Natural Doctrine

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 86
  3. Negative: 34 out of 86
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  1. tomvs123
    Jul 29, 2017
    7
    I went in with very low expectations and ended up liking the game. I'm a fan of good JRPGs and strategy games and I normally prefer story over gameplay, although the gameplay in this game is better than the story. My rating might be a point or two higher than it should be simply because I haven't played any good strategy RPGs in a long time.

    Story: Average. It's told almost entirely    I went in with very low expectations and ended up liking the game. I'm a fan of good JRPGs and strategy games and I normally prefer story over gameplay, although the gameplay in this game is better than the story. My rating might be a point or two higher than it should be simply because I haven't played any good strategy RPGs in a long time.

    Story: Average. It's told almost entirely through text and voice between missions. It's clear that the actual combat missions take priority over the story. The story isn't outright bad or childish like I've seen in many JRPGs, but it is relatively generic with a few small twists (good), and questionable character motivations (bad). Nothing substantial, new, or groundbreaking happens in the story, so if you're a junkie for unique and strange stories, you won't find any of that here.

    World: Basically non-existent. All you do are combat missions. There's no towns, shops, citizens to interact with, or anything that you'd normally expect from a strategy JRPG. You obtain weapons and rings in chests during missions, heal completely between missions, and can level up between missions.

    Character models: Better than the vita versions, but they look like low-end PS3 models.

    Gameplay / Combat: Difficult, challenging, and annoying. The combat system has almost no basis in reality and is more similar to a board game or chess (although those aren't great comparisons either). If you can accept that and get past the incredibly steep learning curve, then you might find the combat system to be unique and rewarding (I did). Don't expect to learn the combat system using the in-game tutorial. I read an online wiki to figure out how to not die during the first few missions and still fumbled through about half of the game before I finally fully figured out the system (on normal mode). That worked well for me since the difficulty picked up about half way through and I continued to be challenged. If I had not figured out the combat system, I likely would have hit a difficulty wall at some point and would have been unable to progress.

    The combat system is much less annoying after you fully learn it, but some annoying bits remain. Those are:

    1. It's very slow-paced. You might spend 20-50 minutes for each attempt at a mission, and most of that will be watching enemies move around or attack (which you don't need to see unless they kill one of your people). Tip: hold O to speed up time during some enemy actions.

    2. You will replay the same missions over and over. Not because you want to, but because the enemy had a surprise in store for you and killed one of your guys (any character death is a game over).

    So this is a game for people who like strategy games, are okay with a wonky, but mostly fair combat system, and are willing to spend time to fully learn that combat system.

    There's a new game+ option and a free post-game DLC mission. I've grown to like the combat system enough to want to complete that DLC, though probably not enough to replay the game in new game+ (which doesn't look like it offers much).    … Expand
  2. KenshinX
    Aug 26, 2020
    5
    The Fight mechanics for me the only interesting thing about this game, a lot of exploration.
    The Graphics are average,
    The Sound, nope, nothing that i ll keep in mind.
    The Story ... bof, we know almost NOTHING about he characters, the story is not compelling at all.

