The 8-bit days are well behind us, but this generation, we've already seen a lot of "retro-chic" productions, including Atlus' latest 3D Dot Game Heroes. While the latter is more an homage to old-school Zelda adventure, NIS America's Cladun: This is an RPG is similar: It's a game that pokes fun at himself (and role-playing genre) and really embraces the quirky charm that veteran gamers remember . Cladun is a classic dungeon crawler with a modern twist, as there are randomly generated dungeons, a complete character customization options, and a whole lot of self-deprecating humor. It never takes itself seriously for a second and if you're nostalgic for the long lost old days, this one is right up your alley. One might complain that there is not much of a story and the mechanics are semi-clunky, but it is old-fashioned goodness that counts most.
As you might expect, the graphics memories of yesteryear visual displays, even if Nippon Ichi went to the extra effort and input some good color and detail. Initially I found myself hoping for more intricately designed dungeons, but when I caught myself: what are developers trying to do here? What are their goals? When I replied that I realized the entire look and feel of Cladun is just about right. There are many different types of enemies, the large number of available characters to adapt is pretty impressive, and backgrounds is both charming and attractive. I suppose some of the caves felt a little bland and could have had more in the way of colorful, meaningful additions, but it is only a minor complaint. All in all, if you are familiar with the way old-school RPGs that are used to seeing many years ago, you will not be surprised at what you see. It's just a bit ... prettier.
You can actually choose between an old-fashioned electronic soundtrack and a date - but still mounting - set of music. Although the former is a good addition to the style and atmosphere of the game, it's probably a better idea to choose the latter, and there's just more variety. There is no voice acting - of course not! - But the effects are a step above what you would recall the old days: they are clear, sharp, balanced and professionally orchestrated. Even if you choose more modern soundtrack, the sound of Cladun combines with the visual presentation to provide gamers with a beautiful, comfortable world. There is not much else to talk about the technical aspects. Surprisingly, the focus of the game is squarely on the gameplay, which is laden with more inherent depth than ever seen in 8-bit days, but still mechanically accessible.
We all need to take potshots at ourselves now and again. We all have to admit that it was always a little weird to just magically pop out on a world map after working through forests or dungeons in a different perspective, and it was even more strange to start our quests with things like chopsticks and cutlery as a shield. Nippon Ichi takes all the little quirks and eccentricities, rounds them up and put them into a happy little package. There is an abundance of banter going on in the dialogue, characters will make fun of each other, often with reference to the aforementioned old-fashioned RPG quirks. It's hilarious, and if you get the jokes and references that you feel like you're part of a secret club, the club that was blown away when playing the original Final Fantasy. You might remember this kind of humor in 3D Dot Game Heroes, but developers Layer it on extra thick, it is an RPG And what better name for such a game? Older players will undoubtedly say the game, "hey, that's what I remember from RPG!"
However, there is a warning: it is not turn-based, as so many POs used to be. It is completely real-time, a standard hack 'n slash dungeon crawler with a not-so-standard exterior. The depth is just nutty and it's all because of the Magic Circle is where you want the allies, rather than friends actually fighting beside you, they do their best work behind the scenes. And actually, when they hit during the battle, HP will drain from your veiled friends before you begin to suffer scratches so attached allies in the Magic Circle is crucial. And depending on where you place your ally, that character will have certain characteristics, and each can also have their own assortment of artifacts. These artifacts will affect the character's base statistics, including attack, defense, speed, spell points, HP, etc. Therefore, you will be micro managing the character that actually does the fighting along with all the allies in the Magic Circle, such a process is quite complicated and great for hardcore RPGers, but it may be a touch overwhelming at times.
