In the strong JRPG vintage of 2024, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension could basically be overlooked, especially as it is a re-release from 2021. However, this would be doing the game an injustice, as the role-playing game from former Final Fantasy developers certainly has a lot to offer. First of all, the extremely unique look thanks to the real diorama backgrounds. In particular, the attention to detail in the levels is truly outstanding. As a model-building enthusiast, I can definitely only take my hat off to this! FANTASIAN Neo Dimension can set good accents in the combat system. The ability to influence the trajectory of spells is just as good and useful as the Dimengeon, which makes exploring the game world much more enjoyable and well-rounded thanks to the collection of standard enemies. Fortunately, many extremely annoying random battles are now a thing of the past. The likeable characters, the fun group dynamics and the thoroughly successful story are also among the plus points, even if the latter sometimes loses some of its momentum. However, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension has a problem when it comes to balancing, especially with the tough boss enemies, as well as the incredibly muddy textures when it comes to close-ups. This significantly detracts from what is actually a great and unique look. However, if you are looking for a challenge and are not averse to a somewhat experimental graphical approach, you can definitely put FANTASIAN Neo Dimension on your list.
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As you can see, I didn't really have anything negative to say about Metaphor: ReFantazio. The new work from the Persona makers carries the DNA of the main series, but presents it in a very fresh guise that is independent enough to stand out from Persona. Particularly noteworthy are the exciting story, the atmospheric game world, the many creative ideas of the developers, the great soundtrack and the all-round successful battle system, in which the lack of Persona is definitely compensated for by the archetypes. I would call the option of eliminating weak enemies directly in the dungeon with a single blow absolutely groundbreaking. This simply makes for even smoother and more fluid gameplay and can also be adopted by other turn-based representatives. If there is anything to criticize, then perhaps a few tiny technical imperfections, which are hardly significant considering the size of the game. All in all, Atlus establishes a new heavyweight in the role-playing game cosmos with Metaphor: ReFantazio, deserves unconditional recognition for having created a completely new brand and delivers an all-round successful JRPG with a whole host of fresh ideas. Rating: Outstanding!
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Episode Aigis: The Answer adds another chapter to Persona 3 Reload, which keeps us entertained after the end of the main game. In terms of the story, it is almost essential to complete the actual story first before venturing into the DLC, even if we start at a very low level and are therefore introduced to the game mechanics once again. New theurgies and Metis as a new character also expand our repertoire with fresh elements to explore, even if the android as a character can be a little tiring at times. If we look at Persona 3 Reload with the DLC as a whole, Episode Aigis: The Answer offers a nice continuation of the story, which raises just enough new questions to not completely confuse, but brings the story itself to a well-rounded conclusion. Instead of Tartarus, the Abyss of Time now awaits us, which offers much more frequent changes of environment, but still can't shine with excessive variety in the long run. Due to the significantly higher proportion of combat and the almost complete absence of everyday life, the DLC also becomes much more of a chore over the course of the 20 to 30 hours of gameplay than was the case in the main game. Nevertheless, Episode Aigis: The Answer is of course a great opportunity to reunite with the beloved characters of S.E.E.S. and a very good addition to the main game due to the fundamentally fun gameplay and the large scope.
Review in German | Read full review