Oaken Critic Reviews

Oaken might immediately bring comparisons to Faeria to the fore, but it stands on its own as a very good game. It incorporates the hex map as an element, but doesn't make it the star. Instead, it focuses on the survivability of units as you must measure out success across a series of encounters, and balance both the Fatigue your units must endure with the resources at your disposal, building them into a force adept enough to overcome some very challenging bosses at the conclusion of each chapter. It has all the quality of life elements you could hope for. Be endeared by its wonderful art and style, but don't be fooled - there is depth beneath those cute little plants as well.

Oaken is one of the best-looking and sounding indie games I've played this year and its strategic elements are wonderfully fleshed-out.

The two different game modes of Oaken are very much appreciated, but whichever you opt for, you’re in for a challenging ride. If you’re new to turn-based strategy games, Oaken might not be the best place to start – even if it’s charming art style is initially disarming. But for those who enjoy the genre, there’s a lot to like here.

While there's nothing egregious about Oaken, it doesn't push the genre in any particular direction.