ViridianMage
2022
This review contains spoilers
This is actually a sci fi RPG masquerading as a farm sim - so some players may be surprised at the turns the storyline takes.
I personally enjoyed the plot twists, and wasn't expecting the lurch into science and philosophy. The role the Omens play in the story was definitely my favourite part of the game, and this look at AI technology was refreshing from how it is normally portrayed. The themes of AI and environmentalism make this game feel very relevant to the present day.
To begin with, the game is a bit of a slog. Chapter 3 seemed to drag on forever, and amidst the tropes galore and fetch quest hell I found myself in, I nearly gave up. The characters are fairly predictable and one dimensional. This and the monotonous side quests let the game down. However, the "one day more" kept me plodding through and overall I'm glad I did as I eventually enjoyed the story as I wasn't expecting the sci fi elements, and I am a fan of such stories.
Combat is simplistic and requires little more than button mashing for the first two thirds of the game. Only in the later dungeons and the post game dungeon does strategy become more relevant. I find the omission of a dodge button slightly baffling.
There is lots for completionists to track down, including crafting materials, recipes, crops and character relationship levels. These levels increase over time, rather than requiring gift giving or correct dialogue choices.
The game is pretty - I imagine it would look fantastic on the Switch's OLED screen. I really loved how the trees and skies changed throughout the seasons and between the different areas (e.g. seeing the Northern lights or the cherry blossoms). The music is well orchestrated and good enough, without being mindblowing or overly memorable.
Overall, an eventually enjoyable, if not overly memorable experience. A decent mid budget JRPG game - just don't go in expecting Stardew Valley!
I personally enjoyed the plot twists, and wasn't expecting the lurch into science and philosophy. The role the Omens play in the story was definitely my favourite part of the game, and this look at AI technology was refreshing from how it is normally portrayed. The themes of AI and environmentalism make this game feel very relevant to the present day.
To begin with, the game is a bit of a slog. Chapter 3 seemed to drag on forever, and amidst the tropes galore and fetch quest hell I found myself in, I nearly gave up. The characters are fairly predictable and one dimensional. This and the monotonous side quests let the game down. However, the "one day more" kept me plodding through and overall I'm glad I did as I eventually enjoyed the story as I wasn't expecting the sci fi elements, and I am a fan of such stories.
Combat is simplistic and requires little more than button mashing for the first two thirds of the game. Only in the later dungeons and the post game dungeon does strategy become more relevant. I find the omission of a dodge button slightly baffling.
There is lots for completionists to track down, including crafting materials, recipes, crops and character relationship levels. These levels increase over time, rather than requiring gift giving or correct dialogue choices.
The game is pretty - I imagine it would look fantastic on the Switch's OLED screen. I really loved how the trees and skies changed throughout the seasons and between the different areas (e.g. seeing the Northern lights or the cherry blossoms). The music is well orchestrated and good enough, without being mindblowing or overly memorable.
Overall, an eventually enjoyable, if not overly memorable experience. A decent mid budget JRPG game - just don't go in expecting Stardew Valley!
2021
It's very difficult to score this game - do you judge it against modern RPGs, or games of its time? This for me is like reading a classic novel - it might be archaic against today's standards, but it's interesting to see what has inspired modern titles.
The story and mechanics are simple, but for me this is all part of the game's charm. I thoroughly enjoyed my time seeing where Final Fantasy all began. The pixel remasters are worth it for the masterful soundtracks alone. Modern QoL features such as a quicksave and autobattle turn this from what could be a grindy slog into something quite relaxing and enjoyable - you can just switch your brain off for a bit and enjoy a classic.
Won't be for everyone, but I enjoyed it a lot.
The story and mechanics are simple, but for me this is all part of the game's charm. I thoroughly enjoyed my time seeing where Final Fantasy all began. The pixel remasters are worth it for the masterful soundtracks alone. Modern QoL features such as a quicksave and autobattle turn this from what could be a grindy slog into something quite relaxing and enjoyable - you can just switch your brain off for a bit and enjoy a classic.
Won't be for everyone, but I enjoyed it a lot.
My review also posted on Steam:
TLDR
A classic RPG with a great soundtrack and an interesting storyline (providing you've played Chrono Trigger!). Performance may vary but I had no real issues with latest updates. Unusual battle, leveling and party system which is likely to be divisive. Recommended for fans of classic 90s RPGs, but unlikely to persuade those who aren't a fan of the genre.
