Just saw this now but it made my day! Thanks for the kind words and would love to hear your thoughts after playing the final game :)

Re: Switch: we will be putting it on Switch as soon as we comfortably can after launch. No exact timeline yet as we need to prioritize making sure our PC launch goes smoothly first.

-Joe

> "here's the destined hero, here's the action, now into the fray, you know this story"
I played up to the first part of the forest stage and I had this exact thought.

I was even wondering if we were going to tour the world collecting the jewels from every elemental biome just like in Secret of Mana.

Originally posted by Fii:

> "here's the destined hero, here's the action, now into the fray, you know this story"
I played up to the first part of the forest stage and I had this exact thought.

I was even wondering if we were going to tour the world collecting the jewels from every elemental biome just like in Secret of Mana.

Right? It made me also think of games like Actraiser/SoulBlazer/Illusion of Gaia/Mystic Ark/Brain Lord/Terranigma/etc. Just all those old Enix games that felt a bit cludgy in terms of their graphics until you PLAYED them, and then realized they were actually a lot of fun and had good controls and music and interesting ideas. I mean, Dark Cloud absolutely nabbed some of the essence of the SoulBlazer game, and I have yet to see anything that does what Actraiser did. Hell, 7th Saga was one of the hardest, most demanding RPGs I've ever played. Enix had some amazing, out there ideas, and very few devs up to this point have taken from them in the way I'd like to see.

And then it's got other elements from old Square games as well, yeah. Both those studios, before they merged, they made these WEIRD games that were just so memorable in their essence. I'm very happy to see a dev pick up that mantle and run with it, fully aware (and making sure the game seems to even be fully aware) of its existence in that matter, both a throwback and a send-up to those not-Final Fantasy/not-Dragon Quest games that the two studios experimented in.

I lasted around 10 seconds into the battle after having to endure standing at a grave and the game telling me my mother died. Since it also has notable shortcomings in controls and navigation, I wish something like this wasn't offered on Steam.

@PHOBIE yeah, I was like “whoa, it’s barely the intro & I’m already fighting?” I almost died as well…but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad. I do feel like the character’s sword movements are a teeny bit slower than I’d like, but you get used to it. Overall I think it’s gonna be a great game from what I can tell so far!

Originally posted by sarahewarren:

@PHOBIE yeah, I was like “whoa, it’s barely the intro & I’m already fighting?” I almost died as well…but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad. I do feel like the character’s sword movements are a teeny bit slower than I’d like, but you get used to it. Overall I think it’s gonna be a great game from what I can tell so far!

Yeah, I couldn't tell if it was the sword swing being slow (it reminded me again of some of the just slightly off feeling of old SNES games of the same type), or if it was that the sword hitbox was smaller than I was expecting, but I did learn to compensate fairly quickly. I really do dig the game.

Originally posted by sarahewarren:

@PHOBIE yeah, I was like “whoa, it’s barely the intro & I’m already fighting?” I almost died as well…but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad. I do feel like the character’s sword movements are a teeny bit slower than I’d like, but you get used to it. Overall I think it’s gonna be a great game from what I can tell so far!

I appreciate the desire to uncover the positives in this experience, but I cannot shake the feeling of having been misled into a cycle of grief-baiting. Instead of being entertained, I’m left with a sense of “why am I doing this to myself?” The issues only accumulate, resulting in a total economic and emotional negative balance.

The narrative design feels ham-fisted at best, with reliance on canned, boilerplate tropes reinforcing the status quo of mediocrity. It's disheartening to see bad game design apologists perpetuate this masochistic trend, capitalizing on users' grief—especially when forced to confront my mother’s death at her grave. This intersection of narrative and monetization feels cruel and sadistic, as it exploits genuine emotional responses for engagement, yet delivers nothing but disappointment and regret.

This avalanche of copypasta content underscores the pitfalls of collectively perpetuated poor game design choices and highlights the shovelware problem on Steam rather than fostering innovation or improvement.

