Cladun Returns: This Is Sengoku!, developed by Nippon Ichi Software, Inc. and published by NIS America, Inc., is an action RPG that blends retro dungeon crawling with an unusually deep focus on customization and system-driven progression. At first glance, it presents itself as a simple, pixel-art throwback with short missions and fast combat, but the more time you spend with it, the clearer it becomes that its real depth lies not in its moment-to-moment action, but in how you build and refine your characters behind the scenes.
The game is set in a strange limbo-like realm where souls gather before moving on, and each mission revolves around helping these spirits resolve unfinished business. The narrative is structured in small, self-contained stories rather than a single overarching plot, which gives the game a fragmented but fitting tone. While these stories occasionally offer charm or humor, they rarely develop into anything emotionally significant, serving more as a backdrop to justify the constant dungeon runs. The focus is clearly on gameplay systems rather than storytelling, and the narrative reflects that priority.
Each mission takes place in a compact dungeon filled with enemies, traps, and simple objectives, usually centered on reaching an exit or clearing specific conditions. Combat is immediate and responsive, allowing for quick attacks, movement, and skill use, but it remains relatively straightforward on the surface. The real complexity comes from preparation, particularly through the Magic Circle system, where players assign supporting characters into formations that boost stats, provide passive effects, and even act as shields. This mechanic transforms character building into a strategic exercise, encouraging experimentation with different setups to maximize efficiency.
Customization is where the game truly stands out. Players can create characters from the ground up, adjusting everything from appearance to class and personality traits. Equipment can be upgraded and modified extensively, and the game even allows for creative features such as designing custom sprites and music. This level of freedom gives the experience a personal touch and adds significant replay value, as players can continuously refine their builds or try entirely new approaches. It is a system-heavy design that rewards those who enjoy tinkering and optimization.
However, this depth comes with a cost. The game does not always explain its mechanics clearly, and navigating its menus can feel cumbersome, especially when dealing with more advanced systems. New players may find themselves overwhelmed by the number of options and the lack of clear guidance on how everything connects. While the systems are rewarding once understood, reaching that point requires patience and a willingness to experiment.
The structure of the game encourages repetition through its short, mission-based design. Dungeons are quick to complete, making it easy to play in short bursts, but the overall loop of entering dungeons, collecting resources, and improving characters remains consistent throughout. Over time, this can lead to a sense of monotony, as the variety comes more from player-created builds than from changes in the gameplay itself. Procedurally generated content and post-game challenges extend the experience, but they also reinforce this cyclical nature.
Visually, the game embraces a deliberately retro aesthetic, with large pixel sprites and simple animations that evoke older handheld titles. While this style is consistent and charming, it may feel dated to some players, particularly when displayed on modern screens. The soundtrack complements the presentation with energetic tracks that match the pace of the gameplay, reinforcing the game’s nostalgic tone.
Difficulty can be uneven at times, with certain dungeons introducing sudden spikes that feel more punishing than challenging. Traps and enemy placements occasionally create situations that rely on trial and error rather than skillful play. Combined with the complexity of the systems, this can make progression feel inconsistent, especially for players still learning how to optimize their setups.
Ultimately, Cladun Returns: This Is Sengoku! is a game that prioritizes systems and customization over narrative and mechanical evolution. It offers a deep and flexible framework for players who enjoy building and refining characters, but it does so within a repetitive structure that may not appeal to everyone. Its strengths lie in its freedom and depth, while its weaknesses stem from accessibility issues and a lack of variety in its core loop.
In the end, it stands as a niche but rewarding action RPG that offers a great deal of content and customization for those willing to invest the time to understand its mechanics. It may not deliver a polished or streamlined experience, but it provides a satisfying sense of progression for players who enjoy experimenting with systems and optimizing their playstyle.
Rating: 7/10
