If you’ve even only seen a few screenshots, most gamers already would know what to expect from this game. It’s a cutsie JRPG designed for lovers of the 16-bit “golden” era, when people had no choice of graphics, except to enjoy some pixel art.
In fact, I would say to anyone to pass on this game if you are looking to sink your teeth into something “truly new”. Personally I choose to play it for specific reasons, which i will list:
- Nostalgia
- Characters’ story-lines
- Satisfying combat
- Beautiful graphics
- There is a place for imagination
1- Nostalgia
The number one reason is key here. Although this game can be played by a total newcomer to the genre. The game blends old and new elements, enshrining the pixel art in a frame of hazy yet very lush environments. The style is apparently known as “HD-2D”. I, (as with my entire generation,) could not escape the cultural impact of growing up around JRPGs. I’m certain many of us will say (being honest), that they have a special place in our memories. In that respect, I caught a hold of this game as though it were pitched to me. I’ve played it for over 21 hours now, (according to steam,) and during those hours, I never felt betrayed once. I believe I am a member of the target audience.
This game came at a time when i had been conflating the concepts of nostalgia and the sense of “being home”. When running on feelings such as this, it isn’t hard just to play it, fueled by that reason alone.
2- Characters’ story-lines
The focal point of this game, I believe, falls mostly on discovering the characters, along with their (playable) backstories. Then there’s mid-game: Living out and accomplishing tasks leading to the fulfillment of what had been set in spin in their initial chapter. It should be pretty easy to imagine what formulae are used to accomplish this.
I had it pointed out to me that all JRPGs like this and final fantasy rely on storytelling to flesh out the gameplay experience and keep gamers hooked. But it would really appear to me, that there is particular emphasis on this element, here. You wont find satisfaction here if you want to focus on how your character looks. Sorry to say, the little blob of pixels you control that represents your character, does not change the way you might like. They only change using an early mid-game mechanic (that I’ve found anyway). Even then, this is not a game about character customization and visible upgrades. Once that is made clear, it should be fine in accepting things as they are: a story that falls somewhere between what you might find in a novel, or anime, but never reaching the fullness of either. It is a game after all.
Which brings me swiftly to the next-most important facet of it:
3- Satisfying Combat
I love the combat in this game. It shows a good understanding, no, I would say mastery of this type of thing! There’s no battle you can’t win, if you are adequately prepared. The pacing feels great, also, as I haven’t had to go around grinding to win any matches. I predict I may have to, to level-up some of my characters, but I’m prepared for that necessity when it presents itself. Here-in, I would like to invite half-casual players into the fray. You don’t need to try especially hard, to win here. Sure, there is a learning-curve, regarding battle tactics, but it is rather mild and forgiving.
4- Beautiful Graphics
This is quite a flashy game. If you don’t like the graphic style, I would say a large chunk of your appreciation for the game as a whole, goes missing. 2D-HD is a style combining Chibi Anime style sprites in a lush, 3D environment. Stylistic qualities include the use of a blurred vignette (toy camera filter), along with the use of warm autumnal colours, bokeh effects and high level of detail. Although I am playing on PC, I use a game-pad to play it; the camera won’t move, so the mouse and keyboard approach feels “off”. I’m aware that this is a game probably more aimed toward the Nintendo Switch over PC.
I suppose if there is a dividing line of liking vs disliking the game, here it is.
5- There is a Place for Imagination
I already mentioned a couple of key points, that I’ll bring back to highlight this: the focus on story-line, and playing with chibi-style sprites. One of the enjoyment factors, I believe, is largely looking past these elements, toward more what they suggest, rather than present to us directly.
One case in point is the dancing character Agnea. She’s known, in-game, as a popular and talented dancer who hopes to win over the big city with her dance moves. You will, sorry to say, only ever have this suggested to us through watching her blob of pixels wriggle about and raise its arms.
Bring your imagination with you play this game.
Summary –
It’s too early to give an honest, defining score or further insight. Then again, those who have played it to the end seem to say it sticks to the basic formula throughout.
On that footnote, I’ll go ahead to project a decent 8/10 on the game.
It has to be what you’re looking for, however.
The Humble Rock Dove 