Take my experience: I lasted around 10 seconds into the battle after being forced to stand at a grave, where the game informs me that my mother died. It’s more than just an emotional letdown; it reflects a complete disregard for engaging mechanics or compelling narratives. The title revels in trope-masochism, showcasing subpar navigation, unresponsive controls, and extremely disappointing combat. It’s frustrating to consider that something like this is offered on Steam when I would expect more from a modern game.

At this point, I wish I could just walk away rather than feel trapped by unreliable, exaggerated narratives that leave me unrewarded and sad. It’s a disservice, and I can't ignore that it detracts from what could have been a genuinely entertaining experience.

Originally posted by PHOBIE:

Originally posted by sarahewarren:

@PHOBIE yeah, I was like “whoa, it’s barely the intro & I’m already fighting?” I almost died as well…but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad. I do feel like the character’s sword movements are a teeny bit slower than I’d like, but you get used to it. Overall I think it’s gonna be a great game from what I can tell so far!

I appreciate the desire to uncover the positives in this experience, but I cannot shake the feeling of having been misled into a cycle of grief-baiting. Instead of being entertained, I’m left with a sense of “why am I doing this to myself?” The issues only accumulate, resulting in a total economic and emotional negative balance.

The narrative design feels ham-fisted at best, with reliance on canned, boilerplate tropes reinforcing the status quo of mediocrity. It's disheartening to see bad game design apologists perpetuate this masochistic trend, capitalizing on users' grief—especially when forced to confront my mother’s death at her grave. This intersection of narrative and monetization feels cruel and sadistic, as it exploits genuine emotional responses for engagement, yet delivers nothing but disappointment and regret.

This avalanche of copypasta content underscores the pitfalls of collectively perpetuated poor game design choices and highlights the shovelware problem on Steam rather than fostering innovation or improvement.

Take my experience: I lasted around 10 seconds into the battle after being forced to stand at a grave, where the game informs me that my mother died. It’s more than just an emotional letdown; it reflects a complete disregard for engaging mechanics or compelling narratives. The title revels in trope-masochism, showcasing subpar navigation, unresponsive controls, and extremely disappointing combat. It’s frustrating to consider that something like this is offered on Steam when I would expect more from a modern game.

At this point, I wish I could just walk away rather than feel trapped by unreliable, exaggerated narratives that leave me unrewarded and sad. It’s a disservice, and I can't ignore that it detracts from what could have been a genuinely entertaining experience.

Did you enjoy early SNES action RPG games?

Well, partner! I reckon I’ve heard whispers 'bout some folks who really dig that pixel art from decades past, but I ain’t run into none that truly swear by it. Advertisin’ might play up the nostalgia, but it don’t hold a candle to them fancy graphics we got nowadays. Who’s to say them folks truly exist, or if it’s just a load of snake oil bein’ peddled?

Those old games are like a rickety outhouse—full of quirks that can really grind yer gears. Clunky controls, teeny-tiny item limits, and storylines all jumbled up can make stickin’ with ‘em a real chore. And don’t even get me started on navigatin’ ‘round, especially when we ain’t got those sweet conveniences like auto-savin’ nowadays.

It’s like choosin’ an outhouse over a proper bathroom—there’s some charm in the old ways, but I reckon today’s comforts usually make fer a better experience.

Originally posted by PHOBIE:

Well, partner! I reckon I’ve heard whispers 'bout some folks who really dig that pixel art from decades past, but I ain’t run into none that truly swear by it. Advertisin’ might play up the nostalgia, but it don’t hold a candle to them fancy graphics we got nowadays. Who’s to say them folks truly exist, or if it’s just a load of snake oil bein’ peddled?

Those old games are like a rickety outhouse—full of quirks that can really grind yer gears. Clunky controls, teeny-tiny item limits, and storylines all jumbled up can make stickin’ with ‘em a real chore. And don’t even get me started on navigatin’ ‘round, especially when we ain’t got those sweet conveniences like auto-savin’ nowadays.

