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More Than Just a Pretty Face

Virgo vs. the Zodiac provides a handy summary of what it's all about right in the title. This demo doesn't have all the planned features of the game, but no worries! I think it gives a comprehensive idea of this game's style and how it plays, and it was a pretty meaty demo, too. I played for about an hour and 45 minutes. For this one I didn't take any screenshots. The game's art is lovely, which you can see in the existing screens, and I didn't want to spoil some fun moments. Besides, you'll probably be happy to hear there's more than nice art!

Much of the game's description emphasizes the combat system, which I found simple and elegant. Like it says, timing is critical! Knowing when to guard will save your life, and things like healing have important timing too, especially since healing items also apply a buff. There's many, many healing items if you're willing to explore the environment, you heal upon leveling up, and you can heal at fireplaces in the environment as well. Resource management isn't a huge concern -- you're actively encouraged to use items in general.

In the beginning lasted 1 battle and promptly died on the next one. However, you can try again right away or you can reload a file rather than getting a straight game-over. This is one of those modern conveniences I'm glad to see in more RPGs. It saves a lot of frustration, and while the majority of my deaths were clustered around the beginning and the end, I really appreciated not having to repeat cutscenes whenever I died. It's just a good anti-frustration feature!

I took many notes on the great features of the battle system, but I was able to find a strategy that carried me through most of the battles in the demo. After awhile it felt stale. While I don't think this is a concern for most players, if you're looking for something difficult then you might reach a point where you don't feel challenged anymore. Even if you start finding the majority of enemies easy, the boss at the end is still pretty hard.

Aside from the combat, you wander around talking to all kind sorts of wacky characters, there's stuff to find in the environment, and there's a couple puzzles. How much you enjoy these things will largely depend on how you feel about the game's sense of humor. For me, it was hit and miss -- some things I loved, other jokes not so much. I think I'm not in the target audience for this one. While I'm not entirely sure what the target audience is, the sense of humor reminded me of Homestuck. This isn't a criticism, mind you, as if you liked the jokes in Homestuck then hey, you'd probably like this game's style.

Overall, while I might not have had the greatest time I don't think it's a bad game. If you go into it expecting some wacky shenanigans and don't mind the main character's attitude, you'll probably have a good time. Although the gameplay has a whole lot of combat, if you’re there for the story then play on easy mode, but if you’re the type of player looking for a bit more of a challenge, then zodiac mode is for you. Don’t let my experience deter you -- give it a go and see how you like it!