Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. 4P.de
    Jul 25, 2016
    73
    This anime roleplaying game from the Neptunia team is full of charming antiheroes as well as redundant mechanics.
  2. RPG Site
    Aug 1, 2016
    70
    For the fans of that series and its comedic tone, you will find the same style of comfort here. For newcomers, if you can put up with how contrived the story can be, it may be worth a shot thanks to the exclusive content.
  3. Vandal
    Jul 26, 2016
    70
    It hasn't changed much, but at least it improves the performance that made the original less enjoyable. A game for Compile Hearts fans.
  5. Hardcore Gamer
    Jul 26, 2016
    70
    It doesn’t reach the level of greatness of say Chrono Trigger or Persona 4, but there is enough going for it where it is worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
  6. Destructoid
    Jul 25, 2016
    70
    It’s quite the Jekyll and Hyde situation, one I can easily recommend to Compile Heart fans, but only endorse for non-fans on the stipulation they don’t listen to Tiara and Eryn.
  7. High-Def Digest
    Jul 25, 2016
    70
    Though it more often feels like a Director's Cut than a true remake, Advent Dark Force nonetheless turns a flawed PS3 RPG into a stronger experience overall, making it the absolute best way to play 'Fairy Fencer'.
  8. PlaySense
    Jul 25, 2016
    70
    It takes a while to get going and doesn't do anything all that surprising, but other than that, Fairy Fencer F's engaging characters and fun combat system makes this a title very much worth playing.
  9. Areajugones
    Aug 1, 2016
    65
    Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a dull game due to the fact that Compile Heart has not explored more ways in the role genre. Until then, their games still feel like they are all the same.
  10. SpazioGames
    Jul 27, 2016
    65
    Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a classic tactical J-RPG, with all the usual pros and cons of this kind of title. Despite the nice style, and the remarkable drawings that will accompany you in your travel in the world of the Furies, the dungeons realization and the characters 3D models are so poor they'll make you cry. The combat system is solid, and the story is enjoyable. Unfortunately, the repetitive mechanics will bore you in a few hours. In the end, a fair Hyperdimension Neptunia clone, just for real fans of the genre.
  11. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Jul 26, 2016
    65
    Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force honestly has a lot going for it, but failed to seal the deal in the end. No matter the ending, I felt more frustrated than anything with all the monotony thrust upon me. Perhaps if the stories weren’t so predictable, or perhaps if the grind wasn’t so prevalent I would have been able to overlook one or the other. Instead, I wrapped up my adventures with Fang with wistful dissatisfaction.
  12. RPGamer
    Aug 2, 2016
    60
    Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force manages to succeed despite itself, though not without some misfires along the way.
  13. TheSixthAxis
    Aug 4, 2016
    50
    The story does nothing original unless you wind up on one of the new story paths after 20 hours of play. On top of that, the visuals still reek of PS3 muddiness despite the smooth framerate. It’s a grindy number-managing repetitive experience, and you might automatically love that or hate it depending on your allegiance to Compile Heart. It simply feels out of place next to other PS4 JRPGs on offer, and could have used a lot more polish if it wanted to stand a chance in the current gen.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 60
  3. Negative: 15 out of 60
  1. commander218
    Aug 1, 2016
    9
    While I played the Hyperdimension games and greatly enjoy them, the feeling is nothing compared to this game which I greatly enjoyed. I wish IWhile I played the Hyperdimension games and greatly enjoy them, the feeling is nothing compared to this game which I greatly enjoyed. I wish I could give it a ten, it's more of an 8.5, but there are faults which I really can't ignore. I can pretty much recommend this to any JRPG fan as you'll have a good time playing.

    The story isn't anything special at first glance but it's pretty well written. I'll try to avoid many spoilers but it's really more or less about altering fate. Funny thing is that I'm coming in from FE Fates and this game does branching paths so much better...even if it gets a little weird. The story goes through the original Fairy Fencer F path (the goddess path) and then you can choose which path to take.

