When comparing Kentucky Route Zero vs Epistory - Typing Chronicles, the Slant community recommends Epistory - Typing Chronicles for most people. In the question“What are the best indie games on Steam?” Epistory - Typing Chronicles is ranked 43rd while Kentucky Route Zero is ranked 55th. The most important reason people chose Epistory - Typing Chronicles is:
Instead of the normal movement used in a game on PC (WASD) the player uses the E F J I keys, as the game wants the player to have both hands on the keyboard as they would when typing. This means movement is done through both hands on the keyboard only. This allows the player to quickly type words when in combat with no need to transition to a different control scheme.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Very atmospheric
From the soundtrack and sound effects to the stylistic graphics, Kentucky Route Zero exudes atmosphere.
Pro Camera movement pulls player in
Unlike a lot of adventure games that have static cameras, Kentucky Route Zero has a camera that pans, zooms and rotates, giving a deeper sense of immersion.
Pro A game about the journey, not the destination
Players can casually play Kentucky Route Zero without being punished.
Pro Interesting controls
Instead of the normal movement used in a game on PC (WASD) the player uses the E F J I keys, as the game wants the player to have both hands on the keyboard as they would when typing. This means movement is done through both hands on the keyboard only. This allows the player to quickly type words when in combat with no need to transition to a different control scheme.
Pro Unique graphics
The graphics are styled to look like folded origami pieces. As the player progresses in each stage, the map will fold out on a isometric plane in a way that looks like paper folding out to form objects. This gives an original look to the game that is actually a treat to watch.
Pro Great for a laptop
Due to the unique controls, there is no need for a mouse to play this game, which means it will be a bit easier to play on a laptop as no external mouse is needed nor the use of the touch-pad. This is a keyboard only game, and that lends itself well to laptops.
Cons
Con No puzzles
Deviating from the norm of a point and click adventure, there are no puzzles to be found in the game. So for those looking for a traditional point and click may be disappointed.
Con Progression is simple and formulaic
The basic premise of the game is, start a stage, earn a new power, clear out the dungeons on that stage that require that power. This is done for each stage, of which there are four. It can get pretty repetitive and become boring pretty quickly.
Con Gets very difficult
The later portions of the game can be quite demanding on ones typing skills. This means that no matter how much a player wants to see the game through, if their fingers are not equipped with the skill required, they most likely will not be able to finish the game. This is actually a physically demanding game and only the most competent typist should go into the game with the goal of completion.
Con Same words used on different enemies at the same time
This is an issue, as one enemy may be closer than the other and it can be a mixed bag as to which one will be hit with the attack when two enemies have the same target word. This leads to frustration and death due to the game not allowing for a way to target a specific enemy when the same word is used on both.