Master of the Wind

I just finished playing the final (1.3) version two weeks ago, and first played MotW two months ago. I'll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible. Each area is rated on how much I enjoyed it.

Writing 5/5

The story and setting are simply fantastic. From bringing down Andau to the epic let's-kick-everyone's-ass ending, the story flows well, feels complete and is extremely moving, especially Stoic's and Auburn's backstories. The backstories in general are efficient, moving, and explain the characters and situation in Solest, without being plodding or overly static. All events are logical extensions of the setting or of various characters' motives- nothing comes out of the blue. The plot just feels *natural*.

Characterization is as strong as the plot- even the minor antagonists were well-fleshed out and deeply sympathetic, while still remaining villains. There's a commendable shortage of plot holes, and angst and what blatant moralization is put in is pointed out. Most of the main characters are lovable and organic, neither too perfect nor too angsty. And I'd say every single named character had their moment(s) to really shine in some way, be it horrific or awesome, then received a wonderful send-off or resolution by the time epilogue rolled in.

The setting is similarly very complete. Solest practically breathes. The magic and social rules set in place are consistently enforced. Everything not explicitly intended to be a miracle/mystery is adequately explained by the stated mechanics of the magic system, something that I normally have a problem with in fantasy stories. The setting also does a fine job of avoiding annoying cliches- you have elven bank robbers, skeleton superheroes and deranged holy mages, among other things.

Of course, I do have some quibbles with the writing. Some of the anachronisms in this presumably medieval-level world- such as the modern-ish Daydream concert and Finley's random duels, while small things, still bugged me. Some of it was explained off as magical technology, but it still felt out of place. In addition, I felt that Bubba's and Laurel's backstories, while still done well, were out of proportion to the characters' importance in the plot. MotW is described as a "superhero" story, which, while appropriate for a while, didn't at all feel like it later. It seemed to me more like a standard heroic fantasy about people who act like superheroes rather than part of the superhero genre.

But again, these are all quibbles. Writing overall was excellent and extremely smooth.

Battle System 4/5- **mild spoilers in this section**

It is telling that what is by far the weakest aspect of MotW is still enjoyable. Combat is decent but not particularly challenging or innovative, except for a few boss fights (which were admittedly completely frickin' awesome, but again, few).

The system isn't particularly well-balanced, and powergamers/grinders like me can easily find ways to break it. A certain mass buff of Stoic's and mass stun of Finley's are deeply overpowered. Debuffing powers (especially anything that stuns) make earlier battles laughably easy. Optional evasion and elemental-reduction gear then make some later battles laughably easy. Some of the skills

Non-boss enemies have a good variety to them, though, some with rather interesting schticks, but nothing that really changed the battlefield or my tactics much.

Most boss battles are passable. As mentioned, a few are fricking awesome. For one-on-one boss fights- I understand that duels shouldn't be overly difficult or it ends up depending on luck more than tactics, but just about every duel I winded up in ended a complete and utter curb-stomp. Especially against Shroud's rival- kind of jarring considering dust devil and enough potions utterly shut down this supposedly fearsome assassin.

I did appreciate the opportunity to save, buy items, and grind before every major battle, though the frequent save points during general exploration kind of took the challenge out of random battles.

So, combat would have been rated a 3.5, but Arc VII.... the boss battles- damn. Just damn. You'll see when you get there ;)

**spoilers over**

Non-Combat Gameplay 5/5

Fantastic. No other word for it. The puzzles are well-designed and have a huge variety to them. No puzzle was overused, and they were all put in logical spots and often represented of the characters' powers. There were a few spots that seriously can get you stuck, but the harder optional challenges gave satisfying rewards and the mandatory challenges have just the right learning curve.

Length/Pacing- 5/5

I do enjoy a long game, one that rewards me constantly for being awesome. Backtracking and exploration were often rewarded, and the plot was neither too fast nor too slow. Each arc of MotW could easily be a satisfying game in and of itself, and there are, well, seven of them. Awesome.

Replay value was good, despite the lack of obvious replay features. It was fun to take a second shot at the harder boss battles and not have to frantically drop potions everywhere, and the plot and dialogue became much more satisfying once I already knew everything that was going on or about to happen.

I did like the bonus content after the epilogue as well. I'm a sucker for backstory :D

Music 5/5

Blew me away. The soundtrack is very well-selected, with a strong variety and full of winners. Climactic scenes and fights were amazingly well-complemented with the right songs- I'd say mind-blowing awesome. I will admit I love power metal, so "awesome" might not be the case for everyone. But never did the music feel boring or inappropriate.

Visuals 4/5

The mapping and character/enemy portraits were great, and little was recycled or palette swapped. Not much else to say about it.

Overall- Five out of five. I highly, highly recommend Master of the Wind. Awesome story, amazing puzzles, hell of a soundtrack, pretty damn good everything else. Outstanding job, Volrath and ArtBane.