Roll for initiative!
Back in my younger days I could never get a tabletop group together. Somebody always had work, somebody’s cat was sick, or it would be my fault because one of my kids was sick or something. Either way it was always a struggle, so when a game promises D&D vibes without needing a Dungeon Master or a four-hour scheduling spreadsheet, I’m already halfway sold. Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is that game, and it has finally made its way to Xbox.
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: XBOX (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
Battlemarked is a digital tabletop RPG that is built on the bones of developer Resolution Games’ already impressive Demeo game. I played Demeo back when it was VR only and absolutely loved its take on D&D and tabletop roleplaying. The team has taken their already fantastic game and now have the real Dungeons and Dragons license so we can go to places like Neverwinter and the like. Battlemarked itself is DM-less and focuses more on social strategy than the roleplay element. Players can play solo but the game comes alive when you are playing with up to three other real people. I’ve met a cast of characters during my time with the game, most of them have been awesome and we have had some incredible game play sessions.
The core loop is a real treat. Each turn you move your chosen hero around a miniature-style board, pick your spells and attacks, and try to keep the party from getting overwhelmed. The tactics have just enough depth to make you think without bogging you down, and the cooperative angle is where it shines. Combos, positioning and class abilities all matter, and there’s nothing quite like carefully planning a clever play only for a teammate to wander into an explosive barrel’s blast radius. Yes, I may have done that on purpose. Once. Playable classes include Paladin, Ranger, Fighter, Bard and more.
As great as Battlemarked is, it isn’t a flawless experience. Controls can occasionally get fiddly, and hero customization is pretty minimal, so don’t expect to craft a one-of-a-kind adventurer. I was actually most disappointed in this aspect, being able to create your own character is a cornerstone of the Dungeons & Dragons experience. The tabletop-in-a-box look is charming, but the DM-less setup means you won’t get the improvised storytelling that makes real D&D special. If you’re after a deep, rules-heavy RPG, this isn’t it, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Resolution has also kept updating the game since launch, so what’s here feels more polished than a typical first outing on a new platform. However, it is kind of a bummer that the game only ships with the first two campaigns and if players want to finish the story, they will have to purchase campaign III entitled Twilight’s End.
If you’ve got friends who like tactics, tabletop vibes, or a little chaos, Demeo x Dungeons and Dragons: Battlemarked is easy to recommend. Solo play works, but this is a game that gets better the more voices are shouting plans at each other over chat. It’s cozy, clever and a great excuse to blame someone else for the team wipe.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.