    I was disappointed.
  3. Jajooka
    Sep 25, 2020
    2
    When I read here the negativ comment "needlesly complex battle system" I considered it a recommendation rather then a complaint. But the game is just bad. Its note the worse, it isn't completely unenjoyable but it is bad.
    Main problems:
    - there is a REALLY low variety of skills in the whole game. (There are a few power strikes and aoe-s both for meele and ranged, and basically tahts it.    When I read here the negativ comment "needlesly complex battle system" I considered it a recommendation rather then a complaint. But the game is just bad. Its note the worse, it isn't completely unenjoyable but it is bad.
    Main problems:
    - there is a REALLY low variety of skills in the whole game. (There are a few power strikes and aoe-s both for meele and ranged, and basically tahts it. And the enemy have mostly the same skillset. Be it a goblin, or that snake-eyed race, or other humans, basically all battles are the same. Its boring.)
    - half of your characters are a but tankier, and the other half are REALLY low on hp. The game ends when any of the party members die. It cause a lot of frustration, because there are SEVERAL occations, when at the moment you finish one battle, there are some random doors opening, there comes 3 gunners, and just kills one of your f'kin supports right away. Its not like bad strategy or anything. You couldn't expect that, they just come and kill.
    - the battle is frustratingly slow. You cant skil enemy turns (you can hasten them a bit but that is not enough), you have to watch all of them move and cast there spells. Boring.
    - the worst joke of this game is that you cannot move freely after the end of a battle, but you have use the same turn based system to get your characters back at the "extraction" spot. And no it isn't like at XCOM, that is fine. But MUCH slower and painful. Also it takes the system considerable time only to switch turn between you characters. Most of the time it takes SEVERAL minutes to get your characters at the end area.
    - and the BATTLE SYSTEM: I don't have a problem with the linking system. I would say it is pretty unrealistic, but I can see it as I do a board game. These are the rules and you are trying to do your best within those rules (if those rules work great as a system). But the link-attacking system is just terrible. In a nutshell it kind of means that when there is one of the characters turn you can most of the time move and attack with all you other characters as well. As do the opponent. This makes the whole turning system really chatic and unpredictable in a way that you cannot really strategise against it too often. The enemy have 3 times your number most of the time, and if 1 of there gunners catch one of your freakin supports even once, you are probably done. (if not, then there is some random door opening at the and of the battle and snipe your support down for you)    … Expand
  4. DeathsHead
    Oct 21, 2014
    9
    So they finally created a game with challenge, minus boring intro cut scenes, and a fresh idea to combat interface... It comes down to this, upon playing, it's not for many of the modern gamers, the generation of "we're all winners" and "gimme a trophy". Turn based strategy has always been fun for me, even "die start over" games hold merit (eg original Hitman for PC). Quit being spoiledSo they finally created a game with challenge, minus boring intro cut scenes, and a fresh idea to combat interface... It comes down to this, upon playing, it's not for many of the modern gamers, the generation of "we're all winners" and "gimme a trophy". Turn based strategy has always been fun for me, even "die start over" games hold merit (eg original Hitman for PC). Quit being spoiled little kids. Cut scenes and stories are always lame and annoying and empty anymore. You don't like having difficulty then go pick up Atelier then you can feel like a winner again.
    This is a fresh idea and actually makes you think outside the box, sometimes while playing "clearing the dungeon" is not the objective, you need to pick up new items, gain experience, return and finish. There's a learning curve to this game and based on American education standards THIS is why you might not like it.    … Expand
  5. Simochi
    Oct 15, 2014
    9
    Not sure why this game is underrated, but I love this game. A few minor odds can be graphics, story progression, and understanding depth of battle system. For ps4 version, I would expect higher resolution especially on game play. The actual story is not bad, but how the story is being told can be little tedious. The battle is not easy in the beginning. Well, if you go over all theNot sure why this game is underrated, but I love this game. A few minor odds can be graphics, story progression, and understanding depth of battle system. For ps4 version, I would expect higher resolution especially on game play. The actual story is not bad, but how the story is being told can be little tedious. The battle is not easy in the beginning. Well, if you go over all the tutorials with some patience, you should be good to go and enjoy the battles.

    The game really focuses on how battle system works. Developers rather paid more attentions on battle system than graphic from my perspective. Battles can be hard, and a whole battle can be messed up by making one small mistake, but it will teach you how the strategy works. I wouldn't put details on how battle system works, but I like to advise that it will be very helpful if you understand how linking attach works. This game is not just for leveling up.

    If you enjoy challenging strategic RPG games, then you should go for it, but if you look for something simpler, then I would not recommend.    … Expand
  6. Chowda
    May 16, 2016
    4
    Even with the bad reviews I wanted to give this game a try. I played around 20 hours, died many times, and found the game challenging and enjoyable until I hit a certain point. The combat system is broken. This game feels like someone tried to create and innovative battle system but did not play test it.

    Taking into consideration that if the enemy gets a turn they will easily kill a    Even with the bad reviews I wanted to give this game a try. I played around 20 hours, died many times, and found the game challenging and enjoyable until I hit a certain point. The combat system is broken. This game feels like someone tried to create and innovative battle system but did not play test it.

