Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story is Riot Forge's most beautiful farewell hug

Game: Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story
Developer: Lazy Bear Games
Publisher: Riot Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PC (reviewed on)
Release Date: February 21, 2024

Get ready to dive into a world that's as cozy as your favorite blanket and as colorful as a rainbow after the rain.

I'm talking about Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story, the latest and, unfortunately, last gem from Riot Forge that's all about crafting, friendship, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Grab your tissues, because this is a heartfelt goodbye to Riot Forge, the incredible team behind this magical journey.

Imagine a place filled with the cutest, furriest little creatures called Yordles. Welcome to Bandle City, the adorable place where our adventure kicks off, thanks to a party gone wrong that zaps away a bunch of magical portals. Oops! Now, it's up to our hero, who's been chilling solo for over a century, to fix things up, find lost buddies, and throw the best comeback party ever. And that hero is nobody other than you - or rather, your customized Yordle.

Bandle Tale isn't just any game. It's like the video game version of a warm, freshly baked cookie. You'll spend your time gathering stuff, building cool things, and yes, throwing parties to make new friends and bring the old gang back together. It's all about crafting your way through challenges, with a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of heart.

Playing Bandle Tale is like being part of a special club because, sadly, it's the last game we'll see from the creative minds at Riot Forge. They're the brave souls who stepped out of the usual gaming mold to give us stories we didn't even know we needed in a world we absolutely adore. They showed us the fun side of the League of Legends world, away from the epic battles and into the heart of its quirky communities. I have been incredibly lucky to have been able to cover and chat with the creative minds behind amazing games like Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story (still one of my favorite games to have come out last year and possibly ever), Convergence: A League of Legends Story, and Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, and I wish nothing but the best to this wonderful team.

Gameplay-wise, Bandle Tale is like the love child of Stardew Valley and the whimsical side of League of Legends. It's all about gathering goodies and resources, crafting, and yes, partying hard to make friends and save the day. You go on quests upon quests, and you complete them at your leisure. The graphics are beyond adorable and keep you invested and immersed in this warm hug of a game. With 40 to 60 hours of gameplay, Bandle Tale is not just a quick visit to Bandle City - it's a long, joy-filled vacation. Think of it as your favorite series - you won't want it to end. And since Riot Forge is closing its doors, this game is like their mic drop, a masterpiece that shows what happens when you dare to dream differently.

So, why should you care? Because Bandle Tale isn't just a game; it's a statement.

It's about celebrating creativity, exploring new places, and the importance of saying, "Hey, let's try something new!" in a world that often sticks to the same old script. It's a reminder that games can be fun, heartwarming, and downright adorable, all while telling a story that sticks with you. In a nutshell, Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story is your ticket to a crafting adventure that's filled with laughter, a touch of sadness, and a lot of magic. It's a game that invites you to build more than just items; it's about building connections, memories, and maybe, just maybe, a better mood after a long day.

So, gear up, future Bandle City heroes - it is time to craft, party, and save the day in the most charming way possible. And while we're at it, let's give a big round of applause to Riot Forge for taking us on this unforgettable ride. Thanks for everything!

Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story (PC) score: 9.5/10

"Bandle Tale is the video game version of a warm, freshly baked cookie. With 40 to 60 hours of gameplay, it's not just a quick visit to Bandle City - it's a long, joy-filled vacation. Think of it as your favorite series - you won't want it to end."

A copy of this game was provided to App Trigger for the purpose of this review. All scores are ranked out of 10, with .5 increments. Click here to learn more about our Review Policy.