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It Expresses Itself Well

  • wltr3565
  • 02/24/2013 03:21 PM
  • 2559 views
RPGs, RPGs, RPGs. This genre is typical with the use of RPG Maker series. Does that block the developers' freedom? Nope. For refreshers, I picked this game, Reaper. Picking a game is always a gamble, where you gamble your time despite though it costs not a penny. I did pick a good one to waste my time with.

Reaper chronicles Emi and her little sister, Ami. They lost their parents, and it's not over for the siblings; Death approaches to tear them apart. Now Emi must do some dirty business with Mr. Death and the gang to ensure her lil' sister is safe and sound.

Yes, despite being made with RPG Maker VX Ace Lite, the game is not an RPG. It's an adventure game. With (Mr.) Death involved, it's more or less clear that the game yields a rather dark atmosphere. But, duh, the game's art style for its illustrations is in light-hearted anime style, with some dark tone of colors. I must admit that I got attracted to this game because its cute illustrations...

The gameplay is rather simple and straightforward. You walk through areas to hope you can continue the story. Some places do have some enemies to be aware of. You can check objects near to Emi, which are brimming with some descriptions when you check one. I often stop to browse through objects that are near, in hope of some interest.

Emi, which is meddling with Death's business, holds Death's scythe. Not much purpose but to eliminate some enemies. But what is notable that you can draw and sheathe the scythe. It feels so badass to do it, especially drawing it. However, I doubt there is any use for sheathing your scythe. Not to forget that she can run, but not for eternity. She can tire herself as she continuously runs. She pants due to exhaustion if she keeps running without rest. I really saw her get tired, and I really saw her exhausted as she cannot walk to regain stamina. Those two things are hardly important to notice, but it's very nice to see graphical touches as detailed as that.

Aside of that, you can check your inventory, showing any items Emi carries. I take notice of Emi as the menu portrays her. You barely have any access on what you find, but again, the menu gains some attention. Emi is portrayed differently if you draw the scythe or not while accessing. This degree of attention is rare among RM games, especially to use original illustrations.

The adventure, yes, linear. But it's not that dull. You can explore through wherever you want as you can access. Not much of discovery, but you do feel the essence of it. It does feel like an adventure. The challenge itself is not that hard. I even don't know how to lose the game, more like, I'm not trying to lose the game. As linear as it can be, it provides some interesting cutscenes. What I appreciate the best are the CG cutscenes. Those portray the story pretty well.

The plot is simple and easy to grasp. As simple as it is, it is supported by good portrayal of the story. But it still feels simple.

The soundtrack is used pretty well, fitting for its gloomy atmosphere. But not that special. The lack of sound effects of navigations supports the gloom even better.

As I rush through to kick final boss, that is where the game ends. But sadly, the ending is too simple. So simple that I thought "Just that?!". It feels not satisfying enough when clearing the game.

To invest 40 minutes playing this game won't be a waste. The game is an enjoyable piece with a notable attention to details, especially graphically. While the game lacks horror, what's more important that the game expresses itself well.

Score: 4 / 5

Editor's Note: Modified for grammar and other issues.

Posts

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Oh wow! Thanks for playing and reviewing the game!

I'm just so giddy that we got a review! * v * )~

I feel that anything I say about the low parts will just be annoying little excuses, so I'll just promise that I'll do my best to make the remake a whole lot better than this.

I hope you'll consider playing that in the future.

Also, I'll bother Somneri to reply here.
Shhh, it's no bother.

Thank you for taking the time to write a review! And thanks so much for playing, I'm glad you enjoyed the game! It means a lot to us! ^^
I played the game, too, and I agree 100% with this review! This game does express itself very well.

Edit: Wait, wait, wait.

author=aliceofcecil
Oh wow! Thanks for playing and reviewing the game!

I'm just so giddy that we got a review! * v * )~

I feel that anything I say about the low parts will just be annoying little excuses, so I'll just promise that I'll do my best to make the remake a whole lot better than this.

I hope you'll consider playing that in the future.

Also, I'll bother Somneri to reply here.

There's going to be a remake?

Yes. While we can consider this one complete, looking at the original plan we can clearly see it became sillier and even just plain lacking in some areas.

With that, Alice is working on expanding the original story, and making it better overall. Also a remake would use the full VX Ace rather than Lite.

Of course we're also waiting for the judging period of the contest to end so that we can hopefully get some more feedback and critique.

So yeah, it'll be remade in the future, and we hope you'll play that one as well. ^^
Yeah, this game deserves a worthy remake. Maybe with a more non-linear progression. Non-linear progression is important for adventure games to me.
(*cough*VisualNovels/Metroidvanias*cough*)

I'm looking forward for the remake :)
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