Vanillaware has always made games that I have enjoyed and this was no exception. I went in with no expectations and no background which really helps because the story is the key piece to this game. This was unlike any other game from this developer and it is no wonder why it took so long to make.
Let's get the least fun part out of the way, the combat segments. Surprisingly, the actual game part of the game is the least interesting but is passable. There is definitely some depth to the fights but I am absolutely terrible at real-time strategy games like this is or appears to be. It is an interesting concept but I played on the lowest difficulty because I didn't want this part to get in the way of the better part of the game. I will say, towards the end of it, I was powerful and I didn't really know why. I do have to give credit to the final fight though, it definitely was fitting the whole tale and really wrapped everything up. It was frantic but manageable.
For me, the best part of the game was the story. It plays out like an interactive visual novel and it is obvious the developers paid extra attention to making sure everything flowed. Each story section does weave and out through different arcs and timelines, there are some pretty heavy concepts and it does get confusing but once it gets going and the threads come together. It is a twisting and winding road but once everything converges at the end, it just kind of clicks. All the characters were enjoyable and felt real, I really grew attached to some of them and it was hard to see them go. It does get a little repetitive when you can't figure out the little esoteric trigger to get to the next scene but those were few and far between. As a whole, the narrative really stands out in the Science Fiction genre and some modern writers could really learn from this game on how best to weave a complicated yet complete story.
The other great thing about Vanillaware is the fact that they always have great visuals. This game is no exception, it is very apparent that everything was designed in great detail. The sprites are visually pleasing and the 2D affects are sometimes utterly stunning. I have to give them props for the soundtrack as well. The music that plays in the final battle stage especially stands out as you can hear the chanting as you are frantically fighting off kaiju. It really helped get me into the moment, I felt like I was truly in command.
I went into this game not expecting anything and ended up getting an experience I won't forget. The combat wasn't my cup of tea but it was passable and luckily didn't hinder progression to the point that I got frustrated. Vanillaware really outdid themselves with this one. I for one cannot wait for their next title but will be patient for their next title. I know they take a long time to make but the care and detail that go into them are well worth the wait. Don't sleep on this title, even if you don't like visual novel style games. There is something for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment