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A Very Powerful Story Rests here....Take Care...

  • Aurabolt
  • 03/24/2009 12:52 AM
  • 735 views
When a world is peaceful and something breaks that peace in an RPG, what does one generally expect from the main protagonist? Generally, that answer is to take up arms and do something about it, right? Now, as we step back from this current example to a more personal perspective-such as a young squire named Slade manages to come into possession of a tattered old book where a immensely-powerful killer named Shadar in that day and age comes looking for it with no qualms of dismantling hundreds to do so, what would you expect the young man to do? I don't know about you, but getting the hell out of dodge sounds like a good idea to me.

This is who Nightblade's Demon Legacy opens up it's main storyline, which is this games' leading factor. Maintaining a linear, yet balanced gameplay of “wash-rinse-repeat” traveling, battling with respawning enemies and upgrading/resupply at the nearest town, character development and storyline progression are focused upon as questions answered lead to more in Slade's journey of survival from Shadar to a much more pressing matter. From time to time, the opponent Manipulation and deception are rampant as supposed allies are truly your enemies, while a whole another story unfolds several hundred years in the past.

This story specialization translates directly to technical gameplay as new abilities and increased power come not only from leveling against respawning enemies in puzzle-based dungeons, but character development in towns and events completely optional to undertake. Of course they are placed far away from one another, providing a distinct balance between individual development and gameplay action comprising of balanced combat and puzzle-filled dungeons which require a bit of wit to progress.

Graphics of the game use most of the capabilities of RM2k3, despite a few expected glitches such as sprite limitations and attack animation speeds, the game uses several different tilesets, color tones and weather effects to set an atmosphere. This was most effective far into the game, where sepia tones encompassed everything except the controlled sprite and plot-heavy scenes; every other creature was also sported black, white and gray. This subtle switch presents a different atmosphere efficiently, and is present with a change of tone at key points. I wish I could say the same for the music; while appropriate for the situations and events presented, It's all been heard before and it doesn't really provide or enhance the experience.

Demon Legacy is a game clearly designed with a story in mind, and meant to be looked over slowly. While the game play is more than sufficient, the medium of storytelling through games has never been doubted for the RPG Maker community. Take it slow and sweet, and you'll enjoy yourself.

The Good:
- Powerful, Dramatic story with many twists.
- Subtle, appealing use of graphics.
- Balanced gameplay, though exceptionally high-scale in terms of damage and ability. - Well-placed monsters, well-placed upgrades, good pacing.
- Puzzles are challenging and well-placed.
- Character development effects improvement of character-innovative.

The Bad:
- Cutscenes are long-winded and repeat themselves.
- Music gets irritating after a long session, as those above.
- Some abilities (*coughGreaterPurifycough*) break flow.
- Lack of exploration and dynamic, interactive environments.
- Healing “save points” very frequent. Easy to abuse at points, such as after rolling boss fights, right between successive monster gauntlets, etc.