Unicorn Overlord Review
Release date: March 8, 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S
Mode: Multiplayer video game
License: proprietary license
Composer: Mitsuhiro Kaneda
Genres: Role-playing video game, Adventure game, Strategy video game
Developers: Vanillaware, Atlus
“Review Copy Provided By Atlus”
The thrill of a new Vanillaware release can hardly be overstated, and the premiere of Unicorn Overlord was no exception. Initially, the game's teaser sparked curiosity about its genre, especially coming off the heels of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, a narrative-heavy game celebrated for its divergent storylines. Given Vanillaware's historical penchant for action RPGs and the noticeable gap since their last such offering, speculation was rife about a return to this genre.
Yet, expectations were upended when the trailer unfolded a tactical gameplay experience, commanding character squads in a mix of real-time and turn-based combat. This approach was not just innovative but also evoked a nostalgic reverence for Ogre Battle, a personal favorite and a rare gem in the gaming world. My affinity for Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber, discovered on a console infamous for its scarce RPG collection, was born out of endless explorations of army formations and story arcs influenced by player decisions. Another series I need to mention (and no I’m not going to bring up obvious ones like Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Tactics) is Vandal Hearts 1 and 2 as this definately feels like it pulls A LOT from that often forgotten Konami series. To this day, Vandal Hearts 1 and 2 and Ogre Battle 64 remain unparalleled in their originality, a statement that held true until the emergence of Unicorn Overlord.
Unicorn Overlord's storyline is set against the backdrop of the besieged Kingdom of Cornia, where Queen Ilenia, facing defeat, entrusts the safety of her son, Alain, to Josef, a knight of unwavering loyalty. Josef's covert upbringing of Alain as a knight culminates in the latter's leadership of the Liberation Army, embarking on a quest to free their land from the tyranny of a global oppressor. Players find themselves at the helm of this quest as Prince Alain, strategizing to liberate territories under duress.
At first glance, the narrative may seem reminiscent of typical fantasy and tactical RPG motifs, complete with usurped royalty and malevolent regimes. However, the plot gradually diverges from these tropes, revealing a depth and complexity that initially seems absent, offsetting initial impressions of predictability. Interestingly, it's the game's side missions that capture the imagination more vividly than its central storyline. These quests delve into the localized struggles of famine and disease, introducing players to a cast of characters deeply intertwined with the player's military efforts. This not only enriches the game's world but also adds a layer of strategic replay value, enticing players to discover alternate narratives.
Vanillaware's hallmark of exquisite hand-drawn artistry breathes life into every aspect of the game, with character interactions set against stunningly painted vistas. While the narrative scenes are minimally animated, this choice does not detract from the otherwise fluid and detailed animations that define the game's combat sequences.
The game's auditory experience begins on a high note with an opening track that sets a lofty standard for the rest of the soundtrack. Although not all pieces achieve this pinnacle, the overall composition effectively accentuates the game's highs. Voice acting further immerses players in the game's narrative, with performances that lend credibility and depth to the story of war and liberation. The selective absence of voice acting in certain game segments, notably the overworld interactions, unfortunately, diminishes the perceived importance of these character developments.
In terms of gameplay, Unicorn Overlord distinguishes itself with a sophisticated strategic framework that appeals to a broad spectrum of tactical game enthusiasts. The game's design encourages both deep strategic planning and accessible play, accommodating varied preferences with customizable difficulty settings.
Unicorn Overlord departs from traditional tactics game conventions with its unique combination of free-form movement and a blend of real-time and turn-based combat, offering a fresh perspective on strategic gameplay. This inventive approach enhances the game's appeal by challenging players to adapt to new strategies and gameplay dynamics.
Quests are the core of the gameplay experience, diverging from the conventional strategy RPG mission selection format in favor of an open-world exploration that prompts strategic considerations based on terrain and specific battle conditions. This exploration is enriched by the game's dynamic approach to combat scenarios, each with unique tactical demands. The game's introduction of time limits in quests, while initially a source of concern, integrates well with the overall gameplay mechanics, offering a balanced challenge that emphasizes strategic foresight over hurried gameplay.
Combat in Unicorn Overlord emphasizes pre-battle strategy, with players' tactical decisions prior to engagements dictating the outcomes. This emphasis on strategic preparation may not suit all players but showcases Vanillaware's commitment to a deep, customizable combat system that rewards thoughtful planning and adaptation.
With a roster of over 70 classes, each offering unique contributions to combat scenarios, the game encourages inventive strategy and adaptability, ensuring a varied and engaging gameplay experience.
I want to tlk about the performance of the game as I played Unicorn Overlord on both PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch and it honestly ran perfectly on both platforms with no real noticeable performance issues between the two platforms. On Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, the game runs at 720p and docked at 1080p while on PS5 it runs at 4K yet no matter the platform, the game just looks jaw droppingly stunning!
Unicorn Overlord, while not universally appealing due to its intricate systems, stands as a monumental offering in the tactical game genre for those inclined towards such gameplay. Its innovative mechanics, combined with a high replay value characterized by diverse narratives, items, and classes, mark it as a groundbreaking strategy game. Vanillaware has not only honored the legacy of Vandal Hearts and Ogre Battle but has also elevated the genre, delivering an unmatched and continually engaging tactical experience.