You can actually choose between an old-fashioned electronic soundtrack and a date - but still mounting - set of music. Although the former is a good addition to the style and atmosphere of the game, it's probably a better idea to choose the latter, and there's just more variety. There is no voice acting - of course not! - But the effects are a step above what you would recall the old days: they are clear, sharp, balanced and professionally orchestrated. Even if you choose more modern soundtrack, the sound of Cladun combines with the visual presentation to provide gamers with a beautiful, comfortable world. There is not much else to talk about the technical aspects. Surprisingly, the focus of the game is squarely on the gameplay, which is laden with more inherent depth than ever seen in 8-bit days, but still mechanically accessible.
We all need to take potshots at ourselves now and again. We all have to admit that it was always a little weird to just magically pop out on a world map after working through forests or dungeons in a different perspective, and it was even more strange to start our quests with things like chopsticks and cutlery as a shield. Nippon Ichi takes all the little quirks and eccentricities, rounds them up and put them into a happy little package. There is an abundance of banter going on in the dialogue, characters will make fun of each other, often with reference to the aforementioned old-fashioned RPG quirks. It's hilarious, and if you get the jokes and references that you feel like you're part of a secret club, the club that was blown away when playing the original Final Fantasy. You might remember this kind of humor in 3D Dot Game Heroes, but developers Layer it on extra thick, it is an RPG And what better name for such a game? Older players will undoubtedly say the game, "hey, that's what I remember from RPG!"
However, there is a warning: it is not turn-based, as so many POs used to be. It is completely real-time, a standard hack 'n slash dungeon crawler with a not-so-standard exterior. The depth is just nutty and it's all because of the Magic Circle is where you want the allies, rather than friends actually fighting beside you, they do their best work behind the scenes. And actually, when they hit during the battle, HP will drain from your veiled friends before you begin to suffer scratches so attached allies in the Magic Circle is crucial. And depending on where you place your ally, that character will have certain characteristics, and each can also have their own assortment of artifacts. These artifacts will affect the character's base statistics, including attack, defense, speed, spell points, HP, etc. Therefore, you will be micro managing the character that actually does the fighting along with all the allies in the Magic Circle, such a process is quite complicated and great for hardcore RPGers, but it may be a touch overwhelming at times.
The latter leads me to the following point clear, this game is designed for a very specific group of players and they know who they are. It's about heavy micromanagement outside combat, a large quantity - even a massive amount - the grinding, and endless dungeon crawling. There is really no story to speak of, but the comic aspects should keep you interested. The only mechanical problem is in control, because it never really feels seamless and intuitive, it's actually a little clumsy. Sometimes there is a cheapness associated with dungeons and that cheapness is primarily due to your lack of quick movement. You can really only attack straight ahead and block does not seem all that effective at times. But if you're willing to deal with these small mistakes, you will find yourself totally immersed in an entertaining, engaging, and ultimately to fulfill the traditional RPG.
The different character classes allow you to be endlessly creative in how you create your Magic Circle, and do not forget you can always build your own character from scratch. Actually, you can build more characters, train them all and make them valuable allies Circle. Each dungeon presents a new set of challenges, and if you feel overmatched, you can always return to other dungeons and gather more experience and money (classical RPG, right?). You could win fame points by clearing a dungeon within a specified period, but it is almost impossible, until you become more powerful, it is usually about sprinting through as quickly as possible. Initially, you will want to explore, conquer everything you see, snag some treasure and take your time with the boss. After this you can come back and try to beat the time if you wish. Really, it's about building and grinding, with some adjustments and enthusiastic charisma tossed in for giggles.
Cladun: This is an RPG made for the old school RPG lover who appreciates nostalgic throw-backs with a touch of modern glass and almost endless smile-inducing comedy. The learning curve is somewhat high, the gameplay during combat feel a touch clunky, the dungeons seem a bit barren, and yes, there is not much of a plot. But this production is where it counts. It's fun, it's crazy deep that the player has a great amount of management control (starting with the character customization), the overall presentation is perfect for the intended demographic and we are talking serious bang for your buck. The game is slated to arrive on PlayStation Network on 21 September, and if this is your bag, it's a clear winner. Give it a chance.
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