This game is so beautiful! It's the queer JRPG-inspired title I've been looking for for Y E A R S and does not disappoint. The game is incredible diverse (especially compared to what you usually find in RPGs) and will likely make a lot of people feel seen. I definitely recommend going into this game knowing as little as possible, so I won't say too much about the characters besides the fact that they're just a charismatic, funny, and loveable bunch. Literally wish I could go to brunch with them, they're so fun lol. Gameplay-wise, this game is much more challenging than I thought it would be. Battles are a mixture of tactics and rhythm gameplay which feels simple at first, but takes some time to fully master. Thankfully, there's not too much going on such that it would become overwhelming. Also, there is an instant victory mode for those looking to simply see the story, but the game is definitely doable. The dungeons have variety and the game definitely rewards you for exploring its depths. There are some...things to uncover for sure, Ikenfell is wild lol. All and all, if you're a fan of fleshed-out stories, tactics gameplay, and/or inclusive games, this is the one for you! Can't recommend it enough frfr.
I enjoyed this game so so much! It was exactly the type of cozy and relaxing game I needed, while still being interesting. The broader world plot in this story can, at times, be a bit meandering, but it’s made up by the fact that the characters are just so loveable and their stories are also so compelling. Each of them has a distinct voice and is going through a very specific arc in their lives, leaving them all feeling quite fleshed out and nuanced. The dynamics (and drama) between them are super fun and I found myself laughing to myself and nodding in agreement as I was playing. The gardening mechanic was also REALLY lovely. I’m not typically a farming sim/Stardew Valley type of gamer, but I had so much fun collecting seeds and making the most lush gardens. All and all, it was very solid game with absolutely beautiful characters. I recommend you play this game in small doses, it’s meant to be enjoyed gradually :)
All and all, Raji is a game with lots of heart. Playing a game based around Hindu mythology was really refreshing and I found Raji's conviction very inspiring. The story and the characters were definitely the highlight for me. Now, the reason why I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is because the controls could be a little clunky. There are many weapons and acrobatic techniques you can use to progress through the game and, while it was nice to practice them, I found many of them hard to use in battle. Enemies can QUICKLY overwhelm you and it wasn't until the end when you got a ~certain power-up~ that I felt like I had some control. Until then, I was literally just fighting for my life lol. What it comes down to is that the controls take some getting used to, but certainly I was able to make it to the end of the game with all of that being said. I also will say that an enhanced edition IS coming very soon, so I imagine that patch may tighten up a few of the control-related things and offer easier modes as this game is on the more challenging side. Not impossible or even brutal, but def a challenge. But, all and all, it was an enjoyable experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to explore Hindu mythology and also embody a type of protagonist/story that is woefully underrepresented in gaming <3
This game is INCREDIBLE!! I typically play metroidvanias more so for the gameplay than the story, but babyyyy this game's story flipped that. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, there was SO much curiosity. I won't spoil any major plot pieces, but I thought the commentary around authoritarianism, personal freedom, and environmentalism was VERY dope. I'm usually a characters > setting type of gamer, but I was so engrossed in the geopolitical landscape of this game, which was a nice shift. Speaking of the characters, they were FAN. TASTIC. Robin is, in essence, a silent protagonist, but she still very much has a personality and adds SO much to the narrative. I liked Robin and Mina's budding friendship and the growth of both Mina and Robin's brother, Elro. I also liked that the cast had friction. I love a "best friend squad" as much as the next person, but it was nice having a group that had the heartwarming moments AND moments of sincere conflict and disagreement. But it's not to say the gameplay wasn't also stellar. Smooth controls, gorgeous environments, I felt so acrobatic and powerful playing as Robin and her friends. The game was also SO dynamic--sometimes it felt like a boss rush. There were so many moments where you were thrusted into boss fights and each one was truly unique. On top of that, sometimes you had to practice stealth or play mini-games to get through areas and I just loved how the game never felt stale. It was always introducing new scenarios, new bosses, and you never quite knew what you were going to get--in the best way! Lastly, kinda random, but I also liked that there was no "level-up" mechanic. Anyways, this game has an incredible story, cast, and gameplay mechanics. If you're a fan of Metroidvanias or political intrigue, you definitely want to give this one a try!!
I cannot recommend this game enough to anyone looking for a carefree, charming, and hilarious journey to go on. The story in this one is intriguing and full of heart, enriched with characters (both in your party and outside) that you can't help but to root for. The combat is simple, but layered. Unlike many other strategy games, you don't level up, you cannot heal, nor do your stats ever go up. However, throughout the game you can unlock customizable upgrades and an additional attack through side quests and missions. That said, it felt like a true strategy game. Enemies were often on par with or even outnumbered you and, with your party of only 3 characters, you had to figure out the best way to get through. It felt like a true game of strategy, rather than a game of grinding your stats to bulldoze the competition. That said, the game is also very accessible and offers a "no fail mode" for those more interested in the story or who may find themselves frustrated with the more challenging levels. I'm new to tactics games and was able to get through on the intended difficulty, so I'm hoping other folks have similar luck. I also wanted to add that the representation in this game is really sound, with the game hosting many characters of color, queer characters, and even having some non-binary representation. I felt the game handled these elements rather beautifully and I was happy to see so much care go into this representation. All and all, this game was phenomenal. If you're looking for a story-based, cozy, and puzzle-like experience, I can't recommend this game enough!
