Unchained Blades

 3DS
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Gaming Age
    Jan 16, 2013
    91
    It's an entertaining romp in a side genre to RPG's that doesn't get enough love nowadays, and is well worth that digital asking price, provided you haven't played the PSP version already.
  2. IGN
    Jan 14, 2013
    80
    If you like a challenge and don't mind a grind, you may be able to find out if Fang's stuck-up attitude and selfishness carry him all the way through to getting his revenge.
  3. Nintendo Life
    Jan 8, 2013
    80
    Fans of the genre will love Unchained Blades; for the uninitiated, it's a great introduction that has more than enough charm to keep rookies crawling through Titan after Titan.
  5. Polygon
    Feb 18, 2013
    60
    The challenge isn't a surprise; years of dungeon crawling have built up my tolerance for difficult, slow-paced first-person RPGs. But Unchained Blades' great leveling system and sharp dungeon design clash with its old-school leanings and badly-developed attempts at mixing up the formula.
  6. ZTGD
    Jan 17, 2013
    60
    In the end, the basics are here, but there are more complete packages available in the genre.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    Jan 23, 2013
    50
    Unchained Blades does shine in its presentation. The anime-style art is unique, as each character was designed by a different manga/anime artist. And of course, there's the music from famed composer Nobuo Uematsu of the Final Fantasy series and The Last Story. It's just too bad that the rest of the game couldn't live up to designs and music put forth by these artists.
  8. Game Revolution
    Jan 22, 2013
    50
    Instead of giving grinding aficionados the opportunity to progress and level smoothly, difficulty will often ramp up without warning, forcing players to head back to previous floors and walk in circles until they have enough power. When you have to engage in a stale, merely passable battle system over and over again, it grows less and less entertaining quickly.
  9. Machinima
    Jan 18, 2013
    50
    Those of you looking for a more engaging, worthwhile, and ultimately enjoyable RPG should look past Unchained Blades and not look back.

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best 3DS Game of 2013
51
#51 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2013
42
#42 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. EpicMegaman64
    Mar 22, 2013
    8
    Unchained Blades throws you into the role of Fang, the slightly ignorant Dragon Emperor, who approaches the Goddess and Creator Clunea. TheUnchained Blades throws you into the role of Fang, the slightly ignorant Dragon Emperor, who approaches the Goddess and Creator Clunea. The Goddess grants the wish of any who meets her. Fang orders her to tell him the name of the most powerful being in the world, making it clear that it is not a wish. Clunea then punishes him by tossing him to the earth in his fledgling, humanoid form. Fang then swears that he will beat the Goddess in battle for her actions. When you start the game, you will be introduced to the controls and the first Labyrinth of the game, the Temple of Trials. This Labyrinth acts as a small version of Titans that serve as the main exploration points of the game. These Titans are massive, and will require many returns to town to be fully explored. The main systems of the game aren't that different from other RPG's. Your towns have inns for reviving fallen teammates and healing your party. The guild lets you pick side quests. The shop lets you buy items and equipment. Finally, there is a shop to mix items into stronger items. Dungeon exploration is also very familiar. Your map is laid out in each tile you move onto. The battle system is pretty familiar, as well, though you do have some new features. You have your standard attack, and Skills that use MP. You can flee, block or use items. As an enemy reaches a low health margins a circle may appear around them, allowing you to use the Unchain ability to make an enemy a Follower. Followers can be assigned to your characters to aid them in battle by following up an attack or defending your character. And, believe me; you’ll need the followers, as the battle get very difficult as soon as you enter the first Titan. Speaking of characters, each one is very different and unique. There is Fang, a Golem Prince, a young Mandrake girl, a Medusa girl, a Reaper swordsman and his sister, and a Phoenix Princess, and a Spirit Fox Ranger. Each character has their own personality, appearance, and reason to seek out the Goddess, causing a nice contrast in their story developments. Their battle styles are all different as well, creating many possible combinations. The story is not a huge focus of the game. It serves as more of a goal-setter for the game. The rest of the story is mainly character development and revelations of ideals and reasons for their audience with the Goddess. This keeps the story from slowing down the game’s speed and overall flow, as well as avoiding lack of interest in the dialog. The music in the game is superb. When exploring towns and Titans, the music maintains a proper atmosphere, while, at the same time, ingraining itself in your head. The battle themes perfectly define the change in pace. I especially enjoy the somewhat eerie feel of the music for the Temple of Trials and the epic boss theme. Overall, Unchained Blades is a truly epic game calling back to old school RPG’s. Although exploring Titans the whole game can sometimes feel endless, especially with the repetitive art style, the battle system, characters, story, and music all make this a very memorable experience that I won’t forget.… Full Review »
  2. ver87ona
    May 19, 2015
    10
    When I got my 3DS for my birthday,this game was the first game I bought on the game shop on there and I will say,it was worth the money.TheWhen I got my 3DS for my birthday,this game was the first game I bought on the game shop on there and I will say,it was worth the money.The game has SO much to do in it.I had a tough time with some places,but it is still a pretty fun game.The story is great,along with the battle system,the humor,and everything else.The bosses will give you a run for your money too,which can make the fights EPIC.For any anime fans out there,they may enjoy this game too,since it has some anime elements in it.I guarantee you all,anyone who plays this game,will most DEFINITELY want to finish it.… Full Review »
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