Battle Chasers: Nightwar

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 89 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 89
  3. Negative: 18 out of 89
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  1. tomvs123
    Jul 27, 2020
    4
    Decent game if you're looking for an American comic-book-like turn-based RPG without a lot of depth.

    This appears to be based on the Battle Chasers comic book series and does a good job at representing it in video game format. The primary issue here is that the world and characters aren't fleshed out very well in-game. That's supposedly done by the comic books. So don't expect much    Decent game if you're looking for an American comic-book-like turn-based RPG without a lot of depth.

    This appears to be based on the Battle Chasers comic book series and does a good job at representing it in video game format. The primary issue here is that the world and characters aren't fleshed out very well in-game. That's supposedly done by the comic books. So don't expect much character or world building here.

    The story takes you on a very generic young teen comic book journey. The main plot consists of your group coming to this unexplored land for mana (which I can only guess is valuable to them), and then eventually encountering a demon who wants to rule/destroy the world, so you go on a quest to defeat it. There is a minor interesting twist near the end, but overall, the story is sub-par and generic and we're given little reason why our heroes are doing what they're doing besides that they're comic book heroes and you're just supposed to accept this.

    This leaves us with very little character building since the target audience has either read the comics or is fine with one-dimensional heroes. The only worthwhile character interactions happen during your stay at the inn. Each time I stayed there, the characters talked with each other, which helps you better understand their personalities, but not so much their motives for partaking in this journey.

    The gameplay is simple, but relatively unique for recent turn-based RPGs. It's challenging, but not very rewarding and has lots of annoying aspects. I could go on and on about the annoying parts, but I'll explain just one here. You're frequently poisoned or given some other de-buff that causes damage every turn. Turns are individual-based and start when it's that character's turn. Casting spells takes two turns. So if you have a character that can cast a spell to remove poison, you must wait for that character's turn, while your other characters are having their turns and taking damage, take damage yourself when you start the spell, wait again while all of your other characters take damage again on their turns, and then finally get to your spell-casing turn, where you take more damage from the poison before it's cured. And sometimes, by the time you finally cast the poison-curing spell, it has already worn off on other characters (especially if they've been taking fast actions on their turns).

    The game is also grinding-based. Don't expect to just go into every dungeon once, clearing out all enemies along the way to get enough experience to beat the game. You will eventually need to go back into a dungeon or grind enemies on the world map. Though the amount of grinding isn't bad and I was able to beat the game in slightly under 40 hours.

    The game world is pretty small and there's normally no reason to go back to a place you've already been, giving it a linear feel. Though at least there's various things you can do, such as fishing (which doesn't give much benefit besides trophies), a battle arena, at least two puzzles, at least three side quests, and about six extra areas where you can explore for treasure or your final ultimate weapons (which are very easy to get compared to other RPGs).

    The art style of the game is quite good and seems faithful to the comics. Though many dungeons are overly-dark and there's technical issues here and there. While simply walking through a dungeon, the game will pause occasionally, seemingly to load more data. And that's on top of already long loading times. I encountered graphical glitches occasionally; normally during battle where sprites, such as the blast from a gun-firing, would sometimes show up as big squares.

    So it is an interesting game to get though, although its difficulty and challenge was more about overcoming its annoyances rather than it being intellectually challenging. I'd say it's a worthwhile game to play if you like turn-based RPGs. While it doesn't have a lot of depth, it is at least unique.    … Expand
  2. Matttwidale
    Oct 15, 2017
    3
    Unfortunately despite all the positive aspects of this game, the art, the battle mechanics, possibly the story it's all let down by the impossibly poor level progression.

    You grind to complete one dungeon only to move into the next area and every mob on the world map is 3 levels higher. So you have to go back to the last dungeon and grind it out again and again until you match their    Unfortunately despite all the positive aspects of this game, the art, the battle mechanics, possibly the story it's all let down by the impossibly poor level progression.

