Unique Combat System: The game features a dynamic combat system that emphasizes parrying and allows players to switch between different chess piece forms (Pawn, Rook, Bishop, Knight), each with unique abilities and playstyles.
Art Direction and Atmosphere: Players praise the stunning visuals, creative level design, and atmospheric settings inspired by Italian folklore and biblical themes. The environments are described as captivating and beautifully crafted.
Soundtrack: The music is highlighted as a standout feature, with many players expressing a desire for an official release of the soundtrack due to its quality.
Engaging Boss Fights: The game includes a variety of well-designed bosses that challenge players without feeling overly frustrating. Many reviews note the fun and creativity behind each boss encounter.
Exploration and Secrets: Players appreciate the rewarding exploration, with many secrets to discover and a design that encourages careful observation of the environment.
The main cons of the game
Technical Issues: Some players report glitches, camera issues, and hitbox problems, particularly during boss fights, which can disrupt gameplay. The screen shake effect during hits can also obscure visibility.
Limited Character Progression: The game lacks a traditional RPG-style leveling system, with all stats increasing simultaneously upon leveling up, which some players found unsatisfying. There are no equipment or item systems, limiting build variety.
Difficulty Balance: While many found the game challenging yet fair, some players felt that enemies, particularly bosses, could be damage sponges, leading to frustration rather than fun in certain encounters.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
Fast Travel and Map: Players have expressed a desire for a fast travel system to revisit areas and a map feature to help with navigation.
More Depth in Combat Mechanics: Some reviewers wished for a more intricate combat system that included stamina management or a wider variety of moves and abilities.
Localization: There are requests for translations into different languages, especially for non-English-speaking players, to enhance accessibility.
New Game Plus and Additional Content: Players are eager for a New Game Plus mode and additional content to extend the game's replayability and challenge.
Summary
Overall, while "Stonemachia" is celebrated for its originality, engaging gameplay, and artistic vision, it also faces criticism regarding technical performance and depth in gameplay mechanics.