Qliphah in Providence's Shadow Reviews
Qliphah in Providence's Shadow focused all its promotion around its Tactical Counter Timeline RPG battle system, and it certainly wasn't lying, as the game presents a gameplay design unlike anything I have seen before.
Qliphah In Providence's Shadow has the ambition to try something different, but in practice it needs better execution. It feels like a rhythm based battle system that has a very slow beat to it if you just focus on counters, with any pace needing you to attack without a care for defence. The battles are repetitive too and once you settle on a build there is no real reason to change it up.
Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is most easily compared to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. There are a lot of people waiting for a game influenced by it, and this is the first great one.
Frustration mounts from start to finish during Qliphah in Providence's Shadow. What could have been a unique, brand-new IP sadly fails to capitalize on its great ideas. Combat is convoluted, and its special mechanics don't always work as intended, and the investigation segments almost unlock on their own. There are glimpses of something good here, but bad design decisions constantly hold it back.
Qliphah in Providence's Shadow is an entertaining-yet-contained VN/RPG hybrid with an altogether clever counter battle system.
Qliphah in Providence's Shadow is an intriguing JRPG experience that doesn't always hit the mark with its ideas and overall quality. However, the deep combat mechanics are enticing enough to make the game a worthwhile use of one's time.
Qliphah in Providence's Shadows delivers an interactive graphic novel with RPG combat, blending an evocative art style with gameplay built around dialogue and battles. Arc System Works surprises with a title that is ambitious and original in some respects, but ultimately falls short due to an underdeveloped and unclear combat system, lacklustre investigative sections that require little actual reasoning from the player, and a technical and visual presentation that feels distinctly low-budget. Worth trying, but with your expectations firmly in check.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Qliphah in Providence's Shadow is a complex and challenging JRPG that blends horror, tactical combat, and anime-inspired aesthetics into a unique experience that rewards players who take the time to master its intricate mechanics.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Qliphah in Providence's Shadow will likely attract a small group of enthusiasts who enjoy digging into its unique combat system and mastering its timeline-based mechanics. However, its chaotic presentation, frustrating design, and repetitive structure make it a hard sell for most, and its lackluster story isn't enough to carry it.
Qliphah in Providence's Shadow is a fascinating and unconventional venture one we can certainly call a success, though not without its flaws. While it bears the obvious hallmarks of a mid-budget production, the game manages to create an intriguing atmosphere, supported by excellent art direction. At the heart of the experience lies a bold combat system that rewards focus and a sense of rhythm like few other games in the genre do. For anyone looking for an unconventional JRPG, Rena and Souma’s investigation in the shadows of Tokyo is definitely worth a try.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Although there are a few good ideas here, the game is simply not much fun to play. RPGamers who want something different may find Qliphah worth a look, but it is ultimately difficult to recommend.
Qliphah: In Providence’s Shadow is a game carried by it’s fun combat, solid visuals and two solid leads. Had some things been pushed a bit further, perhaps it could’ve been a hidden standout but for as it stands, it’s a good budget title RPG that’s worth checking out.
Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow brilliantly combines gripping Japanese urban horror through VN style, with an incredibly deep, colour-coded, timeline turn-based combat system. Even though there's no traditional detective gameplay, the dark, apocalyptic narrative of Tokyo 2030 remains super intriguing. Paired with a wholly unique, reaction-heavy tactical combat system, this is a niche title that demands your attention.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Moving beyond turn-based RPGs, real-time combat or hybrid forms of the two, this title attempts to break new ground and shake up the genre with a concept that almost feels like a rhythm game at some points. The developers may have been a bit too ambitious however. A reduction in the number of abilities and tutorials would have probably been better. Yet once players get the hang of it the game offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow dares to innovate, creating a unique blend of visual novel and RPG featuring a combat system unlike anything I have seen before. Ultimately though a bit more polish and less complexity would have benefited the game in the end.
Review in German | Read full review
Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is an action RPG that dares to be different: intriguing and fun, with polished art direction and a combat system that offers a breath of fresh air.
Review in Italian | Read full review