Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale Reviews
Return to PopoloCrois: A Story Of Seasons Fairytale is brimming with charm and personality, and amounts to an adventure that will long linger in your memory after its conclusion.
Some generic plots and sound issues don’t detract too much from a fairly strong RPG/farming hybrid.
PopoloCrois follows in the footsteps of other hybrid genre JRPGs like the Atelier series, and instead of alchemy mixes in a heavy dose of a farming instead. While the farming aspect of this hybrid title is compelling enough, the dull combat and a snail’s pace holds it back from greatness.
Being a huge Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons fan, this game has left me wanting more from the series.
It sounds like I am being hard on Return to PopoloCrois, but that is because I am a little disappointed with Return to PopoloCrois and how it doesn’t blend the two things I enjoy (RPGs and Harvest Moon) in a way that sets a good example for both properties involved.
It’s certainly a charming, and fun game, some deeper ties to the series roots could have made it a near flawless execution in the Rune Factory series.
An unusual mash up of a little known RPG series and the rebranded Harvest Moon, Return to PopoloCrois is a simple game, but also an enjoyable romp.
Return to PopoloCrois is rich in character, but crucial mechanics fall short
For all of its grievous faults in balance, Return to PopoloCrois manages to be an enjoyable and light-hearted adventure.
Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale clocks in at around 30 hours of core story but features a lot of side content and a fantastic farming simulation that you can easily pour hours into. There’s a good range of things to do within the game given its hybrid nature. Really fitting the pickup and play style this game is perfect for short bursts or extended sessions.
Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale is exactly what it tries to be: an old-school charming JRPG with some farming. It's not particularly ambitious, but it hits a lot of marks and is genuinely enjoyable. The old-school elements may turn off gamers looking for something more modern, but if you give it a shot, the nostalgic delight of the game shines through. Some annoying elements drag down the game, and it's more PopoloCrois than Story of Seasons, but there's nothing that really sours the game as a whole. Old-school RPG fans or those looking for a good game for all ages will find a lot to enjoy, and even the most hard-hearted players may crack a smile at Pietro's adventures.
Return to PopoloCrois is one of many excellent RPGs available for 3DS, but please don’t let this wealth of options allow it to get lost in the shuffle.
That aside however, if you are a fan of either genre, there is some enjoyment to be had here. It’s not an epic RPG adventure, but more something lighthearted akin to the Fantasy Life on the 3DS. If you are looking for a decent JRPG with farming elements that blends together quite well, then Return to Popolocrois: A Story of Seasons is a solid pick up. If you are hoping for a heavy emphasis on one side or another, you may want to wait for a price drop.
As I've stated before, those looking to get their farming fix will most likely be disappointed with this odd crossover. The PopoloCrois parts certainly outweigh the Story of Seasons ones. And even then the farming is a lot more simplified in this.
Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale tells a beautiful tale, but its magic isn't in the plot points, and won't come through in a simple summary of events. Instead, it's in the little details, the kindness of the characters, the gentle music, the journey. Like a storybook that just so happens to come on a 3DS cartridge, Return to PopoloCrois is sweet, heartwarming, and absolutely worth diving into. If you have a soft spot for golden-era JRPGs — or just classically charming games in general — we can't recommend it enough.
Return to PoPoLoCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale is a fun game, do not get me wrong. I believe that the developers wanted to craft something that might not have many unique features or systems on its own, but something different due to the blending of genres. It works, and the game is accessible and will likely appeal to a broader audience as a result. The problem I have is that Return to PoPoLoCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale starts to feel shallow.
It plays like a nice home cooked meal and is fun even though clearly simplified as both an RPG and a farming simulator.
While it takes a bit to get all its gameplay elements into place, Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairy Tale is thoroughly charming from the very start.
It has its shortcomings, but Return To PoPoLoCrois is worth checking out for anyone craving an old-school RPG adventure.
While it may be too simplistic for some, Return to PoPoLoCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale is meant to be a light-hearted and mellow adventure.