    Taking into consideration that if the enemy gets a turn they will easily kill a team member and you will have to restart......and each battle area takes around 15-20 minutes to clear.

    The death of certain enemies trigger other enemy movements. Which is fine but with the cover and counter attack system I have no way of controlling who dies or commanding my team not to attack certain enemies.

    Certain dungeons aren't meant to be cleared the first time you enter it. You have to clear a certain area and then come back later when you are stronger. However there is no way of knowing how many gorians will attack you from out of nowhere if you open a certain chest. It is assumed that you will get attacked and you might be able to run away but you have to die the first time to find out. So essentially in every dungeon you have to waste at least 45 minutes to figure out if you can survive.

    But the biggest reason why I quit playing the game was because at certain points during battles I wasn't allowed to kill certain key enemies. However, again with the cover and counter-attack system, the enemy that I was not allowed to kill would attack and I would counter and kill them causing a game over.

    So essentially there is not enough control of each aspect of battle in respect to the difficulty and management you need for this game to be challenging and fun.    … Expand
  7. AsboXFlemzo
    Oct 8, 2014
    9
    This game is a incredible strategy rpg, most of this genre are easy and only the story holds up the boring grind. This game has near zero grind and more, can you make it further to get the item drop? Every fight matters, you need to out skill the dark souls based map designs that punish you for making a mistake. Hundred of snipers chaining combos because you didn't take your turn advantageThis game is a incredible strategy rpg, most of this genre are easy and only the story holds up the boring grind. This game has near zero grind and more, can you make it further to get the item drop? Every fight matters, you need to out skill the dark souls based map designs that punish you for making a mistake. Hundred of snipers chaining combos because you didn't take your turn advantage when you could of. Thats your fault, just like souls. Story is something of a attack on titans feel, if any party member dies game over. Im not a fan of the genre but this game had me battling a level into the early hours of the morning trying to over come, while other missions my main character was blocking a entire army going all out on him while my gunners and mages picked off the enemy army. Nothing better than watching a strategy rpg finally compare to a anime when you watch geoff blocking over 20 attacks using improved block including named enemies after the loss of a a friend to make sure his friends dont need to fight the battle and have a chance of losing another. Ive never seen this in this genre.

    Improvements to the items systems need to be made, upgrade system is needed, graphics could be better, need for anime/cgi cut scenes are clear.    … Expand
  8. GrumpyReviewer
    Jul 18, 2015
    1
    Wow... it's been a while since I came across a game like this. It's hard for me to even start. Ugly, boring, uninspired, artificial high difficulty to "look like a hardcore game" when it really is a piece of crap that looks like a bad PS1 game that has been remastered for the new generation.

    It's not that I don't get the game; I do, really. I love strategy, rts, turn based games. Been    Wow... it's been a while since I came across a game like this. It's hard for me to even start. Ugly, boring, uninspired, artificial high difficulty to "look like a hardcore game" when it really is a piece of crap that looks like a bad PS1 game that has been remastered for the new generation.

    It's not that I don't get the game; I do, really. I love strategy, rts, turn based games. Been playing those for years - Ogre Battle, FF Tactics, Disgaea, X-COM. This game tries to emulate the same experience but the result is a dull game that got me scratching my head trying to understand HOW a game like this was released.

    I give you one thing; I like the cover art and the anime drawings and that is all. Natural Doctrine is one of the worst games I played recently.    … Expand
  9. bonkturbo
    Jan 17, 2015
    10
    Excellent strategy game. There is a lot of detail in this game, many details that are over looked in the reviews. Personally took me over thirteen hours to truly get into the game. I turned off the audio and had to have maximum patience with turn cycle. IMO strategy depth and the challenge is what makes this game one of the greatest games I have played. The manual does not fully explainExcellent strategy game. There is a lot of detail in this game, many details that are over looked in the reviews. Personally took me over thirteen hours to truly get into the game. I turned off the audio and had to have maximum patience with turn cycle. IMO strategy depth and the challenge is what makes this game one of the greatest games I have played. The manual does not fully explain the game, the tips selection in menu explains most everything in the game. Many games are difficult and have lost my interest, this game however has been gratifying and the only way I would have found this out was playing for longer than thirteen hours. For those that can endure the game that far they might also appreciate this game as much as I do. I have the vita and ps4 game and enjoy both.… Expand
  10. Mithaldu
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    A game that gives you tools to annihilate enemies with impunity, but also gives them that chance. If you make the mistake and let them.

