Shiki Eiyuuden for SFC
Review #2308
Shiki Eiyuuden
Professor Layton, in China
Gameplay
Menus, combat, and movement are decidedly old school (i.e. archaic). Very high difficulty and slow leveling add up to frustration in the early game. And by early game I mean the first three hours at least. This game is brutal. For example, in the first real dungeon you'll fight a series of beatable enemies who take off 1-15 HP per attack, and then run into a fight against a monster who one-shots you by taking off 300+ HP (you've only got 50). Terrible pacing.
The only noteworthy aspect of this game is the inclusion of a whole bunch of puzzles. I have no idea how many are in this game, but the tutorial area gives you three challenges in a row and warns you that there are many to follow. These are Professor Layton-like puzzles such as sliding tiles and a Rubik's Cube style puzzle that made my brain hurt. These puzzles are an interesting addition but unless you love brain teasers, steer clear.
Level Design
I was thoroughly confused about what to do in the first area. I wandered around the tiny island talking to all four NPCs but couldn't figure out how to progress the story. I tried to find a walkthrough but apparently no one knows about this game because there wasn't one. I finally figured it out after wandering around for an hour. Bad design in my opinion. Also, I assume that at some point I will build a party, but after three hours I'm done with this game so I don't know if the story or party mechanics ever improve.
Theme
Honestly, the story is barely there and what is here is unimpressive. It's got a Chinese setting, which is different than most. There's a complete lack of characters who have a name and a personality.
Art Style
Pretty bad for a 1995 title. Absolutely nothing stands out. the pixel artwork is middling at best and the battle graphics are dark and bland.
Audio
By far this game's best feature, the music is soothing and sweet. Even the battle theme is farily chill.
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