Soul Scar

"Soul Scar" is another entertaining classic old-school JRPG made by Wolfs Moon Studios, utilizing the RPG Maker MV software. This game also contains the usual strengths and weaknesses which I always mention when reviewing games from this developer. On the plus side, players can expect an addictive process of getting stronger, which is complemented by a wide selection of awesome equipment pieces that can either be looted from enemies or discovered in treasure chests. At the beginning, the player can choose 4 different characters (i.e. classes) out of the 9 available ones, which are all useful and fun to play. Story and dialogues are serviceable, skills can be leveled up through usage during the turn-based battles, and a separate system ("Veteran Experience") can be used to make party members even stronger. On the other hand, I still can't condone the excessive usage of sample maps (which are provided by the RPG Maker software), but it's a small price to pay when considering this developer's massive output. Normally, this much would be enough to give potential players a general idea of a Wolfs Moon Studios game, but this game does a few things a bit different. I'm not a great fan of the concept and some of the design choices. Let me tell you why: - First of all, the main storyline boss is chosen randomly (apparently from 3 potential candidates) when starting a new game, and can be defeated very early, which enables the player to start a "New Game Plus", which carries over the party's progress (if the player chooses the same classes in the same order). Conversely, the two hardest optional dungeons are so hard that most players can be easily inclined to give up. In order to enjoy all contents, players have two choices: They can either grind like crazy (like I did), or they utilize the "New Game Plus" option rather soon (and multiple times); by doing the latter, they can open the various treasure chests inside the dungeons again, and since the treasure chests' contents are semi-randomized, it's possible to amass a lot of great and different equipment by doing several runs through (a portion of) the game (or by abusing save & reload). Thus, it's possible to treat this game either like a rogue-lite or like a classic JRPG, although playing through the whole game in one run requires a lot of grinding. While this "New Game Plus" mechanic is certainly interesting, I prefer a more classic approach with a clear end goal in sight. I don't want replay value, I want more play value. There's no point to this alleged "endless replayability", but maybe that's the point: Even though everything is pointless, it can still be fun. - The hunger system sucks. Party members don't have MP, which means they can spam their skills endlessly in battle (although limited by cooldowns). Instead, the player needs to manage each party member's hunger bar. The hunger bar is reduced by walking around, by 1 each turn in battle, or by certain enemy attacks. Filling the hunger bar is mainly done by consuming items or dining at a pub. Once the hunger bar reaches 0, the affected party member is afflicted with a status effect, which seems to reduce all stats by half (I'm not really sure, but at least the affected party member doesn't die - immediately? -, contrary to what the game suggests). It's an annoying mechanic, but it's not that much of an issue later on if the player chose a Bard for their party and/or obtains certain equipment pieces (most notably a headpiece dropped by the hardest optional boss). Nevertheless, the hunger system sucks. - The maximum level is only 10, which is way too low. I still can't get it up without level-up. The idea seems to be that boosting one's party members should mainly be done by earning and spending "Veteran Experience" (which is - only - possible after having reached maximum level). Still, having a higher level cap (e.g. 100 or 200, like in many of this developer's previous games) would be more motivating, and I think it would encourage players that struggle with the difficulty curve. - Speaking of low numbers: The cap for all items (inventory) is 20 each. No more carrying around 999 of every available potion. Yeah, it makes the game a bit harder (especially since skills in general - healing skills in particular - can't be used outside of battle), but it's just annoying first and foremost. I hate low artificial item limits, because these limits ruin the player's efforts. All in all, "Soul Scar" is still a fun JRPG with rogue-lite elements, but the aforementioned points of discussion might be severe enough to scare away some players of the target group. Considering that my playthrough(s) lasted over 30 hours despite all circumstances, it's safe to say that at least people who played through (and enjoyed) Wolfs Moon Studios' previous games can give "Soul Scar" a try without worries.

interesting concept, the New Game+, but after playing through most of the base game and most of the plus game, I think I am done. It is clear that it would take too many replays to be strong enough to defeat the forlorn castle boss and the frozen cave boss. There is a huge difference in difficulty in those two final areas of the base game.

Another rpg winner from Shane, but with a different and unique approach. The best is unlimited magic (no potions, what a pleasure) and some skills do not use up a turn. Challenging battles and the usual great weapons/armor that drop in battles. Just hoping that the next rpg is similar to his older ones, a classic rpg with a long length.

This new entry from the studio is fantastic! The hunger system adds a pressure that I didn't know I needed in a simple RPG like this and I love it. I started playing when I got home from work and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend.

Great little game. Well worth the money for any fan of RPG games. While initially short, you can get numerous hours of enjoyment.

i dont have much play time atm but what ive played was great, another great game by shane keep up the great work and keep those games coming.

I couldn't wait for this studio's new game, and I wasn't disappointed. At first glance, it's short, but it offers hours of fun gameplay, progression, and collecting vet points that offer new skills. I like that this developer always comes up with something new, so this time they added the New game+ option, which I didn't understand at first. However, after a little practice, I quickly got the hang of it and now I've used that option for the 4th time. I personally like combining old, experienced members with new members in the party, it makes it more fun to play. I love this game and I recommend it to all RPG fans, especially those who like classics with a twist.

I get very excited when Shane from Wolfs Moon studio releases a new rpg game. There is always something a little bit different & new. At the beginning I was a bit hesitant that I would enjoy it but persisted and had the best time grinding to get my VE points up. I definitely recommend!

Some more new ideas to try from wolfs moon studios. No charge for skill usage, but the party get hungry! I loved being able to create my own party, but was less sure about a top level of 10 with progression then customised with veteran experience points. I'd advise reading the threads about new game+ before playing, as I found it a bit confusing

bon jeux