Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Mar 10, 2022
    A simplified RPG with a stunning and charming visual department. The random battles can be annoying at times and the storytelling is quite predictable, but apart from that it is fun to play.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Mar 27, 2022
    8
    Thus, the developers of "The Cruel King and the Great Hero" created a great and intense story of Yuu and her dragon king. Again and again, theThus, the developers of "The Cruel King and the Great Hero" created a great and intense story of Yuu and her dragon king. Again and again, the plot of the game touched us emotionally and shows how great the developers took their time with the story. The gameplay and the game mechanics also make you want to play and drive you pleasantly through the pretty game world. The language is Japanese with good English texts. The sound rounds off the very positive impression of the game. Those who would like to experience a new adventure should gladly check out "The Cruel King and the Great Hero" for their console. Full Review »
  2. Mar 18, 2022
    10
    Pros:
    -One of the most visually stunning games I have ever seen. The entire game was hand drawn by the incredibly talented director of this
    Pros:
    -One of the most visually stunning games I have ever seen. The entire game was hand drawn by the incredibly talented director of this game, Sayaka Oda.
    -The music gives off a fairy tale vibe and is great to listen to.
    -The writing is amazing, with lots of charming characters and even some heartbreaking moments.
    -There's plenty of content, with dozens of side quests and a story that took me roughly 40 hours.
    -The bosses can be very challenging, especially if you don't do any sidequests. The final boss specifically took me a few tries.
    -The monster weakness system is a unique and original idea that makes combat more interesting.
    -I appreciate the simpler take on RPG's. It reminds me of Paper Mario with its combat and partners.
    -This game is only $30 for a digital copy, which is a great deal for a game that will likely take at least 30 hours. The physical edition also comes with a digital soundtrack, artbook with comments by the director, and a plush of the main character for $60. There is also the Treasure Trove edition which adds an adorable plush of the dragon king and an acrylic puzzle for $105.
    Cons:
    -Battles appear to frequently
    -I personally didn't mind, but a lot of people have a problem with fetch quests and back tracking, which this game has its fair share of in the side quests due to it's relatively small world.
    -The aforementioned acrylic puzzle in the treasure trove edition of the game is not of very good quality. The pieces didn't seem to want to fit together, and required so much force that I hurt my thumbs. The pieces also came apart easily, so I spent hours on a 130 piece puzzle that shouldn't have even taken one. Maybe the one I received was just defective, but I'm definitely never taking it apart again.
    Summary: An audiovisual masterpiece with simple yet engaging RPG gameplay and an amazing story that I'd recommend to anyone with a Switch or PS4.
    Full Review »
  3. Sep 18, 2022
    8
    Beautiful game. It could be repetitive, but the amazing soundtrack, charm and beautiful visuals makes it for its repetition. Characters areBeautiful game. It could be repetitive, but the amazing soundtrack, charm and beautiful visuals makes it for its repetition. Characters are great and the story, while simple, it's good.
    It's a simple game that ooze charm.
    Full Review »