It’s like choosin’ an outhouse over a proper bathroom—there’s some charm in the old ways, but I reckon today’s comforts usually make fer a better experience.

I'm not going to pick a pixel game every time over modern graphics, but when something like this hits every nostalgic button I've got, I will absolutely dig into it. Maybe those quirks grind your gears, but they didn't grind mine. I look on those days of SNES gaming with a fondness that absolutely eclipses anything I've played since, and that happens when you've got 20+ years of distance on that time. It is absolutely run on nostalgia, and yes even enjoyment of games that ape the controls and systems and story lines of those old games.

I'm saying that while you couldn't stand the game, this sort of thing was practically made directly targeting me. Comparing one with an outhouse and other games as a proper bathroom is . . . very much your own opinion, and not the fact you at least seem to be posting it as.

Well, I reckon that since you've been steer'n the conversation away from the objectively bad quality and grief-baitin', I might as well respond. But if you're fixin' to argue that Zelda is nice and, therefore, poorly imitatin' 30-year-old games must also be nice, I just want to let you know that ain't gonna fly.

Originally posted by PHOBIE:

Well, I reckon that since you've been steer'n the conversation away from the objectively bad quality and grief-baitin', I might as well respond. But if you're fixin' to argue that Zelda is nice and, therefore, poorly imitatin' 30-year-old games must also be nice, I just want to let you know that ain't gonna fly.

"Objectively bad quality"

Nope, sorry, that's your subjective opinion on the matter.

Also, I'm saying that they're imitating 30 year old games and I'm personally, subjectively happy about that. I don't expect you to give a damn about that, but it means you're not as right as you think you are. And they're not poorly imitating them, they're actually imitating them quite well. You just have no interest or appreciation, which tells me you're probably younger than that 30+ years. Possibly even in your 20s, at least by the way you're acting/writing, and sure that what you have today is so much better than back then.

Well, awesome. And I, the 45 year old, enjoy plugging in my old systems and playing the games on their original hardware. You enjoy what you like and let others enjoy what they like.

Or I guess you could be a petulant child about it. There's not much sense to it, but if that's what you want to do, then be my guest, I suppose.

Well now, I reckon you're sidesteppin' the heart of the matter here. My observations ain't just a bunch of opinions tossed out for fun. The game’s got some downright glaring design flaws—clunky mechanics and griefin' messes—that're as easy to spot as a porcupine in a balloon factory. We ain't talkin' personal likes or dislikes here; these issues can be looked at with a clear eye and might even raise some legal eyebrows.

Now don’t go thinkin’ that my critique is just the ramblin’s of some young whippersnapper. Just 'cause you love your vintage car don’t mean it ain’t draggin’ like a two-legged dog compared to newer models. Rantin’ and ravin’ about past games while turnin' a blind eye to their shortcomings is kinda like callin’ an outhouse a masterpiece of architecture. We can tip our hats to the past, but that sure don’t mean we gotta put up with shoddy work.

So, aside from your cheeky little comments, if you’re really enjoyin’ the game, well bless your heart—more power to you! But your good vibes don’t change the reality of those design issues. Relish your throwbacks and the sweet nostalgia, but brushin’ my honest concerns aside just ’cause they don’t fit in with your fond memories ain't exactly playin' fair.

No sidestepping needed. The only issue I had with the game was that the reach of the protagonist's weapon hitbox felt slightly too short. Everything else was just fine, yes DESIGN-WISE nothing felt griefy or clunky to me. So again, your personal opinion. You found it clunky. You felt like the game was griefing you (which just feels intensely weird to say, how in hell was the game "grief baiting" you)?

Not that I personally enjoy classic cars, but when well maintained they aren't some poor, dragging wreck in comparison to the cars sold now.

