The Dwarves

King Art Games

Rank: #4 / 7
Released: 2016
Studio: King Art Games
Genre: role-playing video game

At a glance

The Dwarves is a fantasy role-playing game from King Art Games, released in 2016. It follows Tungdil on a journey across Girdlegard, a world ranging from snowy peaks to deserts. Based on Markus Heitz’s novel, the story includes exploration, optional puzzles and choices on the world map that can have far-reaching consequences. Its battles are real-time and tactical: a small group of heroes faces much larger forces, and players can pause to plan. There are 15 playable heroes, each with individual skills, while the battlefield’s creatures interact physically in crowd combat. The game is single-player, with Steam achievements, full controller support, Family Sharing and Remote Play on TV. It is listed for Windows, Linux and macOS on Steam, with Classic Mac OS also included in its broader platform listing. King Art Games developed it; THQ Nordic and EuroVideo Medien published it.

Who it is for

It suits players who want a story-led fantasy RPG with tactical real-time battles and a large world to explore. The pause-and-plan combat may appeal to players who prefer to consider their moves during fights.

What is good

15 playable heroes with individual skills.
Pause battles to plan tactical moves.
Explore Girdlegard and solve optional puzzles.
World-map actions can carry far-reaching consequences.

What to know first

Single-player only.
Battles pit a few heroes against hundreds of foes.

Verdict

The Dwarves centers on tactical, pausable battles and a story-driven journey through Girdlegard. Its single-player focus and outnumbered fights are defining parts of the experience.