- A turn-based RPG for those who enjoy Final Fantasy Tactics.
- Every stage presents a unique challenge.
- Choose your team from a plethora of heroes.
As a seasoned RPG veteran, reminiscing about my days spent immersed in the tactical battles of Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia upon laying my hands on Sword of Convallaria. This grid-based, pixel-art masterpiece by XD Entertainment Pte. (T3 Arena, Torchilight: Infinite) has been a breath of fresh air in the gaming world, and I’ve been hooked since day one!
As someone who loves role-playing games, I couldn’t resist diving into the new offering from XD Entertainment Pte., namely T3 Arena, Torchilight: Infinite, or Sword of Convallaria. So far, it’s been a nostalgic journey, reminding me of my past experiences with games like Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together and Final Fantasy Tactics.
If a game features a turn-based combat system on a grid, complete with captivating pixel artwork, count me in!
For approximately a week, I’ve been testing the pre-release version of the game, and since I’ve had enough experience with it, I figured it was appropriate to pen some thoughts on it.
Let’s talk about the gameplay
As I’ve mentioned already, Sword of Convallaria is a turn-based JRPG with a grid-based battle system. If you are a fan of the genre, you already know what to expect.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found that Sword of Convallaria doesn’t exactly redefine the gaming landscape. In terms of gameplay mechanics, characters in this game have a specific movement limit within a grid system, and they can only use their skills within a certain range. This range varies depending on the character class, which is quite standard in many games I’ve played. It’s not breaking new ground, but it’s a familiar and enjoyable experience for me so far.
As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I’ve learned that melee characters like tanks require a more intimate engagement with their foes to dish out damage effectively. In contrast, rangers and priests can take aim from afar, thanks to their extended attack range. After each character has executed their move, the round concludes, marking the start of your opponent’s turn. This ebb and flow is what keeps gaming sessions exciting and challenging!
The objective usually is to eliminate all the enemies. That’s the gameplay in a nutshell.
Absolutely, there are additional elements added for excitement. For instance, you can blow up barrels to harm nearby characters. Certain characters even possess the skill to knock their opponents off the playfield. Additionally, some stage tiles may be on fire, gradually damaging the heroes.
To put it simply, I won’t delve deeply into specifics, but what I appreciate thus far is each phase presents its own distinct hurdle.
The story
The story takes place in Iria, a magical town that is a part of the ancient continent of Rodinia. As Iria is renowned for its abundance of resources, it has drawn the envy of other powerful nations. Numerous conflicts between religious and ethnic groups, interference from external factions, and power struggles loom over the town.
Waking up in an enigmatic cellar, you discover that your life is now intertwined with Iria’s. Fighting tooth and nail just to stay alive, you miraculously break free, but end up in the besieged town of Convallaria instead.
In simpler terms, you’ll lead the Convallaria Mercenary Group, using their Sword as your tool, to safeguard the town and strive for a brighter tomorrow for Iria.
The pixel graphics bring back memories
Simply put, the graphics are beautiful – at least if you enjoy that form of art. But in my opinion, Sword of Convallaria boasts wonderful pixel graphics, which remind me of old-school RPGs. It’s not something groundbreaking or unique, but the nostalgia is there, and it’s undeniable. If you played games like Octopath Traveler or Stardew Valley before, you will know exactly what I’m talking about.
It’s worth noting that the game’s soundtrack was composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, the very same composer responsible for the music in Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre.
About the characters
In terms of enhancing characters and making them more powerful, it’s quite routine. You can increase their levels, boost their attributes, outfit them with gear, or enhance them using duplicates – nothing particularly innovative, truth be told. However, what makes it intriguing is that each character possesses a unique skill tree. By choosing different passive abilities, you can tailor their performance to suit your preferred gaming approach.
As a devoted fan, I must admit that the current character roster isn’t extensive, but I eagerly anticipate the arrival of more in upcoming updates. To expand my collection, I make use of a gacha system, which adds a thrilling element to the waiting process.
Progression
So far, progress has been smooth, and I’ve been enjoying the game. The energy mechanic can be a little bit annoying for someone who wants to spend hours at a time playing, though. I haven’t spent any money on the game, but I haven’t had any trouble. I mean, I didn’t hit a wall or something like that.
Now, that said, keep in mind that I’m only playing the game for about a week. I don’t know how the end game will be. I’m assuming that getting dupes for certain characters can be problematic, but maybe there will be events? Who knows.
It’s clear that spending money on the game can make it slightly less challenging for you. This is quite common in games featuring a gacha system, though.
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2024-08-08 13:18