    Natural Doctrine is a very hard, but also a very fair game in that everytime you fail, it's been your own fault. Very little in the game is left up to chance and number differences, and whether you fail or succeed depends on how you wield the tools the    A game that gives you tools to annihilate enemies with impunity, but also gives them that chance. If you make the mistake and let them.

    Natural Doctrine is a very hard, but also a very fair game in that everytime you fail, it's been your own fault. Very little in the game is left up to chance and number differences, and whether you fail or succeed depends on how you wield the tools the game gives you. If you're sloppy in pulling up the rear of your group; if you advance too aggressively; if you try to win by turtling; if you fail to multiply your forces by activating links; if you waste all your force by activating all your links early; if you fail to check the sight lines of your gunners: You get punished. But everytime it's because you made a mistake that you can learn to avoid the next time.

    Now, this admittedly may not be entertaining for everyone. Some people prefer a good cinematic CoD session, some people prefer a cartoony evening with Rayman, some people prefer the well-told story of adventures like Monkey Island. This game is squarely aimed at people who wish to stress their brain.

    It suffers from only two things, which are minor: It loves to play all its animations, however this can be improved by holding circle all the time to speed them up. It does not do a good job explaining the game mechanics, because the translation team itself did not understand them; this is not much of an issue though. It has a fairly gentle curve in how it lets you learn and come to grips with the mechanics, and offers free dungeons the player can repeat as often as they like, and offers checkpoints in the dungeons.

    I might see this differently, because i'm german, but the story is refreshingly earnest and pragmatic. At one point the main character suffers a traumatic loss, which in most other games would make him the depressed and disturbed hero for the rest of the game, who rests all the blame on one bad person. In this game the main character manages to realize that the group as a whole failed, and that despite what happened, they need to keep moving or die.

    Also, to adress one popular negative argument trotted out against the game: The door with tens of goblins behind it all ready to slaughter you. This is a perfect example of how every failure is the player's fault. There is a number of such doors in the game, and for everyone a simple rule is in effect that is explained the first time you encounter a door: As long as the character opening it is not the last character you can move in the current turn, your next character will have initiative after opening it, enabling them to use links to activate the rest of the team and slaughter whatever's beyond the door.

    Natural Doctrine is brave enough to offer refreshingly unique and challenging gameplay, and is unfairly panned by people who simply did not understand one of its simplest rules.    … Expand
  11. SpongyTwinkies
    Nov 4, 2014
    8
    I've learned my lesson - give little merit to professional game reviews. I'm so glad I went with my interest and gut feel and picked up this game because it's a lot of fun!

    The negative critiques and faults the reviewers found in Natural Doctrine, overly difficult or confusing game play, are unwarranted. The game is challenging but far from impossible. Yes, if a character dies it's game    I've learned my lesson - give little merit to professional game reviews. I'm so glad I went with my interest and gut feel and picked up this game because it's a lot of fun!

    The negative critiques and faults the reviewers found in Natural Doctrine, overly difficult or confusing game play, are unwarranted. The game is challenging but far from impossible. Yes, if a character dies it's game over but you may usually continue from a checkpoint that is interspersed appropriately to the current battle. Even so, if you plan out your moves correctly and take advantage of the really neat linking system, deaths are much less likely to happen. (In fact, you might end up dominating the battlefield; just think before you move.) All the game ever asks of you is to learn from your mistakes and plan out your moves. Almost all games do this to a lesser or greater degree.

    That brings me to the point of this game being confusing. I found the interface quite helpful and easy to grasp, from the initial user interface to the scrolling announcements on the world map. Just by following the tutorials and playing the game for about an hour, I grasped an understanding of everything and found it all to be appropriate. Even the linking system makes sense once you get that hang of it, and it's a really neat play feature integrated into a tactical turn based strategy game. The linking system is quite flexible and the in-game play interface shows you how you might take advantage of it.