And look, I like myself quality of life advances in games. It'll be the reason that I won't go back to earlier Assassin's Creed games. But sometimes, a game just doesn't need much in the way of modern touches. Like, I'm sorry if I don't know, save points rub you the wrong way, that's very much a personal problem. If the game doesn't auto-save, well, I'm sorry? Remember to save next time? You seem to assume that they're design issues, instead of choices each developer makes when they make a game, and this Developer made certain design decisions you personally disagree with. That doesn't make them bad, it just means you personally made it into the game an admitted 10 seconds. Which means you experienced exactly nothing in terms of the game. It's playing very fair to call you out for making a determination based on gameplay that doesn't even give you a solid understanding of the game. Your honest concerns are, again, your own opinion based on what you personally expect from all games. That's fine, you're allowed to feel that way. But just because you don't like the way a game is designed doesn't instantly make it bad design.

You seem to think everything now is an advance on what was; toss out the old for the new. That's an incredibly narrow, immature way of thinking. That's why if you aren't a child, you certainly talk and judge things like one. You've automatically decided the game and all its design are ♥♥♥♥ without taking any time at all to even get past the first battle? Why should ANYONE take your opinions on this game seriously?

Well, bless your heart, y’all! This whole discussion right here just goes to show there’s a mighty big gap in understanding. Those folks who are singin’ the praises of some of these games seem to be turnin’ a blind eye to the real issues I’ve pointed out—like those pesky grief-baitin’ mechanic flaws and those control troubles. Now, these ain't just little nitpicks; they’re serious points that need some real lookin’ into, yet instead of diggin’ into my arguments, some are throwin’ around personal jabs like it’s confetti at a hoedown. That’s a dang shame, ‘cause it shows a failure to truly engage with the heart of what I’m gettin' at.

Throwin’ around personal attacks and your own stories ain’t gettin’ us anywhere but timber-fallin’ down a hole of unconstructiveness. It seems Kalnaur’s feelings about the game have muddied their vision, makin’ ‘em dodge a healthy debate. Instead of takin’ my critiques seriously, they’ve opted for the low road, missin’ out on a chance for a real good ol’ chat and the potential for some genuine feedback to stir up improvements.

Now, as for Kalnaur, I reckon tryin’ to downplay my thoughtful critiques as just plain immaturity completely misses the boat. Instead of settlin' in and wrestlin’ with the real issues I’ve laid out, there’s just a bunch of rudeness flyin’ around and a clear misunderstanding of the core troubles with that grief-baitin’. That kinda talk doesn't just mess up the whole discussion; it reeks of bein’ disingenuous. Simplifying what I’ve said—like claimin’ I’m throwin’ all nostalgia out the window—just distracts everyone from the real chats we oughta be havin’ about control mechanics and how stories can mess with our feelings.

And don’t even get me started on this false upfront that’s poppin’ up in our little back-and-forth. It’s like folks think you gotta pick a side: love classic design or tear into the modern stuff. But let’s be real—ain’t nothin’ wrong with givin' a tip of the hat to good ol’ classics while pushin' for some sprucin’ up of today’s games. That kinda binary thinkin’ suffocates our ability to have a real conversation ‘bout both vintage and new gaming experiences.

So, to wrap it up nice and tidy like a sweet peach cobbler, you folks have steered clear of the real issues at hand, opted for personal digs, and while talkin’ ‘bout bein’ fair, your arguments just don’t hold water.

Key Points Highlighted:

• Dismissing Insights: Dismissing these insights in favor of personal attacks or relying on strawman arguments shows a failure to engage with the substance of the debate.
  
• Coarse Language: Resorting to coarse language and failing to grasp the essence of my initial post on grief-baiting only detracts from the conversation.
  
• Ad Hominem Attacks: It's disappointing to see attempts to bolster arguments through ad hominem attacks or appeal to personal authority rather than directly addressing my points. By sidestepping the critiques I’ve made to focus on personal character assaults, Kalnaur’s emotionally charged responses detract from rational judgment and constructive debate.
  
• Significant Design Flaws: These points highlight significant design flaws and raise legitimate concerns that question the viability of the title as a product.