Fans of classic old-school JRPGs (made with RPG Maker MV) can rejoice: There's finally another one of these games that features a lot of playtime and is quite enjoyable. Even when I enjoy a game, though, I'm quite critical, so despite generally recommending the game, I will mention a few nitpicks. Here are a few aspects to consider (in list form - so that maybe, once in a blue moon, I manage to keep a review concise for a change).
- The story is quite generic (once again gathering crystals to prevent world-destruction), but executed well, including many well-written dialogues. Even though the story is composed of some very serious events and themes, the story's tone is generally light-hearted, which is supported by a likeable cast of 4 main characters that breathe - and subvert - the typical JRPG character clichés. One of the character's back stories covers sexual cheating and violence in relationships, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think this intentional variety was surprising and well-executed.
- There's a lot to do: 55 side quests, 100 special collectables, lots of hidden items and secrets. The game's real name might be "Clicks of Power", so be sure to explore and inspect everything. Granted, sometimes it can be exhausting to click on everything, but I prefer games like this one that offer too much over games that offer too little.
- The dungeon and area design is simply fantastic. Most areas are large and offer a lot to discover. Many of the dungeons include all sorts of logical puzzles, be it switch-pressing, boulder-rolling, candle-lighting, gap-jumping or teleporter mazes. Even though the puzzles are well-designed, I'm afraid they might be too much (both in quantity and difficulty) for players who don't enjoy puzzles in JRPGs, and even I wouldn't have complained if a few of the "press a certain number of switches in the correct order or they reset" puzzles had been cut (and players like me that play games muted should be warned that the game contains one acoustic puzzle - Frostbound Sanctuary). Unfortunately, many maps can't hide their "sample map" origins (these are the maps that come with the RPG Maker MV software), but most of them are massively edited. I just think: Considering the wonderful area design (often time from scratch), the mapping and area design would have been even greater if the developer had completely refrained from utilizing "sample maps". Also, don't expect any resources beyond the ones provided by RPG Maker MV, which are at least utilized very well.
- There's nothing wrong with the battles per se, but I think they're the game's weakest part. While the party members learn a few skills (mostly by leveling up), it feels like it doesn't make much of a difference which skills the player uses. Aspects like elemental affinity or status conditions barely matter at all. Ultimately, the battles fulfill their role - they're okay, but not great. At least they're challenging without being unfair, especially for players that don't discover the developer's secret spot (which practically grants god-mode). While the battles aren't turn-based, at least an ATB (Active Time Battle) system with an automatic wait function is implemented, so there isn't any time pressure while choosing commands.
- Equipment and loot variety is another weak point. Apart from a few useful accessories (doubling EXP, doubling Gold, doubling item drop rates, negating random encounters, and so on), the player can only buy or find a few weapons and armor pieces that simply raise stats. The same can be said about enemy variety: There's only a handful of enemies, and many of them are used in several areas (either identical or in stronger versions). Once you get the hang of it, slaying foes is fun, though, and it will take a while to reach maximum level 99, which is probably the minimum requirement to stand a chance against the hardest (optional) opponents.
- The developer tends to questions very quickly and fixes all reported bugs in a timely manner. It's always great to know before playing a game that you won't get stuck and will receive the help you need.
Despite the mentioned points of criticism, I had a lot of fun playing through this game. The strengths more than make up for the weaknesses, so if you like this kind of game, you'll enjoy "Crystals of Power", too. And yes, this is still a concise review (hopefully).
