REVIEW

Yes Your Grace Beta Review

by Daniel Clarke, December 15th, 2019

Welcome back, kingdom rulers. Recently, No More Robots have delved into the realms of kingdom simulation and released the beta to their new upcoming game. Join us as we review the demo version of Yes Your Grace which is tipped for a 2020 release.

What is Yes Your Grace?

Yes, Your Grace plants you in the seat of power as a King of land in troubling times. As king, you are tasked in maintaining a balance of satisfying the people’s needs and keeping your kingdom safe. Most of this will take place via the weeks audiences with various individuals who seek your aid. But, you can’t help everyone and it is not always black and white decisions.

From the trailer alone, found on their Steam page, it is evident that there is more to the life of a King than just ruling. There is also the management of your family and all the politics and dramas that unfold. Such dramas and politics include marrying off your daughters and resolving family spats. Spinning plates as never been so engaging and rewarding!

The Story Thus Far

In the open beta released on Steam, Yes Your Grace takes you through the events a year from present-day game time. Your city is under siege and you are to address your men for the final defence. This is a setup of what is to come and an issue you are to set out to tackle.

In the present day, the city is in need of some TLC and your subjects are waiting for your listening ear. By carefully managing your coffers and supplies you can begin the road to bring back some lustre to your kingdom.

Not long into the demo, you find out that a threatening force is coming from the mountains as you capture a member of their troop pillaging your lands. Here, a choice is presented: execute, take them prisoner, or release. These decisions are the main mechanic of the game as it also wraps around the audiences you have with your subjects.

Upon learning of the threat to the North, the decision is made to focus on bolstering your kingdom. This means gaining allies, building up your economy, and acquiring new generals. The beta seems to be scripted with regards to the options available for the story and progression. But, as a taster for the full game, it is highly entertaining. Even the decision to marry off a daughter to gain an ally and a sizable force to boot holds weight. Not only that but, these decisions have a knock-on effect with the associated characters.

The Mechanic of Choice

As previously mentioned, one of the main mechanics is the choices you make as ruler. The game is presented to you in a series of turns. Each turn is valued in one week. Within the week you need to address your subject’s needs, decide what ventures are worth investing resources into, and caring for your family.

Each plate you have to spin has its own feel and in places intertwine with each other. For instance, by refusing to take the risk of investing resources into a new inn for the city, the weekly income promised by the owner will not be gained. In turn, this can prevent you from affording a dress fit for a princess at your daughter’s wedding. Also, new generals require payment of gold per week of service. This will also be hindered if the investment isn’t made.

There is a small inventory system also whereby you can store items acquired during your rulership. One such item is a questionable healing elixir that you can buy from a character in your audience. This can be used in future situations even if you don’t know if it will work.

Aside from the mechanics of rulership, Yes Your Grace handles much like the classic title Broken Sword. Your mouse can dictate where your character moves, what they interact with, and what options you select. For fans of the Broken Sword series by Revolution Software, like myself, will find comfort in the systems found in this game.

Overall Verdict

Yes, Your Grace is a very charming title. Despite the beta being quite short, it displays the main mechanics in a concise and effective way. It also establishes a meaningful story right off the bat with characters you quickly care about. The gameplay is quite addictive and rewarding. Seeing your investment pay off and seeing the situation sway in your favour is very satisfying indeed. Also, the classic style visuals and beautiful music wrap up the package wonderfully.

Overall, it would be fair to give Yes Your Grace Beta by No More Robots 8 out of 10. It is a simple to pick up but encaptivating title full of character. With what has been displayed thus far it is easy to be excited about its full release. And it has to be mentioned again, spinning plates has never been so engaging and rewarding!

Yes Your Grace Beta by No More Robots is a simple to pick up but encaptivating title full of character. With what has been displayed thus far it is easy to be excited for its full release. Spinning plates has never been so engaging and rewarding!