    I also like a number of other things: the graphics make the game world look like detailed table top miniatures (very appropriate!), flexible and well designed skill trees for characters, opportunities for risk/reward trade-offs during battles (sometimes battle chests are scattered on the map that allow the player to go after some goodies if you're willing to chance it), and resource management. It all comes together very well. My only mild dislike is that the story is typical silly anime plotting and characterizing. The story will not be remembered but it does move the game along.

    So, I cannot understand such low scores by the professional reviewers. They've overstated a few perceived faults with this title and immediately jumped to low scores to justify their decision. Bizarre, because this game is quite enjoyable if you like turn-based tactical games. Did something in the story line offend the reviewers? Who knows. Perhaps, you should make your own decision and try this game out. I did and it's been a wonderful experience.    … Expand
  12. Toothemax
    Oct 2, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A lot better than the reviewer have been reviewing the game. It's really for serious SRPG gamers. I think most of the professional reviewers are on the more casual side of things. It's a fun and challenging game.… Expand
  13. SaintJames012
    Dec 26, 2014
    1
    This game is horrible. One of the worst games I have ever played, and I've played some really bad ones. This game is unfairly difficult, and any attempts to make it fun fall flat on it's face.

    The best part of the game is the strategic numbers game that is added. Being close to allies, flanking enemies, using your environment to your advantage,etc. boosts the stats of all attacking    This game is horrible. One of the worst games I have ever played, and I've played some really bad ones. This game is unfairly difficult, and any attempts to make it fun fall flat on it's face.

    The best part of the game is the strategic numbers game that is added. Being close to allies, flanking enemies, using your environment to your advantage,etc. boosts the stats of all attacking characters, and have very discreet cause-effect results that are easy to understand. Flanking an opponent and successfully hitting them causes them to lose their initiative, allowing any nearby allies to go before the enemy. Successfully sniping an enemy in cover causes them to run away in a frenzy, abandoning their cover and catching them out in the open. This was a gem in this entire crap when it worked, but other than that there was very little to praise about this title.

    The Worst parts are going to take awhile to I've broken them up for you to easily digest:

    Characters: The characters in the game are extreme one dimensional and boring. While you may try to get attached to them in the beginning, it begins to wear on you, as the out of nowhere moments in gameplay are a lot more interesting than anything these characters can cause you to feel. They are bland and the only way they even come across as likable is how useful they are to you when it's time to explore a dungeon.

    Graphics: The game is ugly. Cut scenes look like the characters are nothing more than D&D pieces who can talk, and everything lacks color or liveliness. models are likewise ugly in gameplay, as every single model is generic. Also the maps you play on look like board game sets.

    Voice acting: stale.

    Gameplay: This is the WORST aspect of the game. The game is unfair in every sense of the word. One aspect of this game others fail to mention is that not a single character can die, or else it's a game over. This would be a welcoming challenge if the game did not know this. You see, the game knows if a single character dies, you lose, so all of the enemies will gang up and attack one person, causing him to die. More often that not it is the weakest character you have, and the enemies will even go out of their way to get in range to hit him, even if he/she is in the back of your ranks. Also adding on to this complete BS mechanic is the fact that is some dungeons, you are outnumbered like 10-to-1, and every single one of those guys will attack a single person.

    The game is the worst I have ever played.    … Expand
  14. Tanis70
    Dec 3, 2014
    4
    A huge disappointment. It's not the really challenging difficulty level (where "challenging" means "your worst nightmare becomes true and will require you endless attempts, failure and repeats), the standard boring story, the flat and stereotyped characters. I can leave with all of that.
    The real problem with the game is an unnecessary complex battle system, absurd controls and whimsical    A huge disappointment. It's not the really challenging difficulty level (where "challenging" means "your worst nightmare becomes true and will require you endless attempts, failure and repeats), the standard boring story, the flat and stereotyped characters. I can leave with all of that.
    The real problem with the game is an unnecessary complex battle system, absurd controls and whimsical camera prospectives.
    I had to give up after 4-5 hours of oathing and cursing and I felt robbed of my money.    … Expand
  15. Searth
    Nov 22, 2016
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Natural Doctrine, where to begin with this one...