Performance
Lots and lots has been said about this. I played this in 2024 after all the patches and alternated between my ROG Ally and my desktop PC. Barring some screen tearing, which was fixed by forcing on V Sync and switching to borderless windowed instead of full screen, I had no issues and the game ran smoothly. I didn't use mods but I also limited the frame rate to a maximum of 60FPS just in case. The game was fine on both the ALLY and the desktop. Probably looked better on the ALLY as the smaller screen doesn't expose the dated backgrounds as much!
Gameplay
The battle system is a bit odd - it's not quite turn based and uses a stamina system. There is an easily missable tutorial in the first village that explains the basics. It took me a while to get my head around it and to be honest I think there's a reason we've not seen anything like it since - it's unnecessarily convoluted in my opinion. The levelling up system is also a bit different, with an overall level awarded by beating bosses and then small stat increases awarded through the regular battles. These stat boosts are finite, so it means there is little grinding, but then also it can be pointless fighting these battles in long stretches between bosses. Unlike many JRPGs, there are also many part members you can recruit (over 40!). Personally, I didn't really like this as it meant you don't get to know the characters as they don't really respond uniquely to most scenarios in the game and it feels like many characters are very similar and as you can only swap them out at save points or on the world map, there isn't really an incentive to do so regularly. These do level up with your main party thankfully, but as far as I'm aware don't gain the stat increases from the regular battles. Chrono Cross is clearly an ambitious game, trying to be different and it succeeds in that regard - but definitely won't be to everyone's tastes.
Storyline
Takes a while to get going but poses some interesting questions about the meaning of life, what happens when one interferes with timelines and even natural selection (which as a biology teacher I did very much enjoy!). Chrono Trigger fans will get more out of it - I've heard people say that Chrono Cross works as a standalone title, but I think much of the ending would be lost on you if you hadn't played Chrono Trigger and therefore the storyline would lose a lot of its impact. The story provides enough intrigue to keep you playing and provokes thought post the ending which is always a mark of a good storyline in my book. I also enjoyed the story of the Radical Dreamers visual novel that was included and one could argue that this more closely links to Chrono Trigger. There is also a brand new secret ending that you can unlock after viewing the endings of both Chrono Cross and Radical Dreamers - you can see it by watching the credits in the launcher.
Overall, I liked it (mainly for the storyline, Chrono Trigger references and soundtrack), but I'm not rushing back for a new game plus as I never really came to love the battle system or character progression.
TLDR
A classic RPG with a great soundtrack and an interesting storyline (providing you've played Chrono Trigger!). Performance may vary but I had no real issues with latest updates. Unusual battle, leveling and party system which is likely to be divisive. Recommended for fans of classic 90s RPGs, but unlikely to persuade those who aren't a fan of the genre.
Performance
Lots and lots has been said about this. I played this in 2024 after all the patches and alternated between my ROG Ally and my desktop PC. Barring some screen tearing, which was fixed by forcing on V Sync and switching to borderless windowed instead of full screen, I had no issues and the game ran smoothly. I didn't use mods but I also limited the frame rate to a maximum of 60FPS just in case. The game was fine on both the ALLY and the desktop. Probably looked better on the ALLY as the smaller screen doesn't expose the dated backgrounds as much!
Gameplay
The battle system is a bit odd - it's not quite turn based and uses a stamina system. There is an easily missable tutorial in the first village that explains the basics. It took me a while to get my head around it and to be honest I think there's a reason we've not seen anything like it since - it's unnecessarily convoluted in my opinion. The levelling up system is also a bit different, with an overall level awarded by beating bosses and then small stat increases awarded through the regular battles. These stat boosts are finite, so it means there is little grinding, but then also it can be pointless fighting these battles in long stretches between bosses. Unlike many JRPGs, there are also many part members you can recruit (over 40!). Personally, I didn't really like this as it meant you don't get to know the characters as they don't really respond uniquely to most scenarios in the game and it feels like many characters are very similar and as you can only swap them out at save points or on the world map, there isn't really an incentive to do so regularly. These do level up with your main party thankfully, but as far as I'm aware don't gain the stat increases from the regular battles. Chrono Cross is clearly an ambitious game, trying to be different and it succeeds in that regard - but definitely won't be to everyone's tastes.
