# Silversword — user reviews

> 176 indexed App Store user reviews of Silversword by Mario J. Gaida, rated 4.80/5 from 263 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/silversword/id470888383/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/silversword/id470888383.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 234 · 4★ 14 · 3★ 4 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 6

## What do users think of Silversword?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Classic RPG experience
- 👍 Engaging gameplay
- 💎 Excellent value for money
- 🎮 Nostalgic throwback to Bard's Tale
- 🕹️ Challenging dungeon crawling
- 🎨 Charming retro graphics

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔍 Unclear game mechanics
- 🗺️ Confusing navigation at times
- 🕹️ Steep learning curve

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Shop crashes on some devices
- Inventory management issues

**Most requested features**

- Expanded character classes and races
- More detailed tutorials or guidance
- Improved map and navigation features
- Multiplayer or co-op functionality

## Newest reviews (17 of 176)

### 5/5 — Old School Game

*2025-01-11, version 2.9.1*

This RPG is one of the best I’ve played in in a long time. Well developed, very interesting, fun to play. I really like the idea of a multiple Charectors to develope just like the old Great rpgs that are gone. I enjoy playing it.

### 5/5 — Shop Crashing

*2024-12-24, version 2.9.0*

Every time I try to go to the Shop, the app immediately crashes.  Help.

### 5/5 — Great Game

*2024-11-15, version 2.9.0*

I grew up playing computer games in the 80s.  This game brought back great memories.  Very enjoyable.

### 5/5 — Excellent Old School RPG Fun

*2024-10-11*

Lovingly recrafted game style from a bygone era. Not just for those who have played Bard's Tale but anyone who appreciates a D&D style build a party, kill the monsters, loot and level up cycle. 
Maps are well designed with plenty of exploring to do and secrets to find. A very charming nostalgic throwback to 80s and 90s du goon explorers.
(Can't get the link to the item list in the Compendium to work though so currently sitting on a few limited use items I haven't figured out when to use yet...adds to the mystery I suppose)

**Developer response:** Thank you very much! The link is outdated, please visit silversword.gaida.de and follow the wiki link. You'll find the item list there. Mine regards, Mario.

### 5/5 — Amazing game!

*2024-09-25*

For anyone that ever buys gold from the shop check your characters inventory for a bag of gold containing what ever amount you bought. Use the item and you now have your gold. I’m sure there is probably something that tells you to do this but I over looked it. As for the game gold isn’t really something you need to buy I just had a bad encounter with 7 skeletons after starting and my rock crawler died. I didn’t want to spend all my gold getting a res so I bought a bag of gold. Completely addicted to this game bought the expansion, the compendium, large storage expansion and the bank transfer. I’m all set (and I’m 9,500 gold richer after the res of my rock crawler). This game is absolutely amazing! Barely starting out and I’m already finding hidden things! 100 hours? I have a feeling it will be a lot more then that for me! This game, Dungeons of Chaos, The Quest (and expansions), Quest Lord , Pathos and Lootbox are my favorites for mobile.

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for your kind words :-) best regards, Mario.

### 5/5 — Everything I hoped and more!

*2024-03-20*

When I was a kid, I played bards tale on my Commodore. This game is better than that. It is really addictive. I love it so much. Thank you!

**Developer response:** Thank you very much! Kind regards, Mario.

### 5/5 — Viel RPG für wenig Geld

*2024-02-03*

Mehr RPG gibt’s glaube ich nirgends für so wenige Euros.
Teilweise echt herausfordernd, aber im Forum gibt’s zum Glück Walkthroughs.

Habe gerade die Erweiterung beendet (und wirklich lange gebraucht), es war großartig! Danke dafür!

**Developer response:** Vielen herzlichen Dank! :-) Beste Grüße, Mario.

### 5/5 — Great vintage RPG look and feel…

*2023-12-14*

I love this game. It definitely has the old school Bard’s Tale I look and feel. The gameplay is challenging but not overwhelming. The dungeons are fun and a bit tricky. You do have to grind sometimes to level up but not to an annoying level. You don’t have to buy anything to finish the game but some of the in-game purchases are helpful and inexpensive. The expansion is just as good, with a new class and new skills to learn, thus keeping the gameplay fresh. I know I sound like president of the Silversword fan club but this game is a ton of fun. Wish there were additional expansions. Thanks!

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for your kind words 😀 best regards, Mario

### 5/5 — Such a great game, again and again!

*2023-07-22*

If you enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, Wizardry, The Bard’s Tale and similar, you will LOVE Silversword!  I start a new game every year, just to replay with different character choices and strategies…and I have been playing this on and off for 11 years!  Terrific story, awesome game mechanics, and amazing journey support from forums moderated by the developer!  I wish a million people played this, so we could support the developer to make a follow up or another expansion!  My dream would be this game allows for multiple players to play online together…one day Mario…get it and start playing - you will love it!

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for your support :-) perhaps... one day... ;-) kind regards, Mario

### 5/5 — It’s me again

*2023-07-14, version 2.8.3*

This is @chrlpolk from the Silversword forums.  Yep, I’m running through this game again!  Just as fun as the first time through years ago.

