Writing 9 for Itsuwari no Kamen. 8.5~9.5 depending on how the story continues.
The world-building detail blows all previous Aquaplus fantasy games straight out of the water. Detail explanations are given in the "dictionary" for everything from geography, political structure, down to everyday foods and clothes.
The writing is well done. Everything seems to flow naturally, and no description or dialogue seems rushed, drawn out, or forced.
The various plot twist are well done, and reaches a level of complexity beyond the first game.
The characters leaves the usual archetypes (as is the case with Aquaplus games). A good balance is struck between exaggeration for comedy purposes, and natural interactions.
With that said, there are draw backs that hold the story back.
1) There is a distinct lack of personal challenge and character growth before the final chapter for anyone but the main duo. A significant number of the main cast can be written off as "good friends tagging along for the ride".
2) The pacing is majorly off between their arrival in the capital and the outbreak of war.
3) One of the best part of Utawarerumono is the emotional roller coaster it offers. Itsuwari no Kamen fails to do this by focusing too much time on comedy. The only emotional ones are all jammed into the concluding chapter.
Nevertheless, the writing deserves a full 9/10 easily.
Gameplay 7.5~8
Pretty standard STING strategy game. The combo system, with three or four available to each unit to choose from and the skill books makes for interesting gameplay.
The downsides is for any veteran of strategy rpgs, the game is too easy.
Graphics 10
Not much to say because no problem here. Standard Aquaplus beautiful background and CG.
Sound 8.5
As always, beautiful soundtrack the fits the mood and situation completely, and with a cultural tastes that fits this specific fantasy world. Still some minor troubles. 1) Not enough variety for a PS4 game. 2) No ending song. 3) Butchering a track from the original. 4) Frankly, the last boss battle BGM is not epic enough.
Itsuwari no Kamen is definitely recommended for anyone who can read Japanese, or if the translation ever comes out, and a must read for anyone who played through Utawarerumono.
THE ANIME ON THE OTHER HAND IS THE WORST ADAPTION IN RECENT MEMORY.
VideoGame Play the game. Please Ignore the anime.
Writing 9 for Itsuwari no Kamen. 8.5~9.5 depending on how the story continues.
The world-building detail blows all previous Aquaplus fantasy games straight out of the water. Detail explanations are given in the "dictionary" for everything from geography, political structure, down to everyday foods and clothes.
The writing is well done. Everything seems to flow naturally, and no description or dialogue seems rushed, drawn out, or forced.
The various plot twist are well done, and reaches a level of complexity beyond the first game.
The characters leaves the usual archetypes (as is the case with Aquaplus games). A good balance is struck between exaggeration for comedy purposes, and natural interactions.
With that said, there are draw backs that hold the story back. 1) There is a distinct lack of personal challenge and character growth before the final chapter for anyone but the main duo. A significant number of the main cast can be written off as "good friends tagging along for the ride". 2) The pacing is majorly off between their arrival in the capital and the outbreak of war. 3) One of the best part of Utawarerumono is the emotional roller coaster it offers. Itsuwari no Kamen fails to do this by focusing too much time on comedy. The only emotional ones are all jammed into the concluding chapter.
Nevertheless, the writing deserves a full 9/10 easily.
Gameplay 7.5~8 Pretty standard STING strategy game. The combo system, with three or four available to each unit to choose from and the skill books makes for interesting gameplay.
The downsides is for any veteran of strategy rpgs, the game is too easy.
Graphics 10 Not much to say because no problem here. Standard Aquaplus beautiful background and CG.
Sound 8.5 As always, beautiful soundtrack the fits the mood and situation completely, and with a cultural tastes that fits this specific fantasy world. Still some minor troubles. 1) Not enough variety for a PS4 game. 2) No ending song. 3) Butchering a track from the original. 4) Frankly, the last boss battle BGM is not epic enough.
Itsuwari no Kamen is definitely recommended for anyone who can read Japanese, or if the translation ever comes out, and a must read for anyone who played through Utawarerumono.
THE ANIME ON THE OTHER HAND IS THE WORST ADAPTION IN RECENT MEMORY.