I struggle to find reasons to recommend Refrain to someone. It has frankly unlikable characters, gameplay that I'd describe as tedious and laborious, far too disparate in regards to its story and gameplay, and it being a huge time and effort investment. I think only the most dedicated of people can even finish this game(I think the post game is necessary to do, it has the best story events in the entire game). So why do I still give this game a decent rating?
Refrain is just an interesting and memorable game, it has content that you'll never expect to see in a commercial jrpg and really bold character and setting decisions. I deeply respect what the game was trying to accomplish, even if it doesn't always land. The post game is a long, arduous, and oftentimes frustrating journey where you have to REALLY get attuned to the systems. There was hours of mind-numbing stuff to do but I won't lie, it was really satisfying to finally have my party come together(after 10+ hours of grinding!). This was my first DRPG so I had no idea what to expect but the game really kicks your ass for not doing soul transfers properly until post game.
I think the story scenes have way too much brevity, and the gameplay is pretty dissonant with it, but the overall plot is really cool. I can't really go into any specifics because it spoils the whole game but i particularly found the setting to be impressive, it's massive and doesn't handhold the audience at all in regards to understanding the scale and importance of it all. Unfortunately i think most of the characters are poorly characterized, I think I only like Luka and that owl guy(idk how to romanize his name) by the end. Dronya is interesting but i don't think her pisspoor behavior is ever properly explored or justified besides cheap humor(haha child abuse).
I don't recommend this game unless you are masochistic and also love drpg's. I kind of hate it but i also think it's quite good. Looking forward to Galleria making me hate myself as I grind for a poorly balanced boss.
Refrain is just an interesting and memorable game, it has content that you'll never expect to see in a commercial jrpg and really bold character and setting decisions. I deeply respect what the game was trying to accomplish, even if it doesn't always land. The post game is a long, arduous, and oftentimes frustrating journey where you have to REALLY get attuned to the systems. There was hours of mind-numbing stuff to do but I won't lie, it was really satisfying to finally have my party come together(after 10+ hours of grinding!). This was my first DRPG so I had no idea what to expect but the game really kicks your ass for not doing soul transfers properly until post game.
I think the story scenes have way too much brevity, and the gameplay is pretty dissonant with it, but the overall plot is really cool. I can't really go into any specifics because it spoils the whole game but i particularly found the setting to be impressive, it's massive and doesn't handhold the audience at all in regards to understanding the scale and importance of it all. Unfortunately i think most of the characters are poorly characterized, I think I only like Luka and that owl guy(idk how to romanize his name) by the end. Dronya is interesting but i don't think her pisspoor behavior is ever properly explored or justified besides cheap humor(haha child abuse).
I don't recommend this game unless you are masochistic and also love drpg's. I kind of hate it but i also think it's quite good. Looking forward to Galleria making me hate myself as I grind for a poorly balanced boss.