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Key facts about the gameplay: there are different unit types of characters you can choose and they all have their own unique style. I found it quite confusing at the start, but the more you play, the more you get used to how each one works. If I’m honest, I choose 3 really hot-looking girls for my first set of four. Your quests often have you moving from one place to another, defeating the bad guys in your way. The movement is very basic and resembles a board game, but the fighting offers you an experience I haven’t felt before in a video game. The battles are turn-based, but the different characters have different ways of attacking. Some are better from distances whereas some characters require you to get up close and personal. The medic slightly annoyed me because you have to drop the medicine on the floor, and then someone walks over it to heal. However, a number of other healing options come readily available later in the game. What I loved – yet hated at the start – is that if you are using a spell and are shooting in the line your character is, then you are going to also hit your character. During my first 20 battles, I was still making these mistakes and it was constantly frustrating me, but also making me think carefully about each move I made.
There are a lot of times where you will be watching rather than playing, especially at the start, but at no point did I find them boring. There’s a lot to take on board and, at times, I found it a little too much to learn. You can upgrade all your weapons, add different skills to the characters and provide different abilities – all for 17 different classes. However, even though I didn’t take on board everything said to me, it didn’t affect how I played the game. I really enjoyed being in charge of my crew and deciding all their names – sadly, this did turn me into a little kid again. I just feel it could have been a little text-heavy at the start and maybe introduced me into a few things in a slower fashion. There’s only a small amount of new knowledge my brain can take it without a nap.
Enjoyment:
Okay so this part of the section is the hardest part to write. Did I have the most fun ever playing this game… no. Did I have fun playing it? Yes… well I think yes. I mean, I liked playing it, but was that because I always want to be the best at something I do. I wanted to have the best guild and, therefore, named it something which was personal to me. I had fun seeing all the character designs and learning how to use each type of character.
The main story will last about 12 hours. However, there is another 30-odd hours of extras you can do. Is this a bit too long? Potentially, I understand why games are getting longer these days. Gone are the days of a quick ’12 hours and you’ve done everything’ game. I’ve got to say that there is a good amount of humour in this game, mainly provided by Flint, and you will find yourself chuckling from his bad-mouthed rants and alcohol-hunting humour. Overall, I would say the enjoyment levels are either a 7 or an 8 so I will meet myself in the middle and go for 7.5. The solo is fun, but also frustrating. However I can guarantee you will get addicted.
Overall, this is definitely a game worth playing. Even though it will frustrate and irritate, you will enjoy the journey. It offers something different, something I have never experienced before, and might just reopen the genre for many more games like this. If only this Japanese market was a little bit bigger in the UK.
In short:
- Graphics: 8 – nothing spectacular but just right for the game
Sound: 10 – absolutely nothing bad to say about this
Gameplay: 7 – at times simple at other times far too complicated but incredibly addictive
Enjoyment: 7.5 – frustrating, irritating but excellent
Overall: 8 – If you are a fan of tactical RPGs then this is a game for you.
Grand Kingdom is out now on PS Vita and PS4, and also as a Limited Edition on PS Vita and Limited Edition on PS4.
PC. Click on the packshot for the full-size version.
Thanks to those Youtube channels featured for the gaming footage.
Important info:
- Publisher: NIS America
- Players: single player campaign, online multiplayer
|
GRAPHICS SOUND GAMEPLAY ENJOYMENT |
8 10 7 7.5 |
| OVERALL | 8 |
Director: Tomohiko Deguchi
Artist: Chizu Hashii
Composer: Mitsuhiro Kaneda
I have been a video game player since 1993 and a music fan since I can remember. I studied Film and Journalism at university and ended up becoming a Primary School teacher. Video games changed my life and sent me on the right track and have stayed with me ever since.