As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the fantastical worlds of RPGs, I can confidently say that Bloomtown: A Different Story has left an indelible mark on my gaming memories this year. This small-town summer vacation tale, with its eerie undertones reminiscent of Stranger Things and the captivating charm of Persona series, has managed to weave a spellbinding narrative that keeps me hooked.
2021 has been rich with high-profile role-playing games, each eagerly devouring our spare moments. From delving deeper into Cloud’s tale in Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, unraveling the mystery of midnight hours in Persona 3 Reload, or embarking on a Hawaiian journey in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, you’ve likely invested several months of your gaming schedule this year into some meaty RPG titles. If you’re still hankering for more role-playing experiences, indie games have got you covered, and Bloomtown: A Different Story is one of the standout indie RPGs available.
Emily and her sibling find themselves residing in an unfamiliar rural town during their summer break, having come from bustling urban areas. At first glance, this quaint small-town American setting appears dull to them, and the prospect of staying with their grouchy grandfather isn’t particularly appealing either. However, as they form bonds with new acquaintances in this place brimming with mysteries like Bloomtown does, life in the countryside turns out to be less monotonous than they initially thought.
When a child living near Emily’s house disappears, Emily determines to investigate on her own. Following some clues, she discovers an antique treehouse where she finds a whistle capable of transporting her to another dimension. In this world, terrifying creatures prowl freely, but by harnessing the powers within Emily and her companions’ inner guardians, they can vanquish these monsters. The atmosphere and narrative of Bloomtown: A Different Story blend elements from Persona and Stranger Things, creating a captivating blend.
Engaging in battles against assorted creatures such as sword-wielding broccoli and cats wearing hats follows a turn-based sequence, complete with the standard elemental attacks and status effects. While it may seem similar to other games, Bloomtown introduces an intriguing twist with its status system. Applying a status to an enemy can advantage you in numerous ways (for instance, causing continuous damage or weakening their stats), but they will also make the enemy vulnerable to specific attacks. For example, if you make an opponent dizzy, they’ll only have a 50% chance to hit you for several turns, but they’ll also take increased damage from fire and ice during that period. Strategically executing these combos is essential in challenging encounters, resulting in combat that is more interactive than merely pressing the attack button repeatedly.
Besides being susceptible to special moves and combinations, each foe has its own weaknesses that can be taken advantage of. Hitting an enemy with a move it’s weak against will cause it to fall, and if you manage to knock all of them down, you’ll have the opportunity to launch a powerful All Out Attack for significant damage or attempt to subdue one of them to join your team. This adds another layer of excitement to battles, and while it shares some similarities with mechanics in other games, it’s executed particularly well here.
In Bloomtown, every town member possesses an inherent guardian spirit granting them power in another realm. Additionally, they can bond with subdued demons, harnessing their powers. This not only enhances the demon’s abilities for its new master, but also allows access to all of its spells. Furthermore, you can fuse leftover demons to empower your preferred ones, ensuring they remain strong. This gameplay mechanic seems reminiscent of a popular Atlus RPG series, and I find it quite delightful.
The Persona influence isn’t just present in the combat of Bloomtown, it’s also present in the everyday life part of the game. Much like in regular life, you only have so many hours in each day to socialise, go to the gym or do some gardening. All of these things will help you grow in power too, be it by raising your max HP after pumping some iron or giving a friend a powerful new buff in battle after a particularly nice hang session. If you waste your free time you’ll struggle more in the other world, and will never save the town from the sinister goings on.
Apart from enhancing your skills for combat against demons during leisure time, you can also engage in activities that foster Emily’s personal growth. Facing a frightening film might bolster your courage, while immersing yourself in a book could boost your intelligence. These attributes play a crucial role when communicating with others, expanding the range of dialogue options available to you. In some cases, success depends on a roll of the dice based on your particular stats, adding an engaging layer of complexity to interactions within this peculiar town and its eccentric inhabitants. It’s an intriguing aspect that enriches these encounters significantly.
In discussing Bloomtown: A Different Story, it’s impossible not to bring up the extraordinary music. Not only is there more than one battle theme (definitely not a single one), but they are all exceptionally good, featuring powerful vocals that I eagerly anticipated as I battled monsters.
Bloomtown, an exceptional indie JRPG, nearly tops the turn-based genre, but a few issues hold it back. Occasionally, I found myself lacking clear instructions on what to do next, and while you’re guided to the general location of your next task, figuring out what to interact with can be challenging, causing frustration. Additionally, some aspects of the game may remind you of Persona, but not as effectively; this might seem harsh, but given their similarities, such comparisons are inevitable. The combat isn’t as refined, social interactions are less engaging, and although none of these elements are inherently bad, they represent a step down. However, the game is significantly shorter, making it easier to complete.
In a nutshell, Bloomtown: A Different Tale is an enchanting and delightful Role-Playing Game (RPG) boasting engaging combat, a captivating world, and a mesmerizing soundtrack. The blend of dungeon exploration, monster battles, and everyday life is almost as alluring in this game as it is in the Persona series, but be aware that it may not quite live up to its inspirations. Regardless, if you’re seeking an engaging RPG with a unique backdrop and plenty of appeal, you’ll find yourself immersed in this otherworldly journey.
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2024-09-24 13:16