Fog, demons and adventurers in a new RPG.
Sometimes one thinks that the Pure RPGs have become extinct in the nineties. At that time, real masterpieces that have marked history were published to the bitter end: we are not thinking only of final Fantasy, a mastodon, but also a Chrono Trigger, Secrete of Mana and so on. But it was a happy time for the genre, which was also the best-selling on all consoles.
Nothing further from the last few years. Anyone who says that RPGs or JRPGs still enjoy the same success today are lying. Experimentation is more cautious, users more and more demanding, but above all the public every day is less interested in the traditional formulas that have made the type of game famous. Square Enix, however, does not give up, suspended between present and past.
And it's good, because every now and then it gives us a few pearls. For example I Am Setsuna, released almost a year ago on all consoles. And the game we offer you today, Lost Sphear, is precisely the spiritual sequel of I Am Setsuna, and definitely deserves a chance (and maybe even more).
The fog descends
Not bad for the originality of the Lost Sphear plot: there is no cry for a miracle, but neither are we witnessing the umpteenth revival of the already seen one. Peace reigns in the small village of Elgarthe, the world is quiet, time passes at its own pace. Our trio of protagonists is made up of Kanata, Lumina and Locke: when the third of the three suddenly disappears, the other two go to look for him worried.
It doesn't end well. Although the three left the village for just a few hours, recovering Locke and saving him from some monsters, the fog has invaded everything. And it's not a normal fog, of course: Elgarthe has completely disappeared, as well as the inhabitants. But a mysterious figure appears in front of the protagonists, intrigued by the new phenomenon (naturally it will be added to the party).
But the real adventure begins when the protagonist, Kanata, he discovers that he possesses a very special power: is able to bring things back to the way they were before, before the fog came. He can do this thanks to a gift that allows him to “resurrect” the memories of places and people, a means so powerful that it brings them back from the fog.
After saving the native village, then, begins a long journey to save the whole world from the fog. Lovers of the genre will surely appreciate Kanata's tale and the cleverly orchestrated plot by Tokyo RPG Factory.
Between tradition and innovation
The game system of Lost Sphear it is clearly inspired by the exponents of the nineties genre, above all by that of Chrono Trigger. The characters, in fact, will arrange themselves as they prefer within the game area (a sort of invisible dome where the fight will take place). Furthermore, not only will they not be able to attack before the so-called is loaded Active Time Battle, but above all they will be able to select the action they prefer, offensive or defensive, or even curative.
Lost Sphear naturally he also puts his own, without renouncing to offer an innovative experience, even if not completely transgressive. The characters of the
party can indeed be moved to where we prefer on the battlefield, moving freely, and then launching attacks from the point where they believe (or rather, we believe, is more appropriate). Obviously, hitting from one point rather than another has its share of tactics and it can lead to more or less effective damage, depending on the specific situation in the field.
Like what happened in I Am Setsuna, the mechanics defined also returns in Lost Sphear Momentum This is an extra bar on the screen, which continues to charge little by little with each hit received or inflicted. When it's fully charged, we can spend it on heavier attacks or use specific abilities, even devastating ones, and turn the situation to our advantage. It is clear that it is worth using it especially in the most difficult battles or against bosses.
Between two worlds
Lost Sphear it is not just made up of battles. It is also important to fully explore the vast game world, since our main task is to bring back to reality all that has been swallowed up by the fog. In some places, then, Square Enix has created a sort of small-sized management system.
We have already said that Kanata, the protagonist, can bring back objects and people through their memories. The mechanics of the so-called Artifacts it allows to introduce a minimum of variety in the gameplay: some memories are loot that we buy after the battles, or as random treasures; We can then build vast architectures in the four corners of the world, to stop the advance of the fog, but above all to give our characters bonus stats and new abilities and possibilities.
The graphic and technical sector is discreet on PlayStation 4, without infamy and without praise; surely to get by better is the sound, but the past of the world of Lost Sphear they are able to give some pleasant glance even to the most demanding players.
Final Comment
Lost Sphear is a title designed, dedicated and developed for lovers of old-school RPGs, players who grew up in the nineties. Without having thoroughly enjoyed Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana many things cannot be fully appreciated; at the same time it is an excellent starting point to enjoy a good adventure in a tried and tested genre, and maybe then rediscover the other pearls of the past. We recommend it with the heart.
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