    I originally saw images of the game a few years ago but only recently picked it up on the PSN store on discount for PS4.

    If you're interested in the story and end fight of this game, please be aware this review includes spoilers.

    At first the game seemed intriguing, planning out your moves before initiating any action, keeping track of which characters move next and being mindful of any other characters within range. The game-play itself isn't terrible, but what is bad is the lack of game-play that's available.

    After each fight you're greeted with the map screen from which you select your next destination. You choose from either the next story driven destination or a handful of caves you can "explore" to level up a little, gain equipment and pluton (a scarce resource used for casting magic, without this it makes your mage units useless)

    My biggest problems with the game however were 1: the characters and 2: the final boss.

    First off let's talk about the characters. Right at the start of the game you have 4 random characters thrust on you: Geoff, Anka, Zeke and Vessily. Although the characters do chat before missions and on the map screen after completing missions, you don't really know anything about any of them or their backstory, this is later emphasized when (spoiler) Vessily dies and her sister goes after Zeke, Zeke having prior connections to the sisters and Geoff having some sort of "connection" with a dragon clan later mentioned towards the end of the game, but nothing comes of said information. To top it all off regarding lack of character growth or detail, you have 2 random characters join you at the very end of the game, Ingbert who's been chasing you the whole game, and Gremori the dragon clan lady who just decides to "go with you" coz why not right?

    Next up, the final boss. The last encounter in the game throws some huge enemies at you and that's understandable, what's not acceptable however is the whole fight itself. There is NO other fight in the game anywhere NEAR similar to this fight in the sense that this is the ONLY fight in the game where the main enemy and a few other big enemies in the room regenerate HP after being killed! The main enemy being the Queen Gorian has 3 full HP phases and changes forms. If similar smaller encounters like this were in the game earlier to prepare you then that'd be fine, but no. It's almost like playing a completely different game.

    I also want to talk a bit about how the game feels like it's seriously lacking in certain features. Alongside barely any story or character development, there's equipment. What's wrong with equipment you ask? well in chests found in dungeons you can repeat, you can collect an abundance of different strength rings. Along the main quest missions you can also find some +1, +2 and +3 versions of weapons. The + and the abundance of rings is where the problem lies. After collecting so many rings, they just sit collecting dust in your inventory, as do the old weapons you no longer need. If there are + weapons and a huge stack of un-used gear in your inventory, why is there no crafting system to add + stats to weapons and use up your old equipment for something?

    All in all the game feels like it was hastily put together and many ideas, encounters and areas that should have been in the game were removed for whatever reason.

    My final thoughts? I wouldn't recommend buying it. If you see it on discount and you have money to burn or get it as a gift then sure, go for it. But don't say I didn't warn you. Oh and one last thing: When the game warns you that there's no turning back (so near the last fight) go farm tons of Pluton (about 30g will do) as it's pretty much the only way to win the final fight.    … Expand
  16. Philli_86
    Jul 25, 2015
    9
    This game will absolutely kick the button mashing casual gamer's behind. I am a strategy RPG enthusiast. It has always been my favorite type of game. Chess is my favorite board game as well. This game feels like a game of chess in every battle with each piece having distinct weaknesses and advantages in comparison to other pieces. If playing Chess on steroids sounds like your cup of teaThis game will absolutely kick the button mashing casual gamer's behind. I am a strategy RPG enthusiast. It has always been my favorite type of game. Chess is my favorite board game as well. This game feels like a game of chess in every battle with each piece having distinct weaknesses and advantages in comparison to other pieces. If playing Chess on steroids sounds like your cup of tea then Natural Doctrine is for you. It is not for the weak of heart or easily frustrated but if your looking for a challenging game demanding you make every action count this is the game for you. Look at it as a turn based Dark Souls and there the game is.… Expand
  17. dieth
    Oct 6, 2014
    8
    Absolutely love this game so far. This is a an tactical overkill simulator, know this going in, that the mobs can perform the same linked overkill attacks on you. Make sure you block off enemy paths with a good defender!