Storyline
Takes a while to get going but poses some interesting questions about the meaning of life, what happens when one interferes with timelines and even natural selection (which as a biology teacher I did very much enjoy!). Chrono Trigger fans will get more out of it - I've heard people say that Chrono Cross works as a standalone title, but I think much of the ending would be lost on you if you hadn't played Chrono Trigger and therefore the storyline would lose a lot of its impact. The story provides enough intrigue to keep you playing and provokes thought post the ending which is always a mark of a good storyline in my book. I also enjoyed the story of the Radical Dreamers visual novel that was included and one could argue that this more closely links to Chrono Trigger. There is also a brand new secret ending that you can unlock after viewing the endings of both Chrono Cross and Radical Dreamers - you can see it by watching the credits in the launcher.
Overall, I liked it (mainly for the storyline, Chrono Trigger references and soundtrack), but I'm not rushing back for a new game plus as I never really came to love the battle system or character progression.
A short visual novel with some good ideas but is ultimately not particularly interesting.
Pros:
- Main character has personality and isn't a pathetic drip as can be the case in these sort of games
- Lots of CG art to collect if that's your thing. Decent soundtrack.
- Sympathy meter helps you identify what route you're heading towards
- The English translation is actually quite good and overall is well written
Cons:
- Some of the artwork doesn't look right and can be offputting (the chins!)
- Quite short and as a result could feel rushed and abrupt
- Characters weren't that interesting nor did the plot leave enough mysteries for me to feel it warranted multiple playthroughs
- The worldbuilding of the mystical powers and different realities is underdeveloped which is a shame as this can be intriguing
Pros:
- Main character has personality and isn't a pathetic drip as can be the case in these sort of games
- Lots of CG art to collect if that's your thing. Decent soundtrack.
- Sympathy meter helps you identify what route you're heading towards
- The English translation is actually quite good and overall is well written
Cons:
- Some of the artwork doesn't look right and can be offputting (the chins!)
- Quite short and as a result could feel rushed and abrupt
- Characters weren't that interesting nor did the plot leave enough mysteries for me to feel it warranted multiple playthroughs
- The worldbuilding of the mystical powers and different realities is underdeveloped which is a shame as this can be intriguing
2021
TLDR: A fun little diversion for a while with interesting concept and characters, but dull combat and short overall.
I thought this would be a bit silly and a bit of fun. It achieves this goal, but I wasn't expecting it to be so thoughtful in the way that the characters are portrayed. It is interesting getting to know the diverse cast and there is actually some solid life advice in places! The soundtrack is great and very catchy.
It is on the short side, which means the limited enemy types and slightly shallow combat doesn't feel too limiting, but equally you may feel there isn't a lot to do here. It's possible to clear the dungeons with just hammering of the attack buttons without paying too much attention to the special abilities.
I thought this would be a bit silly and a bit of fun. It achieves this goal, but I wasn't expecting it to be so thoughtful in the way that the characters are portrayed. It is interesting getting to know the diverse cast and there is actually some solid life advice in places! The soundtrack is great and very catchy.
It is on the short side, which means the limited enemy types and slightly shallow combat doesn't feel too limiting, but equally you may feel there isn't a lot to do here. It's possible to clear the dungeons with just hammering of the attack buttons without paying too much attention to the special abilities.
2018
An absolute masterpiece. If you're playing this for the first time, you will surely notice the elements that have influenced modern JRPGs but none in my opinion surpass this original. Many RPGs suffer from a slow start, but Chrono Trigger throws you straight into an engaging plot involving time travel. Worth playing for the beautiful soundtrack alone that makes a case for the greatest videogame soundtrack of all time. The combat system may seem simple by modern standards, using a standard ATB turn based system, but this makes it simple to pick up and play without need for complex tutorials.
The game has surprising hidden secrets that you may have missed playing previously - like multiple endings, or being able to breed cats in Crono's house!
Many of the criticisms of the PC port have now been patched, and this is a perfectly functional, and the easiest way to play the game today. The "lost sanctum" added in the NDS version of the game is present, although the quest design here is tedious. The dimensional vortex is also present, and this is more interesting with a new final boss at the end of it all.
