Metascore
69 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. With the movement-based attacks and extensive roster of characters, there's no doubt that strategy fans will find a lot to like here.
  2. Ah, battle...for it is here that the true potential of this title shines brightest. [Apr 2008, p.69]
  3. A really excellent SRPG and probably the best game of the genre on the DS to date.
  4. Fans should love the challenge here, but the RPG crowd will probably be split on this one. The intense difficulty of the new battle system combined with more traditional RPG traits turns out to be great fun, but tricky.
  5. 80
    If you like strategy role-playing games as a genre, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not picking this title up.
  6. 68
    It's simple, visually basic, but very difficult and rewarding as well. It isn't Fire Emblem, and it isn't Final Fantasy Tactics. It's Rondo of Swords: A simple, challenging, entertaining turn-based strategy that dares to be different, and succeeds despite its flaws.
  7. 68
    Rondo of Swords could have been a great strategy RPG.
  8. With a unique combat system, colorful graphics, and character upgrade options that deliver plenty of challenges, Rondo of Swords might not be the kind of war that everyone may want to fight, but it won't hold back those who decide to take up the struggle.
  9. 67
    Rondo of Swords can be a frustrating game. But those frustrations feel like an intentional part of the design; it's not meant as a cakewalk.
  10. The triumphs may be sweet, but the aggravations have them outnumbered. [May 2008, p.90]
  11. Dedicated, hardcore strategy buffs will likely find it rewarding to work their minds through the seemingly impossible odds, but gamers at large will probably just find it to be frustrating.
  12. With average graphics, adequate story, standard music and decent battles you truly end up with an average, run-of-the-mill game. Is it worth its selling price? That comes down to how bored you are.
  13. If you're really into strategy role-playing games, and if you can tolerate the low budget sights and sounds, you may enjoy Rondo of Swords.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. DanielB
    9
    This is a great game, easily overlooked, but super fun nonetheless. Yes, it is brutally challenging at times, but figuring out the correct strategy is half of the fun. The move based battle system is unique and affords many more possibilities in battle than your average SRPG. Great character management, upgrade and story make this a must play on my list. Full Review »
  2. Jeff
    8
    A great game with a deep story. you have at least some control over how the story ends. lack of any type of multiplayer is disappointing and some levels seem to be designed to frustrate the player. Full Review »