Heroes of ruin is not likely to get a sequel. A look into the reasons behind this and the consequences that stem from our actions of what we chose to buy.
To buy or not to buy? Often times we are confronted with this dilemma. A game comes out in a genre we like, but were not sure of this particular game. Heroes of Ruin was recently cited as “not likely to get a sequel” based on sales data. When asked in an interview with Super Phillip if he was satisfied with the sales and thought there might be a sequel, Dan O’Leary said “No, we’re not satisfied with the sales. The 3DS attach rate is… challenging at best and it seems that, for all its promise, Heroes of Ruin did not appeal to enough of the installed base. I am super pleased with what we made and would love to return to the genre one day, but I fear that Heroes did not have enough commercial impact to justify a sequel.” The interview, which is a good read with lots of insight to this and other games, was eye opening.
When we look at information about the game the first thing that hits us is the following.
- Create your FEARSOME alliance.
- Develop your own mercenary.
- Embark on a personal adventure.
- Experience something new every day.
The screen shots are beautiful to look at as well.
Watching the trailer for the game, it seems to pull you right in. I was intrigued with the option to get a new challenge every day and over all the game looks to be pretty good, if you like this genre. Heroes of Ruin is considered an action RPG and has decent reviews. It offers 4 player co-op where you can voice chat with fellow players and trade items. With downloadable daily challenges, the game offers immense replay value.
I recall a similar game that, while it wasn’t a sequel, was never released here. An action RPG that seemed to have a lot of promise. I, of course, am referring to Pandora’s Tower. Yet another Action RPG that, at least here in North America, we were unable to enjoy. I can’t help but wonder if this is a theme. Do we not have the love for this genre that we used to? Think back to Castelvania. People loved this game! Darksiders? Diablo?? Some of these aren’t exactly Action RPG’s and of course console wise I am all over the place, but they are similar. Is there something about Heroes of Ruin that led to people choosing to pass it up? Going along with this line of thinking, I am inclined to ask this: does the console a game is released on effect your choice to buy the game or not?
When we like a certain genre, we need to support it. Of course, I am not saying to go out and buy everything that is available even if you wont play it. That would be absurd. When we’re given games that at least on the surface look to be very appealing and then we don’t buy them, what message does this send? Would we be more likely to get a wider variety of games if the sales numbers were better? It is also interesting to regard what constitutes good sales numbers. This would vary from company to company I am sure.
In closing, I ask you this: have you played Heroes of Ruin? If you have, did you enjoy it? If you didn’t purchase it, what was the reasoning?