This is a game I would not hesitate to recommend to any RPG fan. Even if you're not, this may be the one to change your mind!
The game has surprising hidden secrets that you may have missed playing previously - like multiple endings, or being able to breed cats in Crono's house!
Many of the criticisms of the PC port have now been patched, and this is a perfectly functional, and the easiest way to play the game today. The "lost sanctum" added in the NDS version of the game is present, although the quest design here is tedious. The dimensional vortex is also present, and this is more interesting with a new final boss at the end of it all.
This is a game I would not hesitate to recommend to any RPG fan. Even if you're not, this may be the one to change your mind!
2023
Final Fantasy is one of the biggest names in gaming and as such this has a lot to live up to. Fortunately, FFXVI does manage to stand on the shoulder of giants and carry its name with a memorable, enjoyable experience - albeit with a few flaws.
When I think of Final Fantasy, instantly I think of stunning soundtracks and visuals. This does not disappoint on this front. Wonderfully animated cut scenes and excellent voice acting are present and correct. There are some stunning set pieces, highly emotional moments and outrageous boss fights that will live long in the memory. The story is highly gripping to begin with. Unfortunately this isn't sustained all the way through, and I found the final villain to be slightly disappointing and it felt like a character we've seen a hundred times in these sorts of games. Where FFXVI really shines storywise is the interactions between the different factions and their dominants, and the relationship between Clive, Cid, Jill and Joshua.
Clive is one of the deepest Final Fantasy protagonists, with a complex and tragic backstory that gives him a more rounded character and motivation than previous members of the series. Where this title differs from previous, is the lack of a party as such. Whilst other characters do join you, they are only every temporary members and you are unable to customise their equipment etc. Some may find this disappointing. These characters are still generally well written and likeable, but could have done with more time to shine.
This is an action RPG, unlike many other Final Fantasy games. I have always preferred turn based, however the systems here are relatively easy to learn and not overly difficult. Later in the game, the different Eikon abilities mean you can have a lot of fun setting up different battle styles. Until this point though, you may find the early game battles a bit samey.
For me, the game lacks a sense of exploration. There, for much of the game, is little incentive to wander exploring. Additionally, the side quests for much of the game are really dull. It isn't until the final main quest where a range of interesting side quests are unlocked that add a real depth to some characters and are interesting to play through.
I'd recommend the game to fans of the series and fans of the genre. The game may also appeal to those interested in trying an action RPG for the first time, as the default difficulty is perfectly fine and can also be made easier. I found no need to grind for the main story, which may appeal to newcomers. For those who enjoy this though, there are extra challenges to take on such as hunting powerful monsters, forging weapons and taking part in trials that limit your abilities.
When I think of Final Fantasy, instantly I think of stunning soundtracks and visuals. This does not disappoint on this front. Wonderfully animated cut scenes and excellent voice acting are present and correct. There are some stunning set pieces, highly emotional moments and outrageous boss fights that will live long in the memory. The story is highly gripping to begin with. Unfortunately this isn't sustained all the way through, and I found the final villain to be slightly disappointing and it felt like a character we've seen a hundred times in these sorts of games. Where FFXVI really shines storywise is the interactions between the different factions and their dominants, and the relationship between Clive, Cid, Jill and Joshua.
Clive is one of the deepest Final Fantasy protagonists, with a complex and tragic backstory that gives him a more rounded character and motivation than previous members of the series. Where this title differs from previous, is the lack of a party as such. Whilst other characters do join you, they are only every temporary members and you are unable to customise their equipment etc. Some may find this disappointing. These characters are still generally well written and likeable, but could have done with more time to shine.
This is an action RPG, unlike many other Final Fantasy games. I have always preferred turn based, however the systems here are relatively easy to learn and not overly difficult. Later in the game, the different Eikon abilities mean you can have a lot of fun setting up different battle styles. Until this point though, you may find the early game battles a bit samey.
For me, the game lacks a sense of exploration. There, for much of the game, is little incentive to wander exploring. Additionally, the side quests for much of the game are really dull. It isn't until the final main quest where a range of interesting side quests are unlocked that add a real depth to some characters and are interesting to play through.
