# Fateful Lore — user reviews > 58 indexed App Store user reviews of Fateful Lore by Stonehollow Workshop LLC, rated 4.40/5 from 104 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fateful-lore/id1508856272/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fateful-lore/id1508856272.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 71 · 4★ 17 · 3★ 4 · 2★ 6 · 1★ 6 ## Newest reviews (14 of 58) ### 4/5 — Charming and fun *2024-02-01, version 2.1* A delightful little Dragon Quest 1 pastiche, it's got good music, funny writing, and enjoyable RPG gameplay. My one issue is that much like DQ1 the game is rather short, and once you've played through once there isn't much to discover on subsequent runs. ### 4/5 — Great game but the d-pad needs a serious update *2022-09-23, version 2.0* It’s impossible to move with press each direction individually. It would be a lot better if you could fluidly go in whichever direction without lifting your finger ### 4/5 — Fun and short, like my roommate. *2022-08-27, version 2.0* A hobbyist's homage to the rpg games of the NES, this game is fun and a real bargain if you don't pay. At times it will seem like you're not getting anywhere. You aren't. ### 5/5 — Great Game! *2022-03-01, version 2.0* It can be beaten in about 8 hours! I have heard some people complain about this game in different forums. It’s not perfect, it’s not the best, BUT it is really really good. I enjoyed it and wish there were more, Lol! Thank you for a good game ### 4/5 — Final Fantasy 1 *2022-02-11, version 2.0* Total throwback to the original NES Final Fantasy. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is that the movement is a bit slow. Would be nice if there was a gameplay speed option. Takes awhile to get around in the game. If you could go faster it would make it a lot more playable in less time. Played FF1 & 2 on a NES emulator that had the speed option so you could cover five times more ground in the same amount of time. Other than that gameplay graphics and storyline are awesome. Also is great that it is a completely offline game. I don’t get WiFi or cell service where I work so that was a big selling point for me. If you like old school rpg’s this game is for you. Takes me back to a time when games had to be fun since graphics and stuff hadn’t evolved. Another great thing is that you only have to watch videos when you die. ### 5/5 — A BIG Thank you! *2022-01-15, version 2.0* This game is great. Takes me back to the hand held game that I played in the service when I was deployed overseas in the 90’s to help with the boredom and fear. It really is a joy to play. Well done. ### 5/5 — Amazing *2021-12-20, version 2.0* Best way to wait for the bus. ### 5/5 — Ending *2021-11-12, version 2.0* Finished the game in 6 hours. It was fun but I wish I could keep playing after the final boss. I saved right before the fight so I guess I could keep on playing and not beat the final boss, but I would like to be able to just grind and level up for no reason. There is no option to keep playing, it just says “The End.” Can you make an update that allows for gameplay after the final boss? ### 4/5 — Fun, but I encountered a critical issue *2021-10-25, version 2.0* The game is a fun and colorful homage to classic RPG style games, and it does its job incredibly well. So far, no glitches or turn-offs, (but one I’ll get to in a second) and the quality is great. It’s funny and unique, but I’ve been suffering through a glitch that prevented my progress. I’ve gone through multiple quests, but the hint bar in the inventory is stuck on me searching for the Wizard. That is my only problem. The game is grind-heavy, and level centric. It’s good for killing free time. ### 5/5 — Great game *2021-08-28, version 2.0* I played through this in around 8 hours. Funny dialogs and entertaining. I hope they make another one. ### 5/5 — A game with little to no ads *2021-08-04, version 2.0* Reminds me of NES games I use to play. Simple and easy to play. Developer did a great job! ### 5/5 — Basic Classic Retro JRPG Fun *2021-07-28, version 2.0* This is a fantastic simple JRPG that is a throwback to the top-down 8-bit era. It is simple in many ways: there’s only one hero (no party members like mages, healers, archers, knights, etc.), no classes of people (you are who you are!), no side quests, no clear way I found to guard against effects like being poisoned and paralyzed by enemies (I’d usually just load up on potions). That said, this is an incredibly fun and rewarding game in terms of retro rpg gameplay. I’ve played quite a few retro rpgs and this may be my favorite. The battle gameplay is good. The quest is straightforward. Not a lot of wandering around figuring what to do next. That said, there are people to talk to in each village, along with some good humor and Easter eggs. And of course treasure chests to find, which is always satisfying. Most of them require a little bit of looking but none are impossible to find. Controls are great: simple directional d-pad with just a few buttons to push. The text windows fit well in this retro vibe. The land is very well laid out. Good variety of mountains, forests, plains, sand, etc. Settlements are neither too close nor too far away, and there’s a good mix of caves and dungeons to explore and such. More great features: immediate save option (as well as an auto save), good progression of weapons, armor, enemies, etc. Simple use of potions and spells is great. Ads are about an unobtrusive as I’ve seen in a free iPhone game. Good options for exploration (without getting lost; it’s pretty easy to find your way around the land) and some grinding (not too much but just the right amount). If you’re looking for a few hours of classic retro JRPG fun, or would like to get introduced to the classic retro rpg, it’s hard to think of a better option than this gem of a game. ### 5/5 — A must have classic *2021-06-26, version 2.0* Dragon Quest and Earthbound are among my all time favorite games with DQ being my favorite ever. This game is basically a mash between the two. A cartoony but warrior esc style and some funny enemies. Amazing game great job dev. People wanna give games it less stars based on personal issues with what they like instead judge it based on the actual quality. No bugs it is polished for an 8 bit inspired game. Only complaint would be the mana. Way to weak for the cost. Also would love aesthetic attack animations it would keep me addicted longer but dev just know in my mind you made your masterpiece and I hope you take take good care and or even add to it. I would love to hear a Fateful Lore 2 coming. Developer please add controller support the virtual pad is great and one of the best but I would be more immersed if I could use a controller. ### 4/5 — Solid Retro Fun *2021-06-01, version 2.0* I find myself playing this game a lot more than I expected. That’s better than any review I could write. I only gave it 4/5 because of the lack of a map, and no quest log. I know that makes it more true to the retro feel, but some traditions just aren’t worth preserving. