreed. I really would like mahjong to be more like dominoes.

[@JWar-]

@@spacechemsol4288 Do you also go to black metal concerts and nicely ask the singer to do clean vocals and turn down the distortion so your grandma can also enjoy the music? Spend your money on a different game is exactly right, everybody wins.

[@Floating.Point.]

​@@spacechemsol4288why are you throwing a tantrum because the authentic Mexican restaurant isn't serving nachos, chili, and hard shell "tacos"? If you wanted Taco Bell, go to a Taco Bell. This game knows exactly what it wants to be and there is a market for it... You're not part of it. Accept it and move on.

[@ItsaMeGo]

Ah, the "git guds" are here, yay.

[@loffredabernardes]

Bro pleeease play some battle brothers... you gonna love it thou I doubt you can reasonably 100% it

[@mohamedfaroukelewa5905]

just abuse the exit save ..... make a backup of it

[@Raptoriago]

i really misunderstood this game for a more rpg/city buider esc game :P

[@TheGronkus]

Gronk!

[@rlm81yt]

I disagree on the importance of the mechanics such as injuries, pain, fatigue, etc. On the early dungeons they are easy to deal with, but when you get to T3 and above you really have to engage with the mechanics, as dungeons are much longer and there are extra modifiers such as blocked exit (you need to find a lever) and poison gas (makes you be intoxicated). You really need to come prepared with consumables, and even then you may be forced to fight with progressively worse debuffs.

[@plubog]

Is there still no save? no way am buying a game with no save system. Caves of Cud saves when u quit. Life's too short to play games without a backup save

[@mariusskrupskis2042]

yes im trying to lern and play this game... it has allot thing i like, BUT the things i dont like are as HUGE, its a food management and hardcore rng. Lack of tacticaL OPTIONS, LACK OF THINGS TO DO AT MY CURENT LVL.

[@joxxla]

I mean I love ultima 3 so this can't be worse 🤣 checking for sale

[@devastatheseeker9967]

Stone's Hard

[@JeanLucPicard85]

It's my understanding that the game was designed as a roguelike more or less and its save system is quite generous in that context.

[@georghuttich7473]

I|ve been interested in this game for a while now, but that sort of save system is an instant turn off. I dont have as much gaming time as i used to and losing an hour or more in progress due to RNG or Trial and Error mechanics or just my own fuck up is just not acceptable for me in a game like this. A game needs to either respect my time or the death in itself needs to be an engaging part of the game (like in a rogueliite). Until this is made optional this is going to remain on my watch list.

[@julienserriere2395]

2020 since the early access a long time? Don't look at project zomboid XD Or some other game :P

[@MrRomulus23]

This would be a fantastic game if the createors weren't so stubborn about the horribly stupid save system which forces all players to basically play in hardcore mode. I bought this years ago, but refuse to play this until I can freely save my game and not lose hours of effort because I couldn't save in a dungeon (or whereever). I WANT to like this, but unfortunately I can't.

[@elfaroncarnot]

They relented somewhat by adding save on exit. In early versions, you could only save at the inn or a bedroll lol. I only started playing it a lot after they added save on exit. I agree with adding free save, though, so that more people can enjoy this gem!

[@Daniel2374]

To prevent save scumming, which is good. Often in a hard game with dungeon rewards that could take away the fun out of the gaming, when the game is balanced based around the hardcore aspects. When u play a harder game u might get frustated, but u will feel much better with each achievements along the way.

[@MrRomulus23]

@ its a single player game, there are no cheaters are scammers taking anything away from your fun, when I can save anywhere I like.

[@Daniel2374]

@@MrRomulus23 u seem to lack the knowledge of what's save scumming. Anyway, there are games that don't have an "easy" mode, because they entertain a certain mindset that makes it far more rewarding to learn and become good at the game. Sekiro could implement a bullet time (ala Max Payne) in order to deflect the blows, would It take away from the challenge? Ask urself...

[@jardelainen8278]

The game is too hard to be enjoyable and no difficulty options availabe

[@francescogreggio6712]

Awesome game with an obnoxious save sysem that wastes your time. Get the SaveShard utility/mod to make it playable for people who don't have unlimited free time.

[@MB-oc1nw]

Won't be playing it unless they allow you to save at will....nothing worse than losing hours of progress because of stupid save systems

[@TK-zd7ym]

I hate this game so much, to my very core.