I'd recommend the game to fans of the series and fans of the genre. The game may also appeal to those interested in trying an action RPG for the first time, as the default difficulty is perfectly fine and can also be made easier. I found no need to grind for the main story, which may appeal to newcomers. For those who enjoy this though, there are extra challenges to take on such as hunting powerful monsters, forging weapons and taking part in trials that limit your abilities.
Summary
A tactical card based RPG set in the Marvel universe.
Do buy if you enjoy the Marvel universe, like tactical RPGs and "story rich" games.
Don't buy if you don't like long games, typical Marvel storylines, lots of dialogue or turn based combat.
Pros
- Well written and great voice acting. A world rich in lore that explores the arcane/magical side of the marvel universe. The story is enjoyable and the characters engaging.
- Graphics are generally good, especially the look of the heroes and their suits. The characters are well animated, with subtle differences in the way they move and behave.
- Combat is enjoyable and there are lots of difficulty levels to adjust the challenge. Use the environment and hero abilities to defeat your foes. Easy to learn, harder to master.
- You can pet the dog and cat
Cons
- Some glitches and bugs. Including an annoying one that prevents saving in some longer missions (like the final one and the last mission of the DLC). Some small graphical glitches at times or frame drops when certain abilities are used
- I feel like there could have been more abilities/cards for each hero as you see them all quite quickly
- Some of the general missions get repetitive as you see the same mission styles and enemy types over and over again
Neutral
- Some may feel the Abbey sequences are repetitive and there's too much dialogue. I personally didn't mind this at all, enjoyed exploring the abbey and hanging out with the heroes.
- Some may feel the DLC is underwhelming or too short. However, again it is well written, gives you new characters and an epic boss fight at the end.
- You initially may feel slightly overwhelmed by the different mechanics, but it does click and make sense eventually.
A tactical card based RPG set in the Marvel universe.
Do buy if you enjoy the Marvel universe, like tactical RPGs and "story rich" games.
Don't buy if you don't like long games, typical Marvel storylines, lots of dialogue or turn based combat.
Pros
- Well written and great voice acting. A world rich in lore that explores the arcane/magical side of the marvel universe. The story is enjoyable and the characters engaging.
- Graphics are generally good, especially the look of the heroes and their suits. The characters are well animated, with subtle differences in the way they move and behave.
- Combat is enjoyable and there are lots of difficulty levels to adjust the challenge. Use the environment and hero abilities to defeat your foes. Easy to learn, harder to master.
- You can pet the dog and cat
Cons
- Some glitches and bugs. Including an annoying one that prevents saving in some longer missions (like the final one and the last mission of the DLC). Some small graphical glitches at times or frame drops when certain abilities are used
- I feel like there could have been more abilities/cards for each hero as you see them all quite quickly
- Some of the general missions get repetitive as you see the same mission styles and enemy types over and over again
Neutral
- Some may feel the Abbey sequences are repetitive and there's too much dialogue. I personally didn't mind this at all, enjoyed exploring the abbey and hanging out with the heroes.
- Some may feel the DLC is underwhelming or too short. However, again it is well written, gives you new characters and an epic boss fight at the end.
- You initially may feel slightly overwhelmed by the different mechanics, but it does click and make sense eventually.
2023
An enjoyable RPG with excellent pixel art and a great soundtrack.
The presentation of this game is easily its greatest strength. Simply some of the best pixel style backgrounds you will see with lovely lighting, even perhaps beating out Square-Enix's 2D HD style.
The story is decent, with lots of interesting ideas. However, these don't always get expanded on fully. The characters are a mixed bag - the two main characters don't have much personality, nor do they develop much throughout the story. I personally found Garl very irritating, which lessened some of the emotional impact of the story. The side characters are often the most interesting, with Serai and the pirate crew my personal favourites.
The battle system employs a twist on turn based as you can increase or reduce damage by timing your button presses. Unfortunately, there are not many abilities to unlock and so many battles feel the same, and you never really feel like you're developing your characters much.
If you enjoyed The Messenger, there are some fun cameos and references, but you will be able to understand the story of this game even without knowledge of the game. A fun final surprise awaits for fans who unlock the game's final secret.
There are mini games throughout that add to the experience, making this a charming call back to early Final Fantasy games and the likes of Chrono Trigger. But ultimately, the one dimensional characters and limited options for customising/developing your character over time means this game falls short of its influences in my eyes.
