Ikenfell

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. RPG Site
    Oct 13, 2020
    90
    Ikenfell is a great game wrapped in a small package. Even with small pacing issues and a battle system that I often wanted to skip, I had a surprisingly good time with this game. Almost every aspect of it shines on its own and put together it’s a great retro-style RPG that takes the commonplace world of teenage magic and proves that it can be an inclusive space full of introspection and growth.
  2. Video Chums
    Oct 18, 2020
    80
    As far as RPGs go, Ikenfell is one impressive adventure with unconventional yet rewarding combat set in a lighthearted world.
  3. RPG Fan
    Oct 13, 2020
    75
    As the cold nights draw in, playing Ikenfell is like huddling round a little cauldron of warmth. It makes important steps in queer representation that I wish more games would do, and discusses mental health in worthwhile ways. It does all of this under a pleasant, charming veneer with fun combat and cute visuals, and while the game never does anything spectacular, the tone and addictive gameplay will definitely cast a spell on you.
  5. RPGamer
    Dec 21, 2020
    70
    Ikenfell is a difficult game to adjudicate on. In terms of its storytelling and visual presentation, it is an enriching experience that always had me eager to know what was going to happen next. From a gameplay standpoint, it’s a dull slog that just feels like it needed more of a punch and a lot less padding. While Ikenfell’s story and characters had me under its spell, it’s hard to look past the bulk of the game, where it just feels like it missed the mark.
  6. GameSpot
    Oct 16, 2020
    60
    Ikenfell is a game of good intentions. The take on RPG combat is both satisfying and interesting with enough options, both with in-game tweaks to characters and strategy and also directly within the settings, to help tailor it to your preferences. It just drags on a bit without feeling like anything has actually really happened until its final moments. The nice variety and wholesome vibes present a lovely little world to explore and save. There are just enough little pitfalls in the story and execution that can be quite grating when I wanted to feel immersed.

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. RuriGokou
    May 13, 2022
    4
    I was first attracted to this game by its old school looking graphics. Hoping for a retro RPG experience, I was disappointingly let down. TheI was first attracted to this game by its old school looking graphics. Hoping for a retro RPG experience, I was disappointingly let down. The characters aren't very likable, and there are a lot of woke elements to the story. But I played it in Japanese. So maybe thanks to the translation they downplayed a lot of the woke elements?

    Ikenfell consists a lot of going to point A only to find out you need to go to point B only to find out you need an item at point C. Honestly I'd be pretty okay with this if the characters, story and gameplay were fun and interesting. I like RPGs with a fun battle system to them. I don't mind the grind in RPGs, but the game play in Ikenfell is horrendous. Before I started, I read about its victory mode which let's the player insta-win any battle. I laughed thinking I wouldn't be using something like that. So, I didn't put it on at first but after the first few battles I did because the battle system just isn't very fun.

    You can dodge attacks or give more damage with your button presses, but it didn't seem rewarding enough. Also, to even attack enemies you need to get into range of them on this grid like field. It is all very tedious. I read battles become even more of a slog later with bosses calling more and more enemies on the screen for you to take out.

    There seem to be a few secrets to find and such, but even those don't feel very rewarding since they come in the form of special accessories which don't boost stats. Instead they give you a kind of perk like increased strength after 3 turns or something. But without any stat boosts to these special accessories feels like a waste. Not to mention if you're using the victory mode then what is the point to equipment to begin with?

    Other than the retro graphics, I'd say the music is charming and worth listening to even if you don't play the game. Overall pretty disappointed with this game.    … Full Review »
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