Welcome to our review of Cris Tales, a game that I have a serious love/hate relationship with….
Cris Tales is a gorgeous, indie love letter to classic JRPGs with a new perspective. Peer into the past, act in the present, and watch as your choices dynamically change the future — all on one screen as you play! Beautifully hand-drawn 2D animations bring to life a world where your choices will change both the present and the future across more than 20 hours of gameplay.
Inspired by timeless JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, Valkyrie Profile, and modern classics like Bravely Default and Persona 5, meet and recruit a unique cast of teammates, challenge myriad enemies, and make your way through an expansive world. Peer into and learn from the past, decide on actions in the present, and alter the course of the future in ways that will reshape the world dynamically depending on the choices you make.
Warp your enemies into the past or future, synchronize attacks for enhanced group abilities, and master the timing of attack and defense to go beyond your party’s limits in combat. The Empress’ plot to destroy the world is complex and layered. Use your wits and recruit powerful allies throughout the world to uncover and undo her multi-faceted web and make your way to the True Ending of this enchanting tale. Climb aboard an airship or boat and traverse this handcrafted, dark fairytale world. From the shining kingdom of Crystallis to the slums of Vinez, discover each unique location and shape its future.
When I mentioned my love/hate relationship with the game, I mean it. When I heard the game was announced, I felt like the graphics would not work for a JRPG love letter. They look like a cheap attempt at modern-day animation and prior to playing the game, I was very skeptical if it would work or not.
Spoiler alert, it really does.
My next concern, whether or not the side-scrolling JRPG thing would work. Well, that is again where the love and hate come to play. I do like the entire idea behind it, but it felt tedious at times. I wish it was somewhat better, but I honestly do not know what to improve. Maybe the speed or ability to see when you’d enter into combat beforehand?
Speaking of combat, that is by far one of the smartest ways to implement a turn-based fighting system, where you don’t just plan your next move, but even those way deeper down the turn line. There are linked attacks, like setting up a poisonous plant to grow, abusing the time mechanics to make them fast forward so they can go into full effect. Smart as F!
Another part of the love side of things, this game, really everything about it, is so well voiced. The voice-overs are done ever so splendidly and the atmosphere created by the actors and the overall audio, is just a true ode to the genre.
Now is the game any good? It is smart in many ways and while it sure is entertaining… I do not think it is for everyone. It is not the hardest of games as long as you keep all the game mechanics in mind. But somewhere in the back of my mind, I keep thinking this game is more an ode to lovers of the genre. I love the genre and truly love this game, but not so certain everyone would like it as much.
In conclusion, Cris Tales is a game that might be my current favorite, but some caveats might prevent it from being a massive hit. I would recommend picking it up and if you do not intend to play it immediately, wait for a sale and give it a try!
