Resonance of Fate

Resonance of Fate is for the hardcore JRPG fan. It can be difficult and confusing, and requires a lot of grinding and heavy lifting to make it through to the close.

Resonance of Fate tackles things fairly uniquely and that takes some getting used to. When you have the patience to learn the ropes, there's an addicting and original adventure waiting for you. It's not so much about the story or surrounding as it is about grinding to level up, though.

All that mandatory repetition roots Resonance of Fate deep in a particularly hardcore niche. But there undoubtedly will be those who are drawn by its peculiar design, and they will eventually grow to love it - despite its obvious cruelty.

The battle system is perhaps the game's strongest asset, with stylish gun-slinging action that wouldn't look all that out of place in something like Devil May Cry.

For all it gets right, it manages to hit the majority of the genre's key problems. [Issue#57, p.94]

Whilst the steampunk atmosphere is really enthralling, the soundtrack delightful, the cut-scenes interesting, and complete with a level of sense of humour to the whole thing, the battle system really does have a massive and infuriating learning curve.

As with all JRPG titles, you'll either love it or loathe it. Resonance of Fate does require a higher level of dedication than most, however.

Resonance of Fate is a game designed specifically for the hardcore role-playing fan.

Resonance of Fate features an impressive combat system requiring good nerves and strategic thinking, but is found wanting in other areas. The weak story and equally weak mission design inevitably lead to the conclusion that not all aspects of this game have been designed with as much care as the combat system. A few careful steps forward - one leap backwards.

Resonance of Fate may appeal to the JRPG connoisseur who is looking for an interesting and challenging new take on combat. Others most likely will be thrown off by the silliness, steep learning curve, required grinding, and other pains – especially when there are so many recent well-rounded RPGs out there.

The absolute sad part about Resonance of Fate is that there is a fairly interesting story in the game that slowly reveals itself. However, most people will probably give up early, well before they get to see how it turns out.

The fighting is too complicated and the story could have been more interesting in Tri-Aces latest effort. Thumbs up for thinking outside of the box, though.

Bafflingly inaccessible Japanese role-player that still remains strangely engrossing despite itself.