Nippon Ichi is back at it again, with a new game to add to it’s already impressive line-up of games. The game is called Battle Princess of Arcadias, and as you would probably expect, it is a JRPG. However, there is a big twist to the paradigm that may change your tune regarding JRPGs. The twist is the developers mashed up a side-scrolling beat ’em up, a traditional rogue-like JRPG and added a dash of action RPG. The result is a truly unique game that manages to be addictive and well worth your time.

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As mentioned earlier, Battle Princess of Arcadias is a mash-up of a few different genres that surprisingly work well together. The primary gameplay is a side-scrolling, 2D beat ’em up. You will take on several enemies while you beat them into submission. At any point during the battle, you can swap out your characters depending on the enemy types you are facing and the type of damage your character deals out. Each character has their own weapon specialties, and these weapons can be upgraded using items earned from combat. At the same time, you will control several warriors that are fighting alongside you. You give them commands to change formation or tactics, and depending on the effectiveness of your commands, you’ll be given bonuses in combat. It sounds like it is a lot to take in, but after some practice you’ll catch on quickly. This entire battle system comes to a peak when you face one of the bosses. Here you will be given 150 allies to command in combat, and you must lead the allies by issuing simple commands. Here these allies will directly help you while you attack on your own. You must whittle down the bosses massive health bar and kill him before you lose all your allies. This system creates some tense moments as you are trying to deal your own damage, while making sure your allies are doing what they need to do as well. The combat system just works, it is definitely different from what you are probably used to, but that is a good thing. 

Superficially, this game isn’t going to wow you with its bleeding-edge graphics. However, the game does a nice job of displaying a very bright, cheerful anime style that runs smoothly and is well-animated, especially in the heat of battle. The graphics will certainly appeal more toward the core JRPG audience, but it shouldn’t be a deterrent to anyone looking to break into a good game. Even when the game throws a number of enemies on the screen at one time, the game engine still maintains a high frame rate which just ensures that you’ll have a smooth playing experience. In an odd way, you’ll find yourself appreciating, and even preferring, this style of presentation the further you progress in the game. The developers imaginations really had an opportunity to run wild with the fantasy backdrop and the result is plenty of interesting foes to battle. As long as you can appreciate an anime-style character set, this presentation will definitely appeal to you.

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One of the more refreshing parts of this game is that is doesn’t resort to cheap or demeaning humor like some Japanese games tend to do. Obviously, there is a cultural difference between Japan and the rest of the world where these types of topics are handled quite differently. Luckily, Nippon Ichi steered clear of the Otaku humor and kept to the gameplay, which is where the focus and attention should be. The light and fun atmosphere permeates the game, and though the game isn’t completely devoid of the quick pun every now and again, the game does a good job of steering clear of controversy.

While the game is strong in many departments, there are a few drawbacks that prevent this game from reaching its full potential. One of those issues is the leveling system. You have your choice of three main characters to play as while moving through the campaign. However, each character must level up individually through battle. This presents a problem, especially when you are up against higher level armies and characters, since your army can only level up to the level of the character leading them. This situation leads to a ton of grinding out levels. While this may not be an issue for some, if you aren’t a fan of grinding, this title will require some of it. The other item that I didn’t love was that all the voice acting is in Japanese. There are English subtitles so you will know what is going on, but the game still retains the original language. Make sure you get ready for lots and lots of reading, assuming you don’t speak Japanese.

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If you are able to look past the grinding, Battle Princess of Arcadias presents a fun and interesting take on RPGs. The graphics look great and there is an interesting mix of game play mechanics. The side scrolling mixed with the RPG elements create something unique and worth looking at. There is definitely a lot of fun to be had and for a bargain price, there is lots of value to this title. If you want to play something different and you are a fan of JRPG titles, definitely get your hands on this one.

This review is based on a review copy of the PS3 version of Battle Princess of Arcadias developed by Nippon Ichi, published by NIS America.

 

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Charge Into Battle | Battle Princess of Arcadias Review
Overall Score8
Positives
  • Interesting Mix of Side Scrolling and RPG Elements
  • Great Art Style
Negatives
  • No English Voice Acting
  • Lots of Grinding Required
8Overall Score
Reader Rating: (0 Votes)
0.0

About The Author

Joe Marchese is the founder / Editor in Chief of New Gamer Nation. He has been a gamer for his whole life but has been focusing on his passion to deliver the industry's new to New Gamer Nation. He is an expert of video game culture and has been featured on Fox News Online. Don't be shy to reach out and let him know what you think!