    Both tutorial dungeons (if not skipped) thoroughly explain how to setup linked combat, and combat initiative. Each time a dungeon loads game concepts are    Absolutely love this game so far. This is a an tactical overkill simulator, know this going in, that the mobs can perform the same linked overkill attacks on you. Make sure you block off enemy paths with a good defender!

    Both tutorial dungeons (if not skipped) thoroughly explain how to setup linked combat, and combat initiative. Each time a dungeon loads game concepts are explained in multiple paragraphs. First tutorial takes about 10 minutes, second tutorial can be easily skipped. Also if you pay attention to the character banter in certain areas they will tell you exactly what to do the take control of the board quickly, this pertains more to above ground story encounters, and not the Goblin Mines.

    This game is set up in a test your mettle, know when to retreat fashion. Almost all dungeons have multiple levels and hidden monsters accessible after meeting the initial clear requirements, whether you decide to see what's further or to book it with your treasure and exp is up to you.    … Expand
  18. ThemApples
    Jan 6, 2015
    3
    This game is basically a chess set with a facade of video game laid on top of it. There's not much storyline, the visuals are mediocre, the characters are boring, and the gameplay is pretty confusing. The battle system is convoluted, and the game does a terrible job of explaining how it all works. Once you do get everything figured out, prepare to get your butt kicked over and over againThis game is basically a chess set with a facade of video game laid on top of it. There's not much storyline, the visuals are mediocre, the characters are boring, and the gameplay is pretty confusing. The battle system is convoluted, and the game does a terrible job of explaining how it all works. Once you do get everything figured out, prepare to get your butt kicked over and over again until you memorize the movement patterns of the enemy and can actually complete the dungeon.… Expand
  19. bugbear1
    Oct 3, 2014
    2
    Freakin' unbelievable! Following Valkyria Chronicles, gamers MIGHT have hoped for a next-gen full-3D strategy RPG to grace their new PS4 but NATURAL DOCTRINE is not that game nor will it likely ever be even with a massive 7+ gig patch that could rewrite the game's full install on the drive. From Valkyria Chronicles, Stella Deus, Fire Emblem and the full line of Disgaea games, thisFreakin' unbelievable! Following Valkyria Chronicles, gamers MIGHT have hoped for a next-gen full-3D strategy RPG to grace their new PS4 but NATURAL DOCTRINE is not that game nor will it likely ever be even with a massive 7+ gig patch that could rewrite the game's full install on the drive. From Valkyria Chronicles, Stella Deus, Fire Emblem and the full line of Disgaea games, this writer has stumbled through them all at great length and enjoyed each title for their individual focus and unique trappings and lore.

    BUT, NATURAL DOCTRINE, referencing theories of "natural selection" seems to render its own version of strategy gaming extinct even before the game reaches the end of its convoluted tutorials. A wonky camera and poor direction and stilted presentation are the GOOD points in this game.

    Monster-closets, vicious enemy AI that provides no respite from continual onslaught via unfair advantage will not contribute to your gaming fun. Issues of balance and fairness aside, many reviewers have cited the game's seeming linearity of "choice" when planning strategies and approaches to the game's myriad conflicts.

    One major issue of idiocy repeatedly occurred when the party would randomly advance into the fray without INPUT from the player; that is, after one sequence of linked-actions, nearly all members of the party would alter position on the field and, often, march into a hail of damage from many linked opponents and soon die.

    Imagine, as a player, meticulously setting up your pieces, staking out your territory, protecting your flank and channeling party-damage in the direction of the biggest baddie on the map only to watch in stark WTF amazement as the party rearranged their formation BY THEMSELVES when the end turn button was pressed.