I enjoyed the game, but I can't say it's an all time classic. Worth a go though for fans of the genre.
The presentation of this game is easily its greatest strength. Simply some of the best pixel style backgrounds you will see with lovely lighting, even perhaps beating out Square-Enix's 2D HD style.
The story is decent, with lots of interesting ideas. However, these don't always get expanded on fully. The characters are a mixed bag - the two main characters don't have much personality, nor do they develop much throughout the story. I personally found Garl very irritating, which lessened some of the emotional impact of the story. The side characters are often the most interesting, with Serai and the pirate crew my personal favourites.
The battle system employs a twist on turn based as you can increase or reduce damage by timing your button presses. Unfortunately, there are not many abilities to unlock and so many battles feel the same, and you never really feel like you're developing your characters much.
If you enjoyed The Messenger, there are some fun cameos and references, but you will be able to understand the story of this game even without knowledge of the game. A fun final surprise awaits for fans who unlock the game's final secret.
There are mini games throughout that add to the experience, making this a charming call back to early Final Fantasy games and the likes of Chrono Trigger. But ultimately, the one dimensional characters and limited options for customising/developing your character over time means this game falls short of its influences in my eyes.
I enjoyed the game, but I can't say it's an all time classic. Worth a go though for fans of the genre.
2021
This is a relaxing little puzzle game that I've enjoyed playing on a summer evening. The aim is to match tiles to build up areas of forest, fields, rivers, towns etc. The concept of the game is good, but doesn't really develop over time so once you've seen all the gimmicks it's just more of the same. What's here is good but it may not hold your attention for too long. I do like to pick it up to relax though!
Compelling storyline, memorable characters and great depth to building a character build. A classic for a reason!
The controls have been updated well for the Nintendo switch. The graphics and sound do show their age, but don't really detract from the experience as they are well designed and the voice acting is good.
Save regularly though as I encountered a fair few crashes, more so than BG1 on the switch. Keep autosave on, as there is one particularly annoying albeit rare crash that can wipe your save game. Fortunately autosave should come to the rescue with minimal loss.
The controls have been updated well for the Nintendo switch. The graphics and sound do show their age, but don't really detract from the experience as they are well designed and the voice acting is good.
Save regularly though as I encountered a fair few crashes, more so than BG1 on the switch. Keep autosave on, as there is one particularly annoying albeit rare crash that can wipe your save game. Fortunately autosave should come to the rescue with minimal loss.
2022
This game is a love letter to the classic turn based RPG, taking inspiration from the likes of Chrono Trigger or classic final fantasy but not copying, with a story, world and battle system all of it's own. The plot and characters are engaging, and there's lots to explore without the game overstaying its welcome. It's colourful and the music is enjoyable, without quite hitting the must listen to on Spotify levels. If you are a fan of classic turn based RPGs, I would describe this as a must play. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a remarkable achievement considering the size of the development team! The only issues I have were the lack of challenge (it can be fairly easy at times if you've done enough exploring) and a couple of bugs were I had to restart the game - this only happened a couple of times though! I was also less keen on the mech fighting.
2022
A relaxing and slightly addicting cat cafe game, that definitely has a "just one more day" hook to keep you going. The characters (and cats!) have a lot of charm. Nothing too complicated here, a chilled game to pass the time with.
2021
A relaxing aquarium simulator. The client tasks or quests were quite fun, and the DLC adds more variety. My only real gripe is that it can be sometimes fiddly to place objects where you want, and the initial load time is quite long.
2020
The setting and characters are interesting.
However, the game is fetch quest after fetch quest. The controls are clunky on the switch and I experienced several crashes. Fortunately there is frequent auto save. I wanted to like it, as I enjoyed the aesthetics and was intrigued by the world building. Despite this, the tedious gameplay had me reaching for an online guide to get to the end as soon as possible. A shame. On a positive note, they've really nailed the 90s isometric aesthetic. The music and voice acting are good too.
However, the game is fetch quest after fetch quest. The controls are clunky on the switch and I experienced several crashes. Fortunately there is frequent auto save. I wanted to like it, as I enjoyed the aesthetics and was intrigued by the world building. Despite this, the tedious gameplay had me reaching for an online guide to get to the end as soon as possible. A shame. On a positive note, they've really nailed the 90s isometric aesthetic. The music and voice acting are good too.