I’ve never played another game quite like this one, and I probably never will. It probably would have still been reasonably fun as a by the numbers SRPG, given the solid cast and story, and the pleasant visuals. But the developers weren’t about to stop there, and they have what I consider one of the finest games of its console generation to show for it.
The main thing that sets this game apart from other SRPGs is the way in which it blends its different means of interaction within its gameplay. The battle map is presented as a drawn schematic that one can imagine as spread across a table at a strategy meeting, generals surrounding it and looking for the best means to use the layout and topography to best achieve victory. That is almost the exact role of the player. You select the unit that you wish to move from this map, and suddenly, the game transitions down to a 3rd person view from this unit, with real time action happening in the surrounding environment while you move the character and select their course of action. When moving within areas with lots of other units, there is constant fire and counter fire, and does feel like a war zone. Grid based RPGs don’t typically provide immersion like this.
The gameplay is the standout here, but everything else here helps complement the experience. The graphics have a watercolor hand drawn look to it, and really helps evoke its setting of alternate world 1930s. The uniqueness of this setting, look, and gameplay are all effective and help feed into each other, building up the quality of the experience.
Missions are varied well throughout the game. Each map has its own trick to it, be that through the victory condition itself, or the way in which obstacles and enemies are presented. No battle truly feels the same as another, and nothing really feels repetitive.
All in all, it’s a great game, is cheap and easy to get a hold of, and is an easy recommendation for any SRPG fan that has missed out on this gem.
The main thing that sets this game apart from other SRPGs is the way in which it blends its different means of interaction within its gameplay. The battle map is presented as a drawn schematic that one can imagine as spread across a table at a strategy meeting, generals surrounding it and looking for the best means to use the layout and topography to best achieve victory. That is almost the exact role of the player. You select the unit that you wish to move from this map, and suddenly, the game transitions down to a 3rd person view from this unit, with real time action happening in the surrounding environment while you move the character and select their course of action. When moving within areas with lots of other units, there is constant fire and counter fire, and does feel like a war zone. Grid based RPGs don’t typically provide immersion like this.
The gameplay is the standout here, but everything else here helps complement the experience. The graphics have a watercolor hand drawn look to it, and really helps evoke its setting of alternate world 1930s. The uniqueness of this setting, look, and gameplay are all effective and help feed into each other, building up the quality of the experience.
Missions are varied well throughout the game. Each map has its own trick to it, be that through the victory condition itself, or the way in which obstacles and enemies are presented. No battle truly feels the same as another, and nothing really feels repetitive.
All in all, it’s a great game, is cheap and easy to get a hold of, and is an easy recommendation for any SRPG fan that has missed out on this gem.