Review: FATE: Reawakened
Image Credit: gamigo US Inc., FATE: Reawakened
FATE: Reawakened takes the four classic dungeon-crawling RPGs and updates them for modern systems with improved visuals, quality-of-life features, and full controller support. It is the same addictive loot-driven adventure as before, where you dive into procedurally generated dungeons, slay monsters, collect absurd amounts of loot, and turn your loyal pet into whatever eldritch horror the fishing minigame allows.
For longtime fans, this remaster offers a welcome excuse to revisit the series, but not without some changes that might rub purists the wrong way. While it retains the heart of the original, the execution feels uneven, with some great improvements, some strange omissions, and a few rough edges that could have used more polish.
What’s New?
Four games in one – The original Fate, along with its three sequels, are all included in a single package.
Improved visuals – Environments, lighting, and character models have been updated, though not always consistently. Some textures look significantly better, while others seem unchanged.
Controller support – This is one of the biggest improvements, making movement and combat more intuitive for those who prefer gamepads.
Unified mechanics – Some features previously exclusive to certain games, like the Demon race from Cursed King, are now available across all titles.
Updated UI – The interface has been redesigned, though not without controversy.
Classic Fate, for Better and Worse
At its core, FATE: Reawakened plays exactly like the original. The gameplay loop is simple but addictive:
Enter the dungeon.
Fight increasingly difficult enemies.
Loot everything that isn’t nailed down.
Sell it all or stash it for later.
Return to town to upgrade gear and repeat.
Combat still relies on clicking or controller inputs to move and attack, and skills still provide plenty of ways to tailor a build. The fishing minigame is back, allowing players to catch fish that transform their pets into powerful creatures—sometimes far stronger than they have any right to be at early levels.
Despite the added polish, some long-standing issues remain, along with some new ones introduced by the remaster.
The Good Stuff
✔ The same classic gameplay – If you loved the originals, the core experience remains just as satisfying. The addictive dungeon-crawling loop is untouched.
✔ Controller support actually works – The game is much easier to play with a gamepad than the original versions, making this the best way to experience Fate outside of using a mouse.
✔ All four games in one – Everything is bundled together with shared mechanics, making for a more streamlined experience.
✔ Upgraded visuals, mostly – The environments and lighting look significantly better, and spell effects have been improved.
✔ Better performance – Runs smoothly on modern systems with no compatibility issues.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
❌ The UI changes are frustrating – Menus are clunkier, and players can no longer keep their inventory open while moving, which breaks the flow of gameplay.
❌ Inconsistent graphical upgrades – Some textures look fantastic, while others look out of place or barely updated. The remaster didn’t fully commit to a cohesive new look.
❌ Some mechanics feel worse – Players can no longer sell items directly from their pet’s inventory, and quick-equipping gear is now a more tedious drag-and-drop process.
❌ Fishing takes longer – The minigame now forces players to wait significantly longer for a bite, making it more tedious than before.
❌ Loot balancing feels off – Some players are getting high-level gear that makes no sense early on, while others struggle to find useful drops.
Is It Worth Playing?
FATE: Reawakened is still Fate at its core, and that means it is still an addictive dungeon crawler with a simple yet rewarding gameplay loop. The inclusion of all four games, combined with modern improvements like controller support and updated visuals, makes this the most accessible way to play the series.
However, longtime fans may find some of the changes frustrating. The UI redesign feels clunkier, some quality-of-life features from the original are missing, and the graphical updates are inconsistent. If you are new to Fate, this is the best version to start with. But if you are a returning player, be prepared for some annoying trade-offs in exchange for the upgrades.
For $20, getting all four games in a single package is a great deal. Just be ready for a mix of nostalgia and frustration—and maybe prepare yourself for a few questionable design choices along the way.
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