VED Review Summary

This visual novel hybrid offers impactful branching choices, an innovative combat system, and stunning visuals and music, but the combat grows boring and the lack of a save system frustrates.

Innovative combat system: Players find the combat sufficiently interesting, original, pleasantly different, and very innovative. The combat strategy is new and interesting.

Interesting story: The story is quite interesting, good, and constantly engaging with unpredictable elements.

Visual novel and turn-based combat mix: The gameplay combines visual novel elements with deep storytelling and turn-based battles, creating a unique hybrid experience.

Stunning visuals: The visuals are beautiful, easy on the eyes, and considered a masterpiece by many players.

Gorgeous hand-drawn graphics and music: The hand-drawn graphics are gorgeous, and the music and hand-drawn graphics are nice. The game boasts a unique hand-drawn art style.

Boring combat: Battles are frequently described as boring, uninteresting, trivial, and simple, with combat feeling like going through the motions.

Repetitive gameplay: Gameplay is basic, repetitive, and minimal, with combat reduced to spamming attacks and moving left or right.

No save system: Reviewers complain about the lack of saves, forcing players to replay levels to choose different story branches.

Disjointed story: The story is broken and disjointed, with a mess of continuity and random story segments.

Missing translations: Players report missing Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, and French language support or subtitles.

Visual novel hybrid gameplay: Players frequently describe the game as a visual novel with RPG elements, branching choices, and turn-based battles. Some feel it leans more toward a visual novel than an action game or traditional RPG.

Impactful choices and branching: The game features choices that significantly affect the story, character actions, and outcomes, with a branching narrative that changes based on player decisions. Many note that choices are impactful and lead to different endings.

Turn-based combat: Combat is turn-based, often involving mechs or a strafing character fighting bosses with adds or limbs. Some battles require strategic positioning and resource management.

Multiple endings and replayability: Multiple endings can be unlocked through repeated playthroughs, and the game supports replaying levels or chapters to see different outcomes. Achievements include ones for specific endings, such as a neutral ending.

Tactical positioning matters: Positioning affects how bosses take damage and which attacks they use. The battlefield is divided into segments, and many skills are tied to movement, with final position determining next move and attack options.

Smooth bug-free performance: One reviewer reported experiencing no lags or bugs while playing. The game ran without noticeable technical issues.

Works well on Steam Deck: A reviewer confirmed the game runs perfectly on the Steam Deck. This indicates good compatibility with the handheld platform.

Niche appeal for specific genres: Reviewers recommend the game specifically for fans of visual novels, turn-based strategy, narrative RPGs, and choice-driven games. Those outside these genres may not enjoy it.

Positive overall recommendation: Many reviewers strongly recommend the game, citing a positive overall impression and wholehearted endorsement. This sentiment appears across multiple clusters with high frequency.

Not worth full price: Several reviewers feel the game is not worth its full price and recommend waiting for a discount of 50-80%. They suggest buying on sale for a better value.

Unique art and storytelling praised: Reviewers appreciate the hand-crafted art style, unconventional storytelling, and branching narrative. The game offers a fresh, artistic experience for those who value these elements.

Not a tactical masterpiece: The game is described as a heartfelt, experimental RPG rather than a tightly tuned tactical or narrative epic. Players should approach with the right expectations.

Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00.

Game completion: 6.0h.

Story completion: 12.0h.

Session length: 6.0h.

Reports are split: one player calls the game extremely fun and addictive, while others describe a bland story, basic repetitive combat, and pacing that led to skipping dialogue. No review ties enjoyment to a later event, so the profile is best read as not clicking for the negative majority.

Friction: pacing not matching expectations; skipping dialogue and multiple-choice options; strange and boring tactical combat; basic and repetitive combat; bland and uninspiring story.

Narrative Tactics Hybrid Fan: Plays through story routes and turn-based choice-driven battles, appreciating visual novel elements. Motivation: To experience a unique mix of branching narrative and turn-based choices. Stance: buy.

Tactical Depth Purist: Evaluates combat depth first and has little patience for story padding or simple mechanics. Motivation: To find challenging, deep tactical strategy rather than casual battles. Stance: no buy.

Audiovisual Immersion Seeker: Chooses original-language voice tracks with subtitles and prioritizes sound and visuals during play. Motivation: To be immersed by strong voice acting and visual presentation. Stance: buy.

Indie developer Karaclan: The game is developed by Karaclan, a small team of three artist brothers from Lithuania, and published by Fulqrum Publishing. It is their debut project, reportedly in development for 12 years.

Short game length: Multiple reviewers mention the game can be completed in one evening, with playtimes ranging from 4 to 6 hours. Some note it ends just after the refund window.

Full voice acting: The game is fully voiced by notable actors, with all text read aloud. Voice cast includes Petr Ivashchenko and Vladimir Eremin for Russian localization.

Compared to other media: Reviewers compare the game to Highlander, The NeverEnding Story, Harry Potter, JRPGs, Baldur's Gate, D&D, The Banner Saga, Pyre, and Tainted Grail: Conquest.

Steam Deck compatibility: The game is reported to be playable and perfectly adapted for the Steam Deck.