Crowntakers

Fun little tactics game with decent enemy logic to (generally) target your weaker characters. Not much replay value after completing, though it is easy enough to go back and complete all achievements ... at least those in Normal mode.
I played Normal mode, where your characters (main character and mercenaries) retainer their experience level with each play-through. This was challenging up until the characters get to around level 7-8 (with a max cap of 10), at which point you can pretty much breeze through the game using potions.
You still have to take care that your main character doesn't get ganged up on and die, but using some careful movement and potion-usage, you should be fine.
Hard mode, where the experience level of each character is not retained, was too challenging for my interest. I supposed it could be done, but I'm someone who just wants to enjoy finishing the game and moving to the next, so I shifted to Normal after about five attempts.
Enemies are decently varied, with melee, armored, life-stealing, ranged and some degree of counter-attacking and sneak attacks. Same goes for bosses.
Game is pretty intuitive. Very much pick up-and-play-and-die-a-few-times to get the hang of it. A full play-through in Normal mode took me about 30-45 minutes -- again, after getting my preferred characters up to level 7-8.
I enjoyed Crowntakers. Doesn't require a huge amount of thought. So fun for simple play and knocking one off the game library backlog.
6/10

It's pretty good, tough a little bit easy (even on normal). There is no hard difficulty, only easy and normal. The DLC ads more replayability but makes the game somewhat easier. The story is... well there is nearly no story at at all. Also if you want (steam) achievements, you must get the dlc, as 50% of the achievements are "locked" behind the dlc. I got it for 2€, and it was definitely worth it.

I had a solid 8 hrs of Fun with this game.
i bought it on sale for like 4€ so that's 100% worth it.
Not the best game in terms of variety, but definitely worth to buy on sale

(game not completed review at 1.1 hours of gameplay, part of my review all my games effort)
(short version)
A charming rogue-like tactical turn based combat game that takes skill and some luck to play. Although I've only played it for an hour I'm looking forward to playing it further at $10 this game is priced perfectly for what you get.
(long version)
I honestly don't think I need a longer version at this point... when I've played further I will probally write one but for now if you're in the mood for a rogue-like that's going to keep you entertained at $10 Crowntakers is a good match.

Crowntakers is a compact yet ambitious blend of turn-based strategy, light RPG progression, and roguelike structure, developed by Bulwark Studios and published by Kasedo Games. Rather than relying on a scripted fantasy campaign, the game builds itself around replayability—every journey through its medieval world is procedurally generated, reshaping maps, enemy placements, available companions, shops, events, and opportunities. The premise is straightforward: the rightful king has been imprisoned, and you, a chosen hero, must travel across hostile territory to rescue him before time runs out. It’s a familiar setup, but the urgency created by a looming countdown gives weight to each decision, creating a sense of momentum that pushes the player forward rather than encouraging excessive grinding.
The overworld is laid out across hex-based regions that players move through one tile at a time, revealing new locations—villages, caves, ambushes, quest markers, merchants, and resource nodes. Each step consumes time, and every passing day strengthens enemy forces, giving exploration a strategic cost. Do you detour toward a shrine that might grant long-term power, or conserve resources and head straight toward the next objective? That balance between curiosity and caution shapes the entire experience. The roguelike randomness means no two runs unfold the same way, and early-game fortune—or misfortune—can dramatically influence party composition and resource availability. Crowntakers never pretends to be perfectly fair, but it does reward adaptability.
Combat takes place on a smaller hex grid, where positioning and turn order matter as much as raw statistics. Each hero and mercenary has defined strengths—archers excel from distance, warriors hold choke points, rogues dart behind enemies to land critical strikes, and mages manipulate the battlefield with disruptive abilities. Battles are brief but tactical, forcing players to evaluate terrain, prioritize targets, and minimize incoming damage since healing items and rest opportunities are limited. The simplicity of the system makes encounters easy to grasp, yet thoughtful enough that missteps can quickly spiral into disaster. Losing a companion stings, not only emotionally but strategically, which reinforces careful play rather than reckless aggression.
Progression is handled through incremental upgrades—leveling characters, improving gear, learning passive perks, and acquiring consumables that can turn the tide of battle. Shops, smithies, and special encounters offer chances to enhance the party, but gold is scarce, and choices must be made with long-term survival in mind. Different biome types introduce unique enemies and hazards, preventing monotony and ensuring that strategies which work early in a run may falter later. Crowntakers encourages experimentation by locking additional mercenaries behind certain milestones, giving players a reason to return after failed attempts. Because of this structure, a failed run rarely feels wasted; instead, it becomes a learning opportunity that contributes to future success.
Visually, the game adopts a stylized, colorful look that is both readable and charming. Characters and environments are cartoonish without feeling childish, and the clean user interface makes managing information effortless. The music and sound design are modest but pleasant, supporting the adventurous spirit without overpowering the strategic focus. This accessible presentation helps the game appeal to newcomers while still offering enough tactical nuance for seasoned strategy players. The lighthearted art direction also softens the sting of permadeath, making failure feel like part of the journey rather than a punishment.
However, the same randomness that fuels replay value can also create frustration. Some runs begin with unfavorable encounters, scarce healing, or unlucky combat positioning, making defeat feel inevitable. Enemy reinforcements scale over time, and the game’s internal clock pressures players into efficiency rather than exploration, which may conflict with the natural desire to fully engage with RPG systems. The AI can occasionally behave unremarkably, and the tactical depth, while enjoyable, does not reach the sophistication of larger genre staples. Crowntakers sits in an interesting middle ground—deeper than casual strategy titles but not as fully realized as heavyweight tactical RPGs.
Despite these limitations, Crowntakers succeeds at delivering a strategic adventure that respects the player’s intelligence and time. Runs are concise, progression is satisfying, and the constant tension between risk and reward keeps decisions meaningful. It is easy to pick up for short sessions, yet addictive enough to encourage multiple attempts in a single sitting. The game’s approachable design, hex-based combat, procedural worldbuilding, and accessible price point make it a compelling recommendation for players who enjoy roguelikes, tactical RPGs, or turn-based strategy infused with unpredictability.
Crowntakers may not redefine its genre, but it carves out a distinct identity—brisk, replayable, challenging, and spirited. For those willing to embrace chance, think tactically, and learn through defeat, it offers an engaging adventure worth returning to again and again.
Rating: 7/10

I received a key as part of the Yogscast 2021 Jingle Jam charity fundraiser. Thank you for working with a great company, supporting a bunch of deserving charities and helping some really great causes.

A nice little gem here. You can't linger or tarry on normal difficulty, though...