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. Brash Games
    Jun 28, 2016
    90
    It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a game as much as I have enjoyed this one.
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Jun 14, 2016
    90
    It might not be as completely over the top as some of Compile Heart’s other work, but it’s a load of fun for the studio’s fans nonetheless, and its relative subtlety might just help get it over the line for people who find the Hyperdimension games just too silly for their palettes.
  3. GameSpew
    Aug 10, 2016
    80
    Considering all that it has to offer, Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is probably the best JRPG currently available on the PS4 (although stiff competition is incoming)
  5. GameCritics
    Jul 28, 2016
    80
    It’s absolutely worth playing for anyone who missed it the first time, and the new features and content make a strong argument for existing fans to take a second look.
  6. We Got This Covered
    Jul 28, 2016
    80
    Fast-paced, chaotic combat, an excellent soundtrack and solid improvements over the original game make Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force an infectiously fun time.
  7. DarkZero
    Jul 27, 2016
    80
    It may be a B-tier RPG, but it’s a very well-made B-tier RPG that is just as addicting for JRPG fans as the A+ classics.
  8. PlayStation Universe
    Jul 26, 2016
    80
    Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force added much needed and requested changes, but not everything seems to have been addressed with this re-release. The different paths you are able to take add more depth to the already well told story.
  9. Everyeye.it
    Jun 22, 2016
    76
    Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is not for everyone. If on one hand we have a great combat system, on the other we find a lack of content in the history, so we suggest it to Compile Heart e Hyperdimension Neptunia fans. However, the presence of new stories and characters makes it attractive for who has completed it on PlayStation 3, too.

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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