This is a really fun pseudo-J-RPG. It seems to be a good demo of the main game and given me a taste for it -- it's large, fun, works on my machine, and I'll probably purchase the full version as a result. Here's hoping that the save files carry over...
Like other reviews say, this is an RPG very reminiscent of Planescape, Baldur's Gate, or Torment: Tides of Numenara, except for (a) the complete lack of combat, and (b) the very wonderful cyberpunk faux-1950s-ish-but-with-lots-of-drugs setting. I found the plot captivating and genuinely enjoyed exploring the characters you interact with. I won't spoil the plot but suffice to say that my tenacity and completion-itis were rewarded – but I'm sure that if I went for a different type of character the world would have changed hugely too. Frankly, I didn't expect to like this. I dislike most visual novels. Gog was quite keen that I would like it. I did. Give it a go!
I've just finished Rise of the Third Power – it's excellent and very much in the spirit of Ara Fell (Stegosoft's previous work) but in a totally different, yet self-contained, world. It reminds me quite a lot of the good Final Fantasy games on the SNES – the plot deals with what might be called "mature themes" in a fun, accessible and engaging way without evangelising or shouting from a soap-box. I didn't see all of the plot twists coming, and I liked the fact that your party only becomes complete near the end. Most of the other reviews focus on the mechanistic aspects. I'll focus instead on the storytelling – in brief, the world is engaging and plausible. There is a large, overarching narrative that hangs together well and has plenty of twists and turns – I wanted to get to the end of it. There are lots of funny lines of dialogue hidden in places, both between the protagonists but also between "random NPCs" who know their lot in the world. The exploring is good and the puzzles are straightforward yet satisfying – and a recurring theme of pirates, the resistance and hidden treasures sort of provides a reason why you should _expect_ there to be random caves full of loot. The military themes are dealt with really quite sensitively. I think it's the only game I've seen where characters regret bloodshed caused by their actions in fighting soldiers. They recognise the humanity of their opponent and at several points that is stated explicitly. It's a nice change. Nobody comments on the ethics of killing giant cave moths, however! The "optional extra" baddies right at the end are surprisingly difficult and felt very satisfying to overcome although I'd like to know a bit more about why they were there. Overall, this is an excellent game and exactly the sort of thing that GOG should exist to support – it's made by a very small team and is obviously a labour of love. Play it. You won't regret it and you'll find yourself thinking about the story days later (like me!)
Do you remember Horse Armour on Oblivion? This valuable contribution should have been part of another epic adventure, not a money-grabbing add-on. I don't mean to diminish the quality of the portraits -- which I'm sure are great -- just their business model.
Did you like Golden Sun on the GBA? Played the original SNES version of FFVI? Do you miss thoughtful, retro, RPGs with detailed plots, good characters, engaging battle systems, but not shy of using modern conveniences wherever appropriate? Buy this game. Ara Fell is a stylish, 16-bitty RPG adventure with a surprisingly engaging plots, a difficulty curve that (on normal) is just right for me (but several other options depending on how much you like to grind) and, above all, tons of charm. Its writing has made me laugh aloud on several occasions, and it very much is a worthy successor to great RPGs of yore. Battle is turn based with traditionally-inspired, but not clichéd, hybrid classes, and the world is large with plenty to explore. Music is plentiful and beautiful. Puzzles are appropriately difficult -- fun without being frustrating (I had to google, mildly blindly, for a walkthrough once). Convenience touches, such as the fact that the battle system fully heals your HP and MP after each encounter (if you don't faint), are very welcome. This game makes my inner 13-year-old very happy, and my 31-year-old brain very happy too. Buy it. Disclaimer: I haven't completely finished it yet, but, well, after staying up 'till 2 am "on a school night" less than 36 hours after downloading it -- and seeing my ~20 hour playtime -- I felt I had to leave a positive review.
