I might not have done the game justice, fixating too much on its limitations rather than what makes it fun to play. As I said in the video, it's hard to get across the fun just by watching the gameplay footage--this is really one you have to play first-hand to "get it." The key to this game is the real-time gameplay; it *looks* deceptively like a turn-based game, but it's definitely not. The lag "feature" also makes a dramatic impact. So, basically you're trying to type as quickly and accurately as possible to get through some very intense battles! I also enjoy the game's eccentricities, such as the business with the left and right hands and having to specify what hand for each action. What I like about this is that it feels very realistic. In most games, combat is handled quite smoothly and expertly by the character. With this game, it's up to you and your fumbling fingers at the keyboard (plus trying to keep straight the left and right, order of commands, and of course that beating heart!). I say it feels more realistic because I'm sure this is closer to what actual combat would be like--intense, lots of fumbling, soaring heart rate, and then it's over (one way or the other) in a few seconds. No other CRPG has gotten my adrenaline pumping like this particular game.
I might not have done the game justice, fixating too much on its limitations rather than what makes it fun to play. As I said in the video, it's hard to get across the fun just by watching the gameplay footage--this is really one you have to play first-hand to "get it." The key to this game is the real-time gameplay; it *looks* deceptively like a turn-based game, but it's definitely not. The lag "feature" also makes a dramatic impact. So, basically you're trying to type as quickly and accurately as possible to get through some very intense battles! I also enjoy the game's eccentricities, such as the business with the left and right hands and having to specify what hand for each action. What I like about this is that it feels very realistic. In most games, combat is handled quite smoothly and expertly by the character. With this game, it's up to you and your fumbling fingers at the keyboard (plus trying to keep straight the left and right, order of commands, and of course that beating heart!). I say it feels more realistic because I'm sure this is closer to what actual combat would be like--intense, lots of fumbling, soaring heart rate, and then it's over (one way or the other) in a few seconds. No other CRPG has gotten my adrenaline pumping like this particular game.
Matt Barton, Managing Editor
Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
Email: matt@armchairarcade.com