    Some reviewers have alluded to the "deep combat system" of NATURAL DOCTRINE. Frankly, that's probably a smokescreen for simply not understanding its complexities. Understand that it is unbalanced, likely broken, deep like a cistern full of sewage and buyer's remorse.    … Expand
  20. 670Gamer
    Oct 18, 2014
    3
    This game must have been made by someone who slept throughout or never kept up with graphic/design changes since the PS1. Took out the cd after playing for 15 minutes. Thank God it was a rental.
  21. MWesthoff
    Oct 2, 2018
    10
    A Hidden Gem. One of the best strategy JRPGS that I have played. The story and characters are good enough, I laughed and shed a few tears during "Hallmark" moments. If you make an effort to understand the tutorial, the game isn't that hard. Don't get me wrong, the game has caused me plenty of frustration.....if not I would have gotten bored and quit by now. Don't believe the hypeA Hidden Gem. One of the best strategy JRPGS that I have played. The story and characters are good enough, I laughed and shed a few tears during "Hallmark" moments. If you make an effort to understand the tutorial, the game isn't that hard. Don't get me wrong, the game has caused me plenty of frustration.....if not I would have gotten bored and quit by now. Don't believe the hype from lazy people who didn't try to learn the game. If you try to mindlessly rampage, you will die repeatedly.… Expand
  22. NewKy
    Oct 18, 2017
    10
    This game is the ultimate geek trial. You either love it, or you are not a real geek, just some normie poser.

    There are all the right ingredients in there - complicated and unintuitive (yet perfectly functional) combat system, cheesy C-movies story, japanese graphics stylization, multiplayer thats actually not bad at all AND it looks like a PS2 game on your PS4. If you watch weird    This game is the ultimate geek trial. You either love it, or you are not a real geek, just some normie poser.

    There are all the right ingredients in there - complicated and unintuitive (yet perfectly functional) combat system, cheesy C-movies story, japanese graphics stylization, multiplayer thats actually not bad at all AND it looks like a PS2 game on your PS4.

    If you watch weird forgotten movies every once in a while, if you love reading books by evil people just to glimpse into their mind, if you have to censor your own joke ideas when your are outside your tiny social bubble, well maybe its time to take the trial.

    Still unsure if you should buy this game? Then go buy it! In the worst case you waste a few bucks, but it is possible that you will fall in love. Just like I did.

    To add some criticism - the game is not long enough and not challenging enough. It only looks chalenging at first glance because you don't get the combat system, but once you get into it, you can sweep the floor with it wtih some effort. Luckily I just learned that there is a DLC thats supposedly BRUTAL. Going for it right now.

    So it's it 10/10 by me. Not because this game has no flaws, but because it is perfect as it is in a sense. When someone outside the target audience (the geek inner circle) gets his hands on it, he is repulsed away. But when it is where it belongs, it shines!    … Expand
  23. DefaultGamer
    Feb 22, 2020
    10
    All I can say from all the commentaries is that: "You are not Gamers, you are just a bunch of annoying people who doesn't deserves the rights of playing games". Natural Doctrine is a game that made me cry whit it's story and I have played it for more than 11 times. I didn't found any issues in the game but the contrary, it was very challenging just like Hollow Knight in the present. ManyAll I can say from all the commentaries is that: "You are not Gamers, you are just a bunch of annoying people who doesn't deserves the rights of playing games". Natural Doctrine is a game that made me cry whit it's story and I have played it for more than 11 times. I didn't found any issues in the game but the contrary, it was very challenging just like Hollow Knight in the present. Many players where annoyed by the level of difficulty of Natural Doctrine while I didn't find it that hard to win, it may be not completed and many things where missing to be a complete good game but it was worth it. Everyone that thinks this game was bad or is bad, must be a bad player who doesn't recognise a good game.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
50
#50 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 31
  3. Negative: 10 out of 31
  1. Games Master UK
    Dec 21, 2014
    67
    It's complex and challenging in some really novel ways. [Christmas 2014, p.78]
  2. Eurogamer Italy
    Dec 5, 2014
    40
    Natural Doctrine is a brutal and ugly strategic game that will test your patience. The visuals are poor, the story insignificant and the combat mechanics are original and complex, but not rewarding at all.
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  3. The Digital Fix
    Dec 2, 2014
    70
    There’s a thin line between rock-hard gameplay and a broken game and while Natural Doctrine runs up to that line repeatedly it manages to never actually cross it. What it does manage, however, is to be a great example of the genre while also doing very little to bring it into the twenty-first century.
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