Talk About Dames, Damsels, And Knighthoods (Unicorn Overlord)

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I've got to actually hand it to Vanillaware, they're still the ones keeping tactical games a thing for handhelds or any systems out there. Even in the far future, they'll release 2D artstyle 2.5D games like 13 Sentinels, and Dragon's Crown. Despite not being quite popular these days.

But that might chance soon, as Atlus and Sega's embracing multi-plat releases, so are they. Though, not entirely if the PC bros have something to say. Because whose bright idea was it to exempt only the PC release of this game, eh? I swear, JP devs are annoying like this sometimes.

Thankfully I got around to playing Unicorn Overlord in my Switch. There's quite a lot I have to say, most of them positive things. It's one of the most purest turn-based games that rely solely on class types, and strategic battle tactics to win. Kind of like Tactics Ogre, but much more modernized, and amazingly broader in scope. Even the fan servicing is crazy good. IYKYK 😜.

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First off, what a crazy way to begin your game with the queen defending her kingdom from an invasive force that is winning, and had to send her second in command away with her son. After a coup by a renegade, power hungry general takes wins and let's a kingdom befall.

The story rises to great heights when that general becomes an emperor, and not only the Kingdom of Cornia, but the entire continent, and neighboring kingdoms as well from Fevrith. I like the bleaker tone of this, as it imbues a heavy burden the Prince carries in order to save the world.

10 years later, that's where his adventure starts. And with a quick tutorial, it's played from a world map, where I command units, and control the passage of time, whether by pausing and continuing, and fast forwarding. Easy as commanding units to move, as well as attacking enemies. Group based units with 2 or more class types, positioned on 6-tile placements.

There are all kinds of classes, from horse and gryphon knights, hoplytes, shield soldiers, mages, hunters with arrows, duelists, etc. And left figuring out which one is weak to the other. Each groups have leaders picked out, and that's important for all kinds of reasons.

And during the battle, I can choose which unit to fight long as they're in enemy proximity. If a group with mage or archer leader is around, they can provide me support as well. Battles are quick, and based on action commands that are selected by me. There's little real-time gameplay.

In the battle, each class of unit has AP and PP points, and depending on how strong they are, equivalent to their level, that can be increased. And many more, that's what initially drew me in, the deeper and broad aspects of JRPG design in a tactics game like this. It makes it really fun to try, and experiment, but also engage in battles that provides some sense of realism.

That would sound ironic, considering this is the most visually appealing fantasy JRPG game. For a game with 2D sprites design, and animation. It looks super pristine, fluid, and well animated too. There are many factors that can be in my control, but it still feels dynamic.

The sense of realism comes from the grounded design of the battles. The outcome is already displayed, and even if I can skip the battles, the fights being displayed provides enough information to analyze them. Even if certain units have unique attributes and skills, class vs class wins.

And on my quest to take back my kingdom, the forts I have allow me to expand size of the group units. Increasing more forces in strength, and class variety. Every aspect of how I handle my army is important. Including their tile placements. I can also change their main weapons, and accessories. Using Valor points earn from battles to buff up units, lure enemies, teleporting, and so on.

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Like 13 Sentinels naturally did, it was easier to play this, allowing me to do multiple side quests which unlocked new main characters to add to my regiment. But also bringing some challenges created through unique map design, enemy placement, learning new powers, there's a lot.

And of the years I've played Tactics games, it feels seamlessly like it's quintessentially made for fans in general. The combat is superb, despite just me observing the fights. I have so much to do from managing my army, follow good story narratives, and a world opening up to me.

I mean, don't get me wrong, it takes a while. And there are points in the story, where I choose my actions like letting someone go or arresting them/execution. At times they'll join my crew, sometimes they'll assist, other times making the terrible ones comes back to bite me. I mean, after a while, the main story isn't something that is filled with crazy twists and turns.

Yet they do such a good job of immersing me into the world, and its characters. Especially with the help of the writing, and voice acting. Most games have certain flaws or nitpicks, but not Vanillaware games, no they're special in their case. And with the fan servicing especially.

I mean, there are girls here that knows how to pose, and are pretty well-endowed too. It's kind of a trademark for these guys, yet I am still baffled as to why nobody still plays their games to this day. The JRPG elements provide a lot to do around here.

Around the world map, each kingdom has forts and villages needing to be liberated. Doing so opens them up for many things, like purchasing weapons and items, rewards for completing delivery quests, resource gathering etc. Forts serve as the base for expanding units, hiring mercenaries as well. The complexities, and resource gathering become more present to deal with.

There're items can be used before getting into fights, helping out in various ways. I mean, a lot of ways. Both spending Valor for abilities based on the characters in each unit, can make substantial changes in the battle. Often times I still let my troops fight despite odds stacked against them.

This is to at least help them get experience, before the other unit that has better chance take over. Kind of my way of making way to create a balance and harmony. Of course, the game does give me one character that is so overpowered, he can take on majority of them.

Again, it takes a while for the real fun to start showing up. 8hrs that I have spent, half of it on grinding, and unlocking new characters. Which I don't regret, but story momentum was pretty slow, and it gave me this feeling of terribly lagging in pacing. But it's short-lived, and soon as the emperor shows up, that's when momentum truly changes.

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The best way I can wrap is by saying that, in terms of fun factor. It has so much to provide, justifying the hours more I'll be spending on it. Final Fantasy Tactics fan are in for quite the treat as well. There's very small issues that I can point out on. Good game overall.

But I have to ask, why omit a PC port, especially when your parent company has been embracing the possibility of making more from their games in every platform possible? I also wish the story momentum picked up a little faster too in the first act.

Right after the second act, is when I saw the power shift. And then a story plot twist further encapsulates that more. Also, turns out I might be able to let some of my story characters mount horses too. There's also the introduction of Elves, and Dwarves as well. After this, am heading back to find out. More 30hrs to play till I get there I guess. Also, there's the dames man.

Little tidbit too, Valor abilities can do so much. Including dishing damage to enemies in the distance, doing easy clearance if the unit's very powerful enough. There are altars worth capturing too that summon storms, tornadoes, among other elemental powers in the midst of battle.

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