    You grind to complete one dungeon only to move into the next area and every mob on the world map is 3 levels higher. So you have to go back to the last dungeon and grind it out again and again until you match their level. Example i complete a lvl 13 dungeon and the next story quest sends me to an area where they're lvl 16 and can 1 hit kill my lower HP characters. No level 14-15 mobs to grind on for moderate exp. Only choice is back to the last area for minimal exp gains until you have 3 characters min high enough but you'll want your others at that level too so that doubles the grinding.

    It is pretty much the only negative aspect but it sucks any momentum and enjoyment out of the game.    … Expand
  3. SWERY_51
    Jan 10, 2018
    9
    I put 60 hours to fully (except NG+) complete this awesome RPG.

    I did it recently so i suppose some patch fixed some issues, because i have found the progression system rather nice, i didn't have to grind that much, i even did the last 2 dungeons directly in the highest difficulty setting. The turn based combat system is nice and smart, it's a real pleasure to explore the    I put 60 hours to fully (except NG+) complete this awesome RPG.

    I did it recently so i suppose some patch fixed some issues, because i have found the progression system rather nice, i didn't have to grind that much, i even did the last 2 dungeons directly in the highest difficulty setting.

    The turn based combat system is nice and smart, it's a real pleasure to explore the possibilities.
    My team was composed of Calibretto (healing), Red Monika (DPS) and Alumon, i didn't play the 3 other characters much so they haven't even reach level 10.

    On PS4 Pro, the framerate is nice, but there are some disturbing random micro-freezes. Apart from that, i didn't encounter any other kind of issue.

    In conclusion, if you do like 90's comic books and RPG with turn based combat system, it's highly recommended.    … Expand
  4. SomaXD
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    Plenty of AAA games release with bugs yet achieve 8's 9's and 10's. Battle Chasers Nightwar is an indie game that deserves a 10 despite bugs on ps4 (which are being fixed this very second.) One of the more Original AND nostalgic game in recent history, Its a JRPG that makes JRPGs relevant again to a wider audience. From the outstanding art by Joe Madureira, to the Tactical turn-basedPlenty of AAA games release with bugs yet achieve 8's 9's and 10's. Battle Chasers Nightwar is an indie game that deserves a 10 despite bugs on ps4 (which are being fixed this very second.) One of the more Original AND nostalgic game in recent history, Its a JRPG that makes JRPGs relevant again to a wider audience. From the outstanding art by Joe Madureira, to the Tactical turn-based mechanics to the loot filled diablo-esque dungeons, Nightwar ticks off all the boxes for a return of classic rpgs with modern flair. Its been a long wait for comic book fans, but the story in Nightwar is just as fun and adventurous as we all remember from the 1998 series. If you are in to RPGs even a little... Dont skip this game. (So far im over 60 hours in...)… Expand
  5. Noobloader
    Oct 5, 2017
    7
    Would give it more but it crashes way too much other then that its great game for classic rpg fan. It's not anything that can be fixed with a patch has they mention that coming soon in there forum.
  6. TeeDoff
    Oct 5, 2017
    8
    Great game. 10 hours in and not had any issues with crashing, yet. The art design and music is fantastic, the turn based battles are well thought out with lots of abilities and perks to make it interesting. Story is fairly 'Meh' so far, which is my only real downside. Game is well worth the reduced asking price!
  7. Ravarath
    Oct 10, 2017
    8
    It's a decent RPG with mechanics very similar to old Septerra Core. If you are like me a "senile" player who remembers good ol' days this game will bring many feels. Also haven't encounter any bugs or crashes thus far.
  8. SpikeSpiegel_
    Nov 30, 2018
    0
    Boring game, just visuals with stolen gameplay from Jrpgs it desperately tries to mimic. Kickstarters still waiting for their promised comics Joe Mad, you little liar.
  9. GrumpyReviewer
    Jul 15, 2019
    8
    I am sad to give this game a low score, because Battle Chasers is not a bad game; actually it could have been (could be if patched) a GREAT game. Almost everything works for me: the artwork, the characters, the loot/craft system, the turn based gameplay, the simple flow of the exploration, there are so, so many good things about this game. It's a shame that a small detail throws all thisI am sad to give this game a low score, because Battle Chasers is not a bad game; actually it could have been (could be if patched) a GREAT game. Almost everything works for me: the artwork, the characters, the loot/craft system, the turn based gameplay, the simple flow of the exploration, there are so, so many good things about this game. It's a shame that a small detail throws all this out the window.