### 5/5 — Incredible, unique. One of a kind masterpiece.

*2023-07-04*

This extraordinary game truly deserves recognition. While it may have been styled to be similar to games likes bards quest, it goes beyond and creates its own world. Make sure you have bard in your party because the song they play also becomes the background music. Plus their songs are useful, for example one allows you to avoid random mobs while traveling (not bosses or key mobs). Turn it off if you want to grind, play it if you feel like traveling safely. The character creation is really beautiful and deep and you could spend hours figuring out how to perfect characters. Every character class is unique and useful. Unlike many games where you’re better off finding the best build, this game rewards a diversity of party members who serve different roles. My favorite party is Human Paladin, Dwarf Bard, Gnome Warrior, Hobbit Rogue, 2 Gnome spellcasters, and an Elf Hunter. Some people may prefer leaving a spot open for summons or temporary monsters that will join your party. That’s a lot of fun but not as powerful as another party member. In expansion, the warrior becomes the Dragoncaller. Note you are free to remove/add party members in town so make as many as you want and try them out! There is nothing lost by creating a character you don’t like because you can easily make knew ones and store your old ones for later.

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for your kind words :-)  Best regards, Mario.

### 5/5 — Wonderful

*2023-06-03*

Definitely brings back nostalgia for the old Bard’s Tale. Fun game so far. Beginning is a little tough if you take the random characters. Also choose the “modern” mode instead of classic. Super A+++ would buy again! Only thing is that online mentions a compendium to buy, and I can’t find where in the app or app store to buy it. 🤷‍♂️

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for your kind words. After buying the Compendium via the shop, you can switch to it on the manual screen. Best regards, Mario

### 5/5 — Bard’s Tale and Wizardry feel

*2023-05-29, version 2.8.3*

Great game, interesting story and characters, fun items and spells/skills, and many areas to explore.

### 5/5 — So nostalgic

*2023-02-15, version 2.8.3*

I just discovered this a few days ago and have already played for hours.  What a beautiful tribute to my favorite game ever, Bards Tale.  Thank you!!

### 5/5 — Bestes Klassisches Bards Tale

*2023-02-13*

Das wollte ich und das habe ich bekommen!

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank 😊 Beste Grüße, Mario.

### 5/5 — Give this developer an award NOW!

*2023-02-07, version 2.8.3*

This is an ABSOLUTE gem! Im planning on purchasing EVERYTHING in the game to support this dev. Also, is there a Donate button? As a huge fan of Bards Tale, I see something way better! Thank you!

### 5/5 — Great nostalgia with classic setup

*2022-12-27, version 2.8.3*

Thoroughly enjoyable game with lots of old school feel.   Problem solving, grinding, etc.  Great job!  Hoping for the flooded isles expansion!

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — No go

*2025-06-23, version 2.9.3*

It’s only 3 bucks but grab a coffee instead .

### 1/5 — Not worth it

*2023-12-08, version 2.8.3*

That little window is actually the whole amount of world you see it doesn't get any bigger, that text screen is usually just empty. I deleted it after playing five minutes.

### 1/5 — Problème de traduction

*2023-02-28*

Je n’arrive pas a avoir les textes en français,malgré l’option langue en français dans les réglages…la fin de manipulation m’échappe désespérément

**Developer response:** si tu me donnes plus de détails, je pourrai peut-être t'aider. La langue est changée après le redémarrage du jeu.

### 1/5 — Deutsch

*2021-05-19*

Lässt sich nicht von englisch wechseln. Nur weisse Seite. Update Ich hätte die Rezension vielleicht auch geändert wenn der Entwickler hier nicht so reagiert hätte. Dann lösche einfach das umschalten der Sprache ingame wenn es nicht funktioniert.  Oder da einfach einen text rein das es in den Systemeinstellungen zu finden ist. Sorry das man das hier erklären muss.

Update. 
Funktioniert auf 2 Geräten nicht. 
IPhone 12 pro und iPad pro 2019

**Developer response:** Die Ursache liegt in weißer Schrift auf weißem Hintergrund, das passiert mit manchen neueren Geräten. Wird mit Update 2.8.2 korrigiert. Viele Grüße, Mario.

### 1/5 — Not worth your time or money

*2020-02-15, version 2.7.5*

A poorly implemented rip off of The Bard’s Tale.

Every change from that game that the creator has made has resulted in a worse game.

Not worth purchasing.

### 1/5 — Silver sord

*2020-02-09, version 2.7.5*

Fun old rpg style game
Got spoiled by auto maps tho
I change my review, there is no way to rest and heal
That makes it unplayable

### 1/5 — Frechheit

*2018-10-14*

Zwar bin ich davon nicht betroffen, allerdings habe ich durch den letzten changelog erfahren, dass eine Arbeit an der VoiceOver Implementation nicht fortgeführt wird. Ich finde das menschlich eine Frechheit, dass Behinderte und blinde spiele sowieso kaum Möglichkeiten haben, auf mobilen Endgeräten vollwertige Spiele zu spielen, und sie mit ihrer instängstirnigen Art so eine weitere Möglichkeit beenden, blinden Spielern ein RPG zugänglich zu machen. Da bin ich doch mal gespannt was applevis und der accessibility support von Apple dazu sagen.

