Its no secret that I like JRPGs, and ever since the 3DS days, KEMCO has been my to go place for affordable JRPG experiences. Not all of them are cult hits, but they always surprise me with games like Asdivine Hearts and its sequel. Now we have been given another JRPG tale, and so far, it’s one of the most unique games I have ever played.
“Several Ages ago, Alvastia was attacked by the Archfiend, and his generals the Tetrarchs (four elemental based fiends that kind of remind me of a fantasy that was final). The damage that the world receive was so severe that the Itherians (the god-like residents of the world in that era) had to raise up the earth, using four pillars the earth rose up in the sky all while serving as a seal for the Archfiend. Ten years ago, one of the pillars was compromised, weakening the seal and evil arose again. Because of that, Alan and Elmia’s parents passed away in that attack in the hands of the Earth Tetrarch. Due to the shock, Aan went mute. A simple escort mission ends up finding that the Earth Tetrarch is back. After a sound beating and wanting revenge, this sets up the elements for a grand adventure.
This is basically the story in a nutshell. I really like the approach taken here with a mute protagonist because in several times during the story, the player can choose between two different answers when Alan is asked for his opinion. This depends on the answer can set up some really funny moments and can keep the player engaged with the characters and the story.
Another thing that I really liked about Alvastia Chronicles is the battle system. At first, I thought that I was going to fight using both siblings, but it turns out that this game had other things in mind, using a system in which instead of being the traditional three or four party members, each member can equip 3 members on its own. A total of 13 characters can be at the same time on the field. However, they serve only as to increase your attack power since only the main character equipped can take actions. Even so, the attack power increases three times so its a welcome addition. I like how you recruit some of them with some really comedic situations, or some can teach some useful things like treasure searching or even side quests, so there is a lot of content to enjoy.
I like the SNES sprites aesthetic. As expected it, looks really good. I might sound biased, but I really like pixel art games and in JRPGs even more. I also like the skills. They look flashy and fun to use. I like how the game treats the skills here. Instead of using MP, they have a number of uses that resets after each battle, so if you use all the healing magic you had in a battle, you needn’t to worry since by the next battle you can use them again. This way you can use everything the game has to offer to its fullest.
The music is good and does what it set to do just fine. There is also a shop with a gamble like system. With this, you can get powerful weapons, allies or armor, but like other games that has this, you need to pay real world cash. For those who like to grind, there is a possibility to earn the special currency to gamble while defeating monsters. This adds a somewhat satisfying layer to the game. For example in my walk-through, I was given a 1,000 jewels that I used to gamble and got a really powerful weapon from the beginning of the game so it made it easier. I am not to fond of this approach because it feels sometimes like a mobile game (and I stay away from them because of microtransactions), but the game is completely doable without that.
Bottom Line: Alvastia Chronicles is another noteworthy JRPG from KEMCO and EXE Create. I definitely recommend it to JRPG fans because of the fact that a bonsai tree or a spirit on a barrel can be part of your team and fight like any other seasoned fighter. It is something worth seeing.
A Review code was provided for this review.