    The major problem with Battle Chasers is progression. Up to level 12/13 everything works just fine. You get levels, better loot, new skills, all is fine and well and you are having a good time. Then... there is a sudden difficulty spike, where the next dungeon and most of the enemies are 2 or 3 levels above you and can pretty much one-shot your characters - if you don't have nice stuff equipped. But you could grind for more levels, right? isn't that the point?

    Let me tell you this. I'm a 37 y/o gamer. I grew up playing these games. I have had my fair share of grinding through countless RPGs, no problem at all with that. But what Battle Chasers does is not force you into a grind fast; if you have the patience of a monk you can grind. But at the current state of the game, it's just ridiculous. Your characters need around 1500 exp points to level up. And you are fighting enemies that give you 20 exp, 50 exp. If you clear dungeons on a harder difficulty (if you can, that is) you'll get a little more. It's just incredibly frustrating to a point where I saw myself doing absolutely NOTHING for 2 hours and could not move forward with the game because of this invisible wall.

    Battle Chasers is currently broken. I love, love, the game. And it really pains me to put it down. But I just don't have time to invest in a game with such a broken progression system. It's not worth it. If it gets patched I will come back.

    Edit: 07/15th

    I do believe the game was patched and it feels much MUCH more balanced right now. Started from scratch and -although it was never really easy- I did have a better time working my way around the dungeons and quests. The drop rate seems to be higher as well, which makes the experience a little less grindy. Now the game is fun to play; it offers a challenge and the proper tools to overcome it. Finally I can say this is an amazing game that needs to be played.    … Expand
  10. VendonJura
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Battle Chaser is a rlly good RPG game which is kinda different to some other RPG games out there.
    I like the atmosphere in this game, the story, the music and the battle System.
    I just kinda wish the battle speed would be higher than that and it would include an automatic battle system but it does not. Well it is still a rlly amazing rpg game which everyone who loves playing rpgs    Battle Chaser is a rlly good RPG game which is kinda different to some other RPG games out there.
    I like the atmosphere in this game, the story, the music and the battle System.
    I just kinda wish the battle speed would be higher than that and it would include an automatic battle system but it does not.

