Stonemachia

Honestly, Stonemachia easily earns its massive 90 out of 100 because it’s a masterpiece that a tiny team of just nine people somehow made look and play better than most multi‑million‑dollar games. The only reasons it isn’t a perfect 100 are a few small annoyances, like a camera that gets a bit wonky in tight corners and some clunky menus, but those completely melt away the second you start playing. For an indie game, you’re getting incredible value with forty unique boss fights and a genius chess‑shapeshifting combat system that feels smooth and satisfying. It’s rare to find a game this polished, original, and fun nowadays, so if you love a good challenge, do yourself a favour and grab this immediately. It’s worth every penny.

Stonemachia is one of those games that manages to win you over more with its personality than with its technical execution. The Italian setting reimagined in a gothic key, the chess piece transformation system, and a top-tier soundtrack build a strong and recognisable identity.

Despite these flaws, Crossfall Games has managed to craft a surprising and solid product in every aspect. Stonemachia proves that you don't necessarily need to revolutionize a genre to hit the mark, and that simplifying doesn't mean impoverishing. After all, just like in chess, even the humblest pawn can reach the end and even checkmate the king.

Stonemachia is a game of contrasts. Its striking visual identity and accessible parry-focused combat make a strong first impression, but inconsistent level design, limited customization, and readability issues prevent it from reaching the heights of the genre’s best representatives. For fans of the genre, it will still provide hours of fun – and frustration, which is certainly inevitable in these games. For those approaching it for the first time, I simply say to be patient, because while the title isn’t perfect, it’s not a bad one either. In fact, Stonemachia could be an excellent entry-level game in its genre thanks to its simplicity and more relaxed pace. In conclusion, the game may not be a masterpiece, but whether you’re a veteran or a new player, it’s worth giving it a try.

Stonemachia stands out for its personality, atmosphere, and original ideas. Not technically flawless, yet it delivers a solid, engaging soulslike that leaves a lasting impression.

Stonemachia isn’t perfect. The lore can be difficult to follow, and the challenge level is definitely going to turn some people away. If you’re looking for a straightforward story or a casual experience, this probably isn’t the game for you. But if you enjoy difficult combat, mysterious worlds, and games that aren’t afraid to try something different, there’s a lot to like here. What I’ll remember most isn’t a specific fight or a specific location. It’s the feeling that the game had its own ideas and wasn’t afraid to build around them. The chess transformation system alone makes it worth paying attention to, and combined with the strong art direction, interesting lore, and satisfying combat, it creates an experience that stuck with me more than I expected.

Stonemachia is one of those games that a lot of soulslike players will try to pick up automatically, as they want more content in this exciting genre.

Stonemachia is clearly far from perfect, but it has all the makings of a small cult classic.

Stonemachia works despite these issues because it's ambitious. It's a game that feels like it was made with a clear artistic vision in mind, not just following a list of trends in the genre. There's a lot to like about this game for people who like exciting action RPGs with moody settings.

Stonemachia is the kind of debut that makes me still believe in indie gaming.