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback.

### 1/5 — Horrible

*2017-11-25, version 2.6.1*

This app is completely terrible and nobody should get it. Screw you!!!

### 1/5 — Ridiculous

*2015-01-15, version 2.5.0*

How can u possibly compare this to Bards Tale?! Definitely not worth paying for!!

### 1/5 — Grosse daube !

*2013-02-05*

Oui ! Grosse daube, lente et grotesque qui n'a rien a faire sur une liste Rpg en 2013. Cette App aurait fait un carton sur minitel ...

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — I wish there was more passionate old school rpg makers like this guy

*2026-07-18*

thankyou for this

**Developer response:** Thank you very much :-) kind regards, Mario

### 5/5 — Sehr liebevoll gestaltetes RPG!

*2026-07-12*

Ein schönes klassisches Rollenspiel, welches viele Stunden Spielspaß bietet.

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank! 😊

### 5/5 — Amazing RPG

*2026-01-04, version 2.9.5*

I love classic RPGs like dungeon master, bards tale, Grimrock.  This game was amazing.  Just finished the main game and the expansion today.  Entertained me for months.  Thank you for creating this game.  Much appreciated.

### 5/5 — Dungeon Crawler RPG

*2025-10-07, version 2.9.5*

A very fun, old school style, RPG. So far it’s a blast! Worth buying.

### 5/5 — Love it

*2025-07-14*

Any turn based jrpg/roguelike/dungeon crawler with retro graphics is a must buy for me. Couldn’t get it faster. Really well done only thing I wish the direction arrows didn’t cover information but that’s extremely petty and no big deal. I do wish I had more explanation and little guidance on classes and how it all works because every game is different. Buy it!

**Developer response:** Thank you very much! Drag and drop the arrows from the upper right to any place where you like, this might help. For more information visit the wiki or the discord. Regards, Mario.

### 5/5 — Endlich ohne Abstürze beim Kaufen

*2025-05-23*

Das Spiel ist altbacken, nun das bin ich auch. Bisher konnte man Zubehör mit absoluter Sicherheit nur mit Abstürzen des Spiels tätigen. Die Herausforderung, kurz vorher den Shop verlassen und Speichern. Dann ging’s von von vorne los.
Kaufen kann man mittels der beim Kämpfen erbeuteter Münzen zum Gegenstände die man selber verwendet oder verkauft, im Shop.
Schade nur das kein weiteres Level kommt. Sicher würde ich es Kaufen, denn Optionen gibts reichlich im Spiel. Das mache Dinge nur zu lösen waren wenn man Spiele noch vom PC her kennt ist schade, aber wozu gibts denn ne Suchmaschine.
Ach die Hilfe ist auch wieder sinnvoll verlinkt.

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank! Beste Grüße, Mario.

### 5/5 — Truly spectacular

*2025-05-14, version 2.9.3*

What is better than exploring a vast world with a party of adventurers including a minstrel playing magical songs?

### 5/5 — Classic Fantasy RPG Experience

*2025-04-21*

I love this game. As a fan of the first Bard’s Tale, I was hoping to rediscover that experience that was so engulfing when I was younger. Silversword did exactly that! I found the gameplay easy to handle. The graphics are cool and the dungeons are challenging. There is a fair amount of grinding (like every decent RPG) but not too excessive. Can’t recommend this one enough.
One last request: Mario - make more, please!! I’m pretty sure the “Dragons” expansion was leading to another challenge (see the Forgotten Isles map). Please make more content!!! Thanks.

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for your kind words 😀 best regards, Mario

### 5/5 — Absolutely love it

*2025-04-09, version 2.9.3*

The most entertaining game I’ve played on the iPad. It’s really similar to old Bard’s tale games and has a depth of play that I’ve never seen on an iOS game. The extra $3 for the compendium is well worth it to support the developer and encourage more games like this.

### 5/5 — Another ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ review

*2025-02-26*

I spent two hours crawling through the App Store looking for a good dungeon crawler and couldn’t believe Silversword was way down at 140-something! I’ve reviewed Silversword before, but Apple asked me to review it again, so here goes: BEST MONEY I EVER SPENT AT THE APP STORE! Look, I see the appeal of a couple of the games above it, like Baldur's Gate, but all of them are too dark, with overly complicated interfaces and show you your characters from above. Silversword's graphics are simple but well designed, the controls are well designed, and you see things from your own point of view (first person). It’s obvious that the developer plays the game himself! It costs a cup of coffee, unlike some of the others — a great value, and no big deal if you decide you don’t like it. So buy it!!

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for your kind words! Best wishes, Mario.

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*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 2026-09-11.*