Aside from completing a few trophies to earn platinum on an old Lego game I have, this was the first new (to me) game I have spent any time with since finishing my adventures on Dragon Quest XI (see my last review). I haven't completed this game yet, but I am close to the end, and feel I know enough of the game to give it a solid review.
First, let me talk about the atmosphere of the game. Both of these aspects are exceedingly well done. The style, similar to that of my favorite anime, Studio Ghibli, is a pure pleasure to journey through. I often find myself traveling to new locations simply to stop and take a look around at the grandeur and beauty of the landscapes. The artwork is second to none, and if I must say, this style of artwork for a game ages much more gracefully than those games trying to be "cutting edge" in graphics for realism.
And then there's the story. The story is a fun mixture of mystery, humor, and jolly fun characters. Each region of the world feels unique, not only because of the artwork, but also because of the culture and detail put into each one. No two places feel quite the same in this world, and that is always a pleasure to experience in any game. The game runs the typical gamuts of cultural regions, but because of the anthropomorphism throughout the world, each regions feels strange, while also exploring many complex topics that exist in the real world.
And if this were all, I would say this definitely rates a ten star rating. Unfortunately, the game stumbles a little when it comes to gameplay. That isn't to say there isn't alot to recommend it, even in the gameplay. However, there are a few issues that detract just a little from it. While the combat system, with its magic, innate ability, weapons and use of higgledy companions are all fresh and fun, the tactical army combat feels a little bit of an after thought. It is well developed, to be sure, but the leveling in the tactical, army battles is way off from the rest of the game. Even if the system itself is fine, leveling up your army squadrons is more than a little bit of a pain, mostly because the experience given is so small and the opportunities for you to level are few and far between. What inevitably happens to me is that I have to run through old combat scenarios multiple times to level even once because so few new battlefield scenarios pop up. Many of those new ones that do pop up through side quests or even the main story line are often far beyond your army's level. This makes this part of the game feel tedious at best.
The other thing taking away from the game, for me at least, is the need to revisit areas of the game not once or twice, but multiple times, as you progress through the storyline. The world is fairly big, don't get me wrong, but the need to revisit places so many times leaves me with a slight feeling of annoyance, as often the side quest or whatever I am pursuing gives me an item not nearly as good as things I have found randomly or that I can craft. The only silver lining is that the secondary quests that have you revisiting places are at least interesting from a story perspective.
But it's not all bad. I have already mentioned that the general combat system is good. But what I do find very cool is the building of your new kingdom. This is something that I don't find as often in games today, and I have to say, it is a real pleasure to see your kingdom slowly grow, as you recruit new people to your realm, conduct research, and slowly build out your city-state. This is a mechanic I have always thoroughly enjoyed, and this game does not leave me wanting in this area.
As I mentioned, I have not completed the game completely, but as I am in the last chapter of the game, I feel I have a good handle on this one, enough to review it. Given its flaws, I would give this game a solid 8 1/2 stars, certainly worth playing, but not quite good enough to receive a top rating. If you love story and anime art style, definitely check this one out. It's well worth one play through.
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