Tails of Iron
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About Tails of Iron
Tails of Iron is a turn-based adventure RPG with platforming elements developed by Odd Bug Studios. Released in 2021, it casts you as Redgi, a rat prince determined to reclaim his throne after it’s seized by the Iron Frog warlord. The game blends tactical combat with simple platforming, set in a whimsical yet gritty world filled with quirky characters and brutal battles. It’s a single-player story where each death resets the fight, pushing you to adapt strategies. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Switch, it leans into indie charm while demanding skill. The elevator pitch: a tough-love RPG where your choices and reflexes shape the rat-kingdom’s fate.
Gameplay
Combat in Tails of Iron is turn-based but requires quick reflexes. You spend Action Points (AP) on actions like attacking, parrying, or using items, with each move draining resources that regenerate over time. Battles force you to time dodges and parries precisely, or enemies exploit openings. Platforming sections are basic, focusing on avoiding hazards and navigating terrain. Between fights, you scavenge items and interact with NPCs to fuel progression. The game’s difficulty spikes often, death resets the battle but preserves your progress in the level. Sessions often end in frustration or triumph, with each retry teaching new patterns. The lack of permadeath lets you grind resources, but the challenge ensures every fight tests your strategy.
What Players Think
Tails of Iron has a Metacritic score of 82, reflecting praise for its tense combat and unique setting. The PlayPile community rates it 72% Positive, 21% Mixed, with 7% Negative. Players average 17 hours, though 37.6% of its 36 achievements are unlocked overall. The rarest, "A new Warchief rises," is claimed by just 4.3% of players, tied to a late-game boss fight. Reviews highlight the game’s addictive difficulty and satisfying payoffs, with one user writing, “It’s like Dark Souls for rodents, annoyingly tough but rewarding.” Completion rates drop sharply in the third act, where boss mechanics demand precise AP management. Despite the steep curve, 68% of players finish the story, testament to its hooks.
PlayPile's Take
Tails of Iron is for fans of punishing RPGs who enjoy methodical combat and iterative learning. Its $20, 30 price tag (varies by platform) is reasonable for the challenge and replayability, especially with 36 achievements offering extra motivation. The game rewards patience and adaptability, but its difficulty may frustrate casual players. If you’ve enjoyed tactical titles like Octopath Traveler or pixel-platformers like A Short Hike, this is worth a try. However, be prepared to die often and replay fights. It’s not for everyone, but its blend of charm and challenge makes it a standout pick for genre enthusiasts.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
81.9
RAWG Rating
3.9
Videos
4Trailer
Trailer
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8Achievements
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