Earthlock

 Switch
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. MMORPG.com
    Apr 23, 2018
    85
    Earthlock is a fantastic throwback to the JRPGs of the 90s. Its turn-based content is brusquely paced, strategic, and also novel with the stances and pairing mechanics.
  2. God is a Geek
    May 21, 2018
    80
    Earthlock right now is very nice port of a game that’s worth your time. If you were let down by some of the other games that try and ape the classic JRPGs, this is one of the better ones to play. While I would love some voice acting or some better character designs, Earthlock is worth your time and the Switch port runs and looks great.
  3. Nintendo Insider
    May 21, 2018
    80
    More than anything, it is a joy to exist in Earthlock’s painterly world. This throwback to PlayStation-era JRPGs ranks among the best role-playing experiences that there is to be had on the Nintendo Switch so far. And, while it can be seen that its inspiration has held it back in certain ways, the refreshing approach to turn-based combat and the strategising that underpins it will hopefully help the game to be remembered as a classic in its own right.
  5. Nintendo Life
    Mar 23, 2018
    80
    An indie adventure with a lush world, fun characters, and enjoyable battles, Earthlock brings the soul of PS1-era JRPGs to the Switch with excellent results. Inconsistent dialogue and notable load times are among its few missteps, but as a package, it captures the appeal of the epoch wonderfully. If you’re looking for a fresh-feeling JRPG that still calls back to the classics, this is a lovely choice.
  6. GamingTrend
    Mar 22, 2018
    80
    A beautiful game which features a host of challenging boss battles require tactical thinking, useful characters, and a big world to explore, Earthlock delivers a solid experience which scratches the turn-based RPG itch. Its fourteen hours of game play swells thanks to a ton of side quests, hidden bosses, and lots of things to craft and collect, and is a true indie delight for any fan of the genre.
  7. Hobby Consolas
    May 28, 2018
    76
    An indie RPG that follows all the imaginable clichés from the 90's J-RPG (except random encounters). The result isn't bad, but some areas have plenty of room to improve (characters and plot won't hook you up completely). But, if you love the genre, you will be able to explore its world filled with tasks for 25+ hours (enjoyable in portable mode).
  8. Nintenderos
    Apr 13, 2018
    75
    Earthlock is a good RPG for the Nintendo Switch catalog that knows how to provide the playability and duration that is expected in this type of genre, but lacks a better construction of the story and its characters, keeping it from the jump that separates a good game from a memorable one.
  9. GameSpace
    Mar 16, 2018
    75
    In a world of fast-paced games with extra gimmicks and money-grabbing tactics, Earthlock is a breath of fresh air. I have a lot of respect for what it is: it is a love letter to a genre that shaped me as a gamer. And for that, I am thankful.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 28
  3. Negative: 3 out of 28
  1. MrTusks
    May 31, 2018
    6
    I grabbed Earthlock because I wanted an old-school turn-based RPG to hold me over before Octopath Traveler, and I can report that it servesI grabbed Earthlock because I wanted an old-school turn-based RPG to hold me over before Octopath Traveler, and I can report that it serves that purpose perfectly well!

    Basically, you command a group of colorful characters in an effort to save the world. If you've played Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy IX, you'll feel right at home. It hits all of the sweet spots that AAA RPGs tend to ignore nowadays, like true turn-based combat, static character classes, and a single linear story. Explore a dungeon, fight monsters, loot chests, hope you make it to the next save point. All good stuff.

    Unfortunately, the pacing docks it several points for me. Battles are slow (you can speed them up, but you have to toggle it on every battle). Natural progression will lead you to bosses you have no hope of beating, forcing you to grind. Instead of MP there are "amri points," which require you to skip a turn to recharge. The battle menu is confusing at first and annoying for the rest of the time, occasionally leading to missed button presses--I don't think Square has a copyright on the Fight Magic Item menu, do they? The confluence of all these factors make the game susceptible to the major complaint I have with games these days: It drags, and I'm ready for it to end so I can move on to something else.

    All in all, its good if you can get it on sale. Unless Octopath is out when you read this, then just get Octopath.    … Full Review »
  2. mangopy
    Apr 2, 2020
    8
    I enjoyed it. Almost like pokemon style battles which are turn-based. There is a group of characters that you play and you get to build yourI enjoyed it. Almost like pokemon style battles which are turn-based. There is a group of characters that you play and you get to build your weapons with the scarce materials around the game and the bosses are challenging as well. I bought it for more or less Php200+ but I think it's worth it for that price since it took me months to finish the game.… Full Review »
  3. Flammie
    Jan 26, 2021
    7
    Earthlock is a classical JRPG with a decent battle system and cast of characters. The plot is interesting enough to carry through the game,Earthlock is a classical JRPG with a decent battle system and cast of characters. The plot is interesting enough to carry through the game, though a lot of side quest content is very basic fetch quests, and repeated ones for no real reason than to extend the time waste. One of the biggest problems is that while the characters have a bit of personality, this is not developed efficiently enough in the game plot throughout so the plot is just slightly above average; one of the typical problems of indie games is that you never see expressions of the characters, so they end up seeming plain and motionless. The difficulty kind of spikes in the boss battles and few points here and there, but e.g. all boss battles are doable by learning some special tactic. Dungeon and map design is good, only few of the dungeons towards end game feel stretched for no reason, but ok. Much plus points for Norwegian translation, I wish more companies would do this more often, I love learning languages and Norwegian happens to be on my todo list.… Full Review »
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