    The characters are also rather simple, but they're really fun to the point I can't really hate them. I hated how Harley looked, but then it kind of explains itself to the point I can't knock it down (fanservice is fanservice I suppose). One character felt a little bit forced in the main story, but seeing as what happened if I didn't recruit him, I'd rather have that. The other paths fix and expand on other characters so if they feel jarring here, they're probably implemented better in another path.

    The main protagonist, Fang, might come off as someone you're going to despise due to his lazy and obsession with food habits (he's also an idiot). He grew on me over time and he really does develop as a character. So I wouldn't put down the game right away just because Fang aggravates you at the start since he does get better. I like him a lot better than most main protags surprisingly.

    Now let's talk about the gameplay. The maps are not quite as bland as Hyperdimension games, but I haven't played VII so I can't tell. You will be going through these maps a lot so if you despise repeating stuff, I'd stay back, but outside of quest and enemies, you can clear a dungeon in usually 1 minute to reach the boss. It really helps with New Game+ stuff. A few enemies are also recycled from HD but they will feel different due to the combat which I'll get to.

    Then there's quests. Most of them are pretty fast paced and I recommend doing them your first go around since you'll be hurting for money in hard mode (you'll need those items especially in some battles). You also get quests that'll unlock the next rank of quests. Let's just say the D rank and especially the B rank quests are the most tedious thing in the game you'll never want to do again. Mostly the B rank one. Thankfully you only have to do those quests once and it'll carry over in New Game+. After that, I'd just go after quests with good rewards since they're simple and quick generally.

    Then there's combat. I played this game on Hard and boy can I tell you it's not an easy game at all. While you can use up to six characters and switch at any time to move around the battlefield more, it can get chaotic. It does so many wonders to this game as I usually ended up using all 8 of my character in the goddess path. Each one is also very unique so they'll be playing different roles in each fight. My only complaint is that the tanky character doesn't feel so tanky but man did he put in work for that final boss in the goddess path.

    Now for the soundtrack. I love this soundtrack so much especially the farize theme (the first version). They're really catchy though there are a few forgettable one. Still, you won't hear too much of the battle themes since normal fights will end pretty quickly. So glad that there's a sound room to hear some of the easy to miss themes in the chaotic combat.

    There are still some other flaws I'll briefly mention. Leveling is going to feel a little weird since you won't go up too many levels. Like level 20 is what you should be around for the story branch moment (I was like 16), but thankfully grinding isn't too tedious if you're skilled. Solo bosses can also be too brutal, but with a little thinking I could overcome a certain demon one (again, this is on hard).

    Oh, I forgot about the fanservice. If you played HD games, this game is really, really tame compared to those, but for those who haven't, there's going to be a couple of those scenes few and far between though thankfully they're followed by something either really good or really cool part of the story.

    Overall, this game has been a very enjoyable experience and I'm about halfway on the second path, but there's so many little things that make this game worth replaying. If you're an avid JRPG fan who doesn't mind a bit of that tediousness, pick this game up. As for everyone else, it's going to grind down to whether or not you can overlook a game's faults if you'll enjoy it.    … Full Review »
  2. pauloredline
    Jul 31, 2016
    10
    Fairy Fencer F Advent Dark Force is a huge expansion and a dramatically improved port Fairy Fencer F, originally released on the PS3 and theFairy Fencer F Advent Dark Force is a huge expansion and a dramatically improved port Fairy Fencer F, originally released on the PS3 and the PC. The additions are enough to attract old fans to check out this new version, while new players must also choose this because of the content and a range of small adjustments that enhance the game experience.

    The focus of Fairy Fencer F Advent Dark Force is in the expansion of its history. Battle systems have been improved and the small additions like the race make this a more enjoyable experience than the original version. Fans who liked Fairy Fencer F will likely love Advent Dark Force and, for those who still do not know, this is the complete package for a great RPG.    … Full Review »
  3. sjc1279
    Jul 29, 2016
    10
    This game is great JRPG. I'm having a great time playing it and it's so much better than Star Ocean 5. I didn't finish star ocean 5, but IThis game is great JRPG. I'm having a great time playing it and it's so much better than Star Ocean 5. I didn't finish star ocean 5, but I will finish this game and new game plus mode also.… Full Review »
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