Over the past ten years, the free-to-play online game mannequin has turn out to be more and more in style. Video games like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Genshin Impression at the moment are a part of their very own “video games as a service” style. So with that recognition, one expects to see a dramatic inflow of those varieties. Considered one of which is the topic of our evaluate: Guardian Tales. Whereas the sport falls into the standard tropes of many free-to-play titles, it’s separate sufficient to make it an attention-grabbing recreation – should you’re keen to take a position the time.
Guardian Tales is a top-down motion RPG akin to The Legend of Zelda: A Hyperlink to the Previous or, extra not too long ago, Kids of Morta. Monsters have launched an assault on the land of Kanterbury, and it’s your duty as a knight to cease the evil invaders. It’s your tried-and-true “save the dominion” story with facet quests, quirky characters, and loads of baddies to struggle.
The principle story is break up into ranges, and also you navigate the overworld in a trend much like the New Tremendous Mario Bros. video games. You choose the following stage and get proper into issues. Every has some dialogue that strikes the story ahead, and also you’ll spend your time combating dangerous guys, fixing puzzles, and amassing gadgets. There are additionally hidden gadgets; should you discover all of them earlier than you exit, you’ll earn some further rewards. You can too select completely different dialogue and motion choices instantly impacting your “good” or “evil” affiliation.
The extra you play via every stage in Guardian Tales, the extra choices turn out to be obtainable. Ultimately, you’ll unlock problem dungeons, the flexibility to create and be a part of guilds with your mates on-line, and even compete in PVP battles. You’ll additionally be capable to construct and furnish your individual floating fortress! To say there’s a lot to do in Guardian Tales is an understatement. You possibly can keep on with the story, however the gameplay choices are plentiful.
And talking of plentiful, the number of assist characters and weapons is huge. You possibly can equip all kinds of weaponry, from swords and bows to hammers and, sure, rocket launchers. Weapons are earned via taking part in the story and thru the sport’s gacha mechanics. You earn completely different sources all through your playthroughs, which may then be spent to stage your character up, enhance weapons, and unlock characters. These may also be bought with real-life cash, as can the ever-present season cross, which will get you extra sources, outfits, characters, and weapons. The problem I had with that is that there’s simply a lot to do this it will get a bit of overwhelming. However I need to say, I do love my 5-star Succubus assist character Karina.
The gameplay and manufacturing worth of Guardian Tales is top-notch. Often, with these sorts of free-to-play video games, they will really feel “thrown collectively” and never very refined. Guardian Tales doesn’t skimp within the high quality division, from the opening anime sequence to the tight controls, superb music, and hilarious dialogue. There are additionally a ton of easter eggs and meta jokes that may make even essentially the most hardcore avid gamers chuckle.
The sport is designed to maintain you transferring ahead, so don’t count on loads of problem. I just about decimated each monster on my playthrough. This can be a combined bag: it’s nice for newcomers and children, however the extra skilled gamer trying to be examined might find yourself questing elsewhere.
Crucial factor to learn about Guardian Tales is that you just’ll solely get out what you place into it. In case you solely wish to work via the primary story, you’ll be able to simply ignore all the opposite choices and play via. However however, these on the lookout for a deep and fascinating expertise can even really feel proper at house with this recreation. There’s a ton of content material right here, which can intimidate some avid gamers at first, however don’t let that dissuade you – Guardian Tales is a totally satisfying time.