Sword of Convallaria Review: A Gacha Tactics JRPG

Sword of Convallaria is an upcoming grid-based tactics JRPG that combines elements of the gacha genre. With a playable demo available on Steam Next Fest, players have the opportunity to experience the fusion of tactical gameplay and gacha mechanics. In this review, we will delve into the demo, explore the game’s unique features, and discuss our thoughts on its potential.

Sword of Convallaria takes inspiration from classic grid-based tactics games like Tactics Ogre while incorporating gacha mechanics. The game offers an impactful narrative that is shaped by the choices players make, allowing for multiple routes and unique experiences in each playthrough. Adding to the immersive experience, the game features a stunning musical score composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, known for his work on Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy Tactics. Additionally, the game boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Inoue Kazuhiko, Yuki Aoi, Eguchi Takuya, and more.

Upon seeing the gameplay, visuals, and inspirations from the trailers, we were intrigued and eager to try out the demo. However, as we delved into the demo, we discovered that the game incorporated gacha elements similar to Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: War of the Visions, which surprised us. The inclusion of gacha mechanics in a grid-based tactics JRPG felt out of place and detracted from the overall experience.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the demo is its slow pacing. It takes several hours to navigate through the tutorial and prologue, delaying access to the advertised part of the game, “Spiral of Destinies.” This section offers multiple routes, an extensive story, and follows the journey of a band of mercenaries in the war-torn country of Iria.

The demo introduces gacha missions that conclude at the 7th mission. Completing these missions rewards players with in-game currency, which can be used to access alternate scenarios of the game’s story. Each scenario features different characters, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences. However, the gacha mechanics come into play when players can carry over recruited characters and acquired weapons to subsequent campaigns. This design gives the game a rogue-lite element, adding replayability but raising questions about how well the gacha mechanics mesh with the game’s narrative.

In terms of aesthetics, gameplay, and music, Sword of Convallaria shines. The game’s visuals are captivating, the gameplay is engaging, and the music enhances the overall experience. However, the inclusion of gacha mechanics feels unnecessary and dilutes what could have been a great standalone JRPG experience. The game’s campaign scenarios are lengthy, as unlocking certain routes requires completion of specific routes, offering substantial replayability. Only time will tell how the gacha mechanics ultimately impact the game’s narrative and campaign mode.

Sword of Convallaria is set to release in Spring 2024, though an official release date has yet to be announced. While the game will be free-to-play, it will feature microtransactions similar to other gacha games. These microtransactions will allow players to recruit additional characters and acquire stronger weapons, offering a level of customization and progression within the game.

Conclusion

Sword of Convallaria presents an intriguing fusion of grid-based tactics gameplay and gacha mechanics. While the game boasts impressive visuals, engaging gameplay, and a captivating musical score, the inclusion of gacha elements raises concerns about the overall direction of the game. The demo’s slow pacing and reliance on gacha mechanics may deter some players, but the potential for diverse storytelling and replayability cannot be overlooked. As we await the game’s official release, we hope to see a harmonious integration of the gacha mechanics with the narrative, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience for all.