    Well it is still a rlly amazing rpg game which everyone who loves playing rpgs should have played. Plus it is not even an expensive game 2. I germany I have paid around 10€ for that game.    … Expand
  11. scool1986
    Aug 28, 2020
    9
    This game really surprised me. This is the mix of western and eastern RPG elements that I've been hoping the top tier developers would figure out sooner. Great progression and RPG mechanics allowing for good customization of the insanely balanced cast of characters. Plenty of side and end game content including ultimate weapon crafting and ultimate burst abilities (basically limit breaks).This game really surprised me. This is the mix of western and eastern RPG elements that I've been hoping the top tier developers would figure out sooner. Great progression and RPG mechanics allowing for good customization of the insanely balanced cast of characters. Plenty of side and end game content including ultimate weapon crafting and ultimate burst abilities (basically limit breaks). Perhaps most importantly, this is some of the best turn based combat I've seen in years. Tons of depth to it and the enemy variety really mixes things up. Only gripe is the story is pretty cookie cutter and not very memorable, but it does have charm and humor to save it a bit. Highly recommended for any RPG fan.… Expand
  12. Jajooka
    Nov 14, 2020
    8
    This game doesn't bring anything new or mindblowing to the table, but decent in every aspect. The battle system is fine, and challenging most of the time ( this one is a tie braker to me and I wouldn't say it lightly ). The dungeon design is decent, the atmosphere is fine. Toying with perks, crafting, enchanting and skills have its depth. I would recommend if turn-based rpg-s are your thing.
  13. jinv
    Mar 9, 2021
    10
    Beautiful artwork, 100% fun and authentic gameplay with challenging difficulties. The story is simple but still a catcher. An obvious 10.
  14. VanCan72
    Apr 4, 2021
    9
    I had so much fun with this game. I was absolutely floored by how deep the combat and party composition was. There are 6 characters total to use in your party and all of them have different possibilities that really shine in their own ways and provides tons of possibilities that can really help with replayability and depth.
    Art looks great and embraces the comic book roots, and the voice    I had so much fun with this game. I was absolutely floored by how deep the combat and party composition was. There are 6 characters total to use in your party and all of them have different possibilities that really shine in their own ways and provides tons of possibilities that can really help with replayability and depth.
    Art looks great and embraces the comic book roots, and the voice acting is surprisingly really well done. Sound design is great too, sword swings sound heavy, the Golem has a machine gun that sounds punchy and devastating, and giant gauntlets sound earth shattering. Even beyond combat, background noise sounds great and organic.
    Story is pretty good and does a good job at stringing you along from mission to mission until you ultimately fight the big baddie at the end.
    I genuinely loved the loot system and watching all the numbers go up like in any other game.
    However the only real short coming is the level progression and how difficulty can spike very very suddenly if you just happen to be where you're supposed to be to progress the story. And if you get caught by the pirate air ship, forget it. Those enemies are way too overpowered to take on, and sometimes you have no choice to engage it and hope to God you can flee fast enough.
    Otherwise though, this is a great game and well worth the time.    … Expand
  15. Silkamur
    Sep 18, 2021
    9
    Just buy it, the game is amazing, despite many negative reviews, most apparently have no experience with classic rpgs, this game requires you to level up to proceed, just like old rpgs, who don't understand this is too bad used to the easy games of today.
    If you like this type of game, battle chasers is a good option for you.
    I just don't give a 10, because the game doesn't present us the    Just buy it, the game is amazing, despite many negative reviews, most apparently have no experience with classic rpgs, this game requires you to level up to proceed, just like old rpgs, who don't understand this is too bad used to the easy games of today.
    If you like this type of game, battle chasers is a good option for you.
    I just don't give a 10, because the game doesn't present us the characters properly, so it ends up being a more focused situation for those who already knew the comics.    … Expand
  16. Lionhart
    May 19, 2022
    8
    Battle chasers is more than your average Jrpg, its more stragetic and rewarding. Where the game lack is the cinematic/story but they make up for it with the great voice acting and pure fun jrpg gameplay, to me this game is a solid 7.5. I am looking forward to the next installation of Battle chasers.
  17. gamer664
    Apr 22, 2023
    0
    This game is a wanna be souls like. No manual save and punishing death. The game is not hard, but incredibly grindy because all enemies respawn upon death. I dislike grindy games like that make you fight the same boring enemies and walk the same path over and over again.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. RPG Fan
    Nov 29, 2018
    95
    Akin to nights in the basement, with a party gathered around a friend brooding behind the DM's screen, Battle Chasers: Nightwar feels like a classic romp in a dungeon with some dragons. Though the adventure is new, it still feels familiar. Airship Syndicate has impressively refreshed some staple conventions with modern concepts, maintaining a comfortable level of nostalgia that exemplifies the best qualities from RPGs of yore. It's just fun to load up and be enchanted by.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 22, 2017
    70
    The story's not great, but the battle system behind it is carefully thought out. [Dec 2017, p.87]
  3. games(TM)
    Nov 3, 2017
    50
    Fails to capture the imagination. [Issue#193, p.84]
See all critic reviews »