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — The path of ads. *2021-11-30, version 2.0* Not a fan anymore. You made the choice to use ads and I made the choice to quit playing. Bye. ### 1/5 — Paid game turned into free game with ads *2021-04-24, version 2.0* I paid money for a game that now has ads. They say the ads are non-intrusive, but I just got a full-screen video ad. How is that non-intrusive? Plus there’s a lot of information that the app gets from you which is horrible for privacy. Why does a single player game need this? ### 2/5 — Dragon Quest 1 clone *2023-01-12, version 2.0* Similar to the original Dragon Quest (Dragon Warrior, to the West). Only one character (no party) and lots of grind. Advance to the next area, grind again. It just plain tedious and unfulfilling. ### 2/5 — Needs a map *2022-04-16, version 2.0* Due to lack of available maps in game or on an internet search I am stuck. Really frustrating. And you walk a bit too slow. This game is very similar to Dragon warrior on NES. ### 2/5 — thin on content *2022-01-30, version 2.0* The design and format of this game is charming and reminds me of fantasy adventure games of the 90s, but with no map or journal/ log, and not even a compass to indicate what direction your avatar is moving, play becomes tedious quickly. The selection of monsters is quite repetitive and the storyline has almost no progression. ### 2/5 — This game is not good. *2021-12-17, version 2.0* This game is too grind heavy and even WITH THE BEST GEAR AT THE MOMENT. You still somehow lose? Also why did you just not give like ANY info at all to let us know if the enemy is at low hp. Also one minor issue, the many boss battle is a little too hard cause you can just stuck in an infinite chain of being paralyzed and getting attacked until u die. Please make the game less grind heavy and or make the enemies easier. Games aren’t supposed to JUST kill time, their about having a fun time. ### 2/5 — It's okaish *2020-10-14* I'm 2 hours into this game and I'm at The Many boss in one of the towers. Very annoying thing about bosses in thing game is that they don't have mana/energy restrictions and when they cast blind or paralyze, it gives them 2 turns value for one move and they can do it endlessly. You either go in these fights over leveled and packed with pots or you can go fck yourself because they have ridiculous hp bars which you can't see. Introduce mana restriction for bosses or reduce skill usage and show hp of enemies. ### 2/5 — Nothing special *2020-05-23, version 1.7* Very repetitive. These kinds of games typically are, but the good ones keep you invested with good storylines and/or unique mechanics. This has neither. Way too expensive for what it is. ### 3/5 — Good game! *2021-06-21* I just finished it today. I really enjoyed this game. Maybe the battle-system wasn’t too spectacular and the bosses not too different. But still, I had a lot of fun, really good game. Nice work!😉 ### 3/5 — enjoyable but very light *2021-01-27* I enjoyed playing this but felt it began to drag towards the end as the lack of depth became more obvious. Pros: * Cute story * Nice interface * Well animated Cons: * Barely counts as an rpg (no meaningful choices in character advancement, equipment, or story) * Repetitive combat with minimal tactical decisions * Longer than it needed to be ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Stonehollow made such a great game *2024-08-27, version 2.1* When is sequel?!!! ### 5/5 — Amazing and Complete *2024-08-08, version 2.1* Awesome pixel puzzler. A complete game. Enjoyed twelve hours of game play. Note they mean it about taking lots of potions (25 of each)! Satisfies. ### 5/5 — Like a mini Dragon Warrior *2023-07-07, version 2.1* Great game that looks and plays like a mini Dragon Warrior. The enemies are quirky and interesting, reminding me somewhat of the humor of Earthbound. I was able to complete the game in a few weeks. Satisfying game. ### 5/5 — Controller support *2023-04-10, version 2.1* I love the game! Controller support would take it to the next level though. ### 5/5 — Great Game *2023-03-02, version 2.0* I will say that it reminds Me a LOT of the old Legend of Zelda games because of the storyline and evrything, I just recently downloaded it and already love it ### 5/5 — Transcendental *2023-01-14, version 2.0* This game stands with a very select few mobile games that are absolutely deserving of praise. It is not a graphical masterpiece, the story is relatively basic… that’s kinda the point it’s a total throwback. This game achieves its goals perfectly. It is the perfect game for what it is. 5 stars easy. Best 5ish hours I’ve ever spent mobile gaming. ### 5/5 — Beautiful game *2022-12-24, version 2.0* I’ve yet to beat it I’m only at level 13 , the map reminds me of dragon warrior an battles remind me of earthbound . The graphics are really good there’s nothing I can really say that’s a negative . Great job ### 5/5 — Love it :) *2022-12-19, version 2.0* i became unreasonably happy after seeing the grave that said "here lies link" ### 5/5 — Throwback Fun *2022-09-22, version 2.0* Reminds me of FF1 and Dragon Warrior. It took me about 7.5 hours to get through. I loved the save anywhere option. Straightforward gameplay, decent music, decent storyline. Good game. ### 5/5 — I love this game! *2022-06-12, version 2.0* Reminds me of the original Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Earthbound in its gameplay. Fun retro-style graphics and awesome retro-style music! Definitely a must play! I hope it gets ported to Evercade or the Switch in the future, I’d buy it! :D --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*