Get down on some perfect plundering with a simple yet effective turn-based RPG called Pixelot! Customize your character and save the world!

Pixelot is a classic turn-based pixel-art RPG with a massive array of recruitable characters, playable classes, and a huge library of items, monsters, and dungeons. Kyle Berger, the game's solo developer and publisher, made Pixelot in his free time over the course of five years. The resulting game demonstrates that Berger not only knows what gamers want but how to deliver it. Pixelot first showed incredible promise as a mobile game, and now the full PC version really takes the plunge into a wonderful, fully-polished world.

GRAPHICS 7.2/10

The most critical thing I have to say about this game is that the graphics are a bit primitive. While I’m generally a fan of pixel sprites, it was hard to tell certain human enemies apart from each other. Characters and NPCs had a little more motion and detail during fights, but overall I found them a bit lifeless. This did not turn me off of the game as a whole though, as graphics mean almost nothing to me when it comes to a game's entertainment value. Have a bit of patience and you will have a huge world to explore and save.

SOUND QUALITY 9/10

The soundtrack for Pixelot is an insane mix of epic fantasy music and face-melting guitar riffs. I always wonder why there isn’t more great metal music during boss fights, so I am really glad this game stepped up to the plate to challenge the norms of RPG battle music. The quality of the score is amazing and checks all the necessary boxes, from deep, ominous bass to bright trebles and everything in between. Trumpets leading the orchestra in a major key gives the overworld music a fantastic adventuring vibe. Subtle bass provides a creeping sense of dread when traveling through forests and caves, and a sparkling score in the ice area really takes me back to similar winter-themed regions in other RPGs. Overall, Pixelot has a wonderful fantasy rock’n’roll fusion score.

GAMEPLAY 9.6/10

Pixelot proves you don’t need anything fancy to make a turn-based RPG work. Battles are quick, don’t feel forced, and waste no time giving the player exactly what they want: gold and experience. Over twenty playable characters and four main party members allow for a ridiculous amount of party combinations and multiple play-throughs. I caught myself playing eight hours non-stop trying to become more and more overpowered with new weapons, armor, and relics. Each item has something for specific characters to take advantage of, from bards and reapers to healers and berserkers. The game’s easy-to-learn interface makes it a cinch to try out every spell and skill so you can maximize your party’s efficiency, and the ability to upgrade all your equipment from the inventory screen also gives you freedom you don’t see a lot in retro RPGs. I love min/maxing in RPGs, and Pixelot does this perfectly. 

CHARACTERS 9/10

I am a huge fan of the main characters’ uniqueness and their simple hero’s journey, but even the NPCs have their own personalities and unforgettable, quirky lines. Every time I went into battle someone would make some sort of joke or obnoxious pun based on the enemy’s name or class. The entire adventure is riddled with groaners, but I would expect nothing less from a game created by a dad. The main antagonists are a great addition to the story as well. Other RPGs tend to stick to an easy formula when it comes to villains, but Pixelot’s baddies don’t feel rehashed in that way. Overall the dialogue was a great experience, and I even laughed a few times at the “awful” dad jokes.

STORY 8/10

Pixelot’s story is simple and straightforward: collect the crystals that are appearing in response to an evil force looming over the world. This is a classic storyline in retro RPGs, but Pixelot’s execution is strong and clean. The transition from a chipper and happy beginning to a dark and desperate ending really shows the development and emotional journeys of the characters. Side quests don’t affect the main story, but instead provide additional story content, weapon and armor upgrades, and of course, extra gold. Upon reaching level 60, you can try your hand at the arena for a boss rush or more tactical battles with smaller but just as epic enemies. 

OVERALL 8.7/10

Pixelot has something for every RPG-lover to enjoy: decent pixel-art graphics, incredible sound quality and score, compelling and fascinating gameplay, unique and humorous characters, and a classic story to sink your teeth into. My favorite takeaway from this game is the massive amount of replay value and post-game appeal. I was hooked into this game from the get-go, and it is absolutely worth a play-through. I would expect nothing less from a solo developer who poured five years of hard work and dedication into something he is truly passionate about. 

Pixelot was released on March 31st, 2021, and is available now on Steam. A mobile version is also available on the Android and Apple stores. The reviewer received this game for free.