Stranger of Sword City Reviews
Stranger of Sword City can be a little archaic as far as mechanics go, and it certainly isn't very welcoming for those not already accustomed to the slow first-person, dungeon-crawling style. It is, however, very deep in the gameplay department and showcases new mechanics to complement a rather long campaign. A very different experience for those who aren't into the portable systems, JRPG fans who want something more distinct should check out Stranger of Sword City.
Stranger of Sword City is a stellar, and surprisingly unique example of a dungeon crawler. It's dark, grim and gothic at times, and revels in the same difficulty that Experience Inc was able to throw at players in Demon's Gaze, but its unique mechanics and themes make it one of the most boundary-pushing dungeon crawlers we have seen in recent years.
It's unwelcoming and occasionally too difficult for its own good, but overall, 'Stranger of Sword City' is an accomplished dungeon crawler made by a team who clearly understands what makes the genre special. It's both a terrific JRPG and an excellent showcase in building a genuinely scary atmosphere with limited resources. While their earlier effort 'Demon Gaze' is definitely an easier game to recommend, there's plenty here that makes this special, and I can't wait to see what comes next from this developer.
This is a fantastic game, even someone yet to try their hand in the dungeon crawling genre. The characters, atmosphere, soundtrack and gameplay create an amazingly immersive environment (especially with headphones on). The fact that it can be played portable on the PS Vita is something that really helps boost its fun factor, as it is also the best way to play many visual novel games. Stranger of Sword City is a great production that is well worth the investment of both money and time from those who are willing to give it a shot.
Overall, I was very pleased with Stranger of Sword City and go back to it when long periods of time (and an insatiable desire to work towards max’ing my party) are available to me. If you have a craving for the type of gridder where you change classes five times, grind for hours, and obsess over gear, then you just found your next purchase.
Stranger of Sword City comes as fresh dungeon RPG with a captivating story and challenging labyrinths that will get you hooked from the start. Although not perfect, it offers a highly recommended experience.
Stranger of Sword City takes the fundamentals of the dungeon crawler and coats it with a twist of Japanese.
Stranger of Sword City takes the thirty year old first-person dungeon crawling formula and tweaks it enough to make it feel fresh.
Stranger of Sword City is a competent dungeon crawler with teeth.
Stranger of Sword City mixes the old-school gameplay of classic RPGs with modern aesthetics and story. It adds a few new mechanics that differentiates it from other RPGs you’d find on any system, whether home or portable. If you are looking for a challenging RPG that gives you plenty of options, then give Stranger of Sword City a good look.
Even with the slow grind, I have no reservations saying Stranger of Sword City is a damn fine dungeon crawler. It's challenging, it's beautiful to look at, and it kept me on my toes throughout the adventure as I walked the fine line between playing it smart and playing it dangerously. If this game can make a believer out of me, imagine what die-hard dungeon crawler fans will think of it.
Overall, Stranger of Sword City is quite a good game for those looking for a nice dungeon-crawling RPG.
Stranger of Sword City is definitely not the best dungeon crawler, but it still is one to recommend. Its style is quite unique compared to others of its genre and its high difficulty level can satisfy experienced players. Admittedly, grinding can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but it is a necessary evil that dungeon crawlers possess. The game can be overwhelming at first, but after getting used to the gameplay, everything will feel mostly natural. However, be sure to save often as one never knows when they might lose hours of progress due to a simple mistake.
Stranger of Sword City is not only a fantastic reinterpretation of old-school RPGs; it's also one of the most gratifying games that I've ever played.
Explicit narrative aside, I found Stranger of Sword City to be a real winner of a dungeon crawler.