After I am Setsuna, Tokyo RPG Factory returns with their new opus Lost Sphear still published by Square-Enix on PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch! Like what Final Fantasy XV is not the only opus of the publisher to reach France!
Developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, Lost Sphear is their second installment for Square-Enix after I am Setsuna. Released on PS4, PC and Switch, this game is like its predecessor, an ode to old-school RPGs!
The world is struck by an evil that makes things disappear, both human constructions, nature and even human beings. Nevertheless, a human named Kanata possesses the power to restore the missing to their original appearances. To do this, he must collect memories that he will find in objects, monsters or testimonials.
A classic RPG…
Kanata will not embark on his journey alone, he will be accompanied by two childhood friends, and as they go along, other individuals will join them. Each of the playable characters has its own character and playstyle, with its own weapon type, as well as unique skills. The latter launch by spending mana and have a number of charging rounds. Lost Sphear's combat system is turn-based with an ATB (Active Time Battle) gauge, which can be active (enemies strike even if you haven't had time to decide your actions during your turn) or semi-active (enemies wait for you to play to do their action). Led by this generous hero and hand on heart, Kanata and her companions travel the world to help the people they meet on their way, while searching for the origin of the evil that gnaws at their world.
… with good ideas…
The first hours of Lost Sphear are appreciable, especially thanks to the atmosphere and the soft and melancholic soundtrack. In addition to launching their attacks or skills, characters have the ability to change places during their turn, which accentuates the strategic side in combat. In addition, the game features a system called Momentum, which is a special attack that can be launched after tapping or taking attacks a certain number of times. These Momentum are customizable, offering various effects that you can define out of combat.
In addition to that, you'll also be able to upgrade your weapons via a forge system by nesting spiritists on your weapons in stores. Added to this is a craftable artifact system via the collected memories, which will allow you to benefit from bonuses that can be applied locally or on the entire map. Be careful, these bonuses also apply to your opponents, so think carefully before setting them up. With a limited number of artifact slots, this system once again encourages customization to suit your playstyle. Finally, Lost Sphear will offer you to take on exomech (mechanical exoskeletons) that will bring you superior firepower, but the actions performed with these super armors require specific points that are deliberately restricted and that only recharge during your hostel rests.
… but also its list of flaws!
Yes, because even if Lost Sphear has ambition, it is not without flaws:
- The scenario too punctuous, we follow a hero too kind and naive and his companions may often warn him about his decisions, he does not have a real questioning in his actions.
- The system of customization of weapons and equipment is a good idea in itself, but often the usefulness is questioned in view of its cost and the life of the weapons (arrival of new weapons too fast).
- The combat placement system is a good idea, but melee classes are really too disadvantaged compared to characters who can type from a distance.
- The points needed to use exomech can only be reloaded by the inn, their use in combat is quite limited (especially since equipping or removing an exomech in combat uses a turn)
- A rather poor bestiary, many monsters are reused with a different color, and bosses do not need a big strategy to be routed.
In conclusion!
Tokyo RPG Factory delivers today a new opus for lovers of old-school RPGs. Turn-based as many like, with a desire to offer additional content, which sometimes hits the mark, and other times less. Nevertheless, we retain its ambition and we also welcome the fact that Lost Sphear is entirely in French, which is quite rare for niche Japanese titles. We hope that Team Tokyo will come back with new concepts that will allow them to stand out, while keeping a good quality in their title.
