Fairy Fencer F: Dark Advent Force Reviews
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a remake with very few improvements. An added ability to be evil and access a new storyline brings new content, but the game is basically unchanged from its PlayStation 3 debut. Bland, cliché, and uninspired, Fairy Fencer F is just another cog in an increasingly frustrating machine churning out the same JRPG experience over and over again. With recent releases of bigger and better games in the genre, Fairy Fencer F is one to avoid.
The plot is largely uninteresting and the characters are annoying, especially on the only route that most people will play through. The game pokes fun at RPG conventions, but it also plays them completely straight. The sole innovation lies in the fairy and fury systems, which work well together, but it isn't enough to keep the battles from blurring into an unmemorable mess.
For such a story-heavy RPG, Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force gives little incentive to invest in its rather unoriginal plot. It would be one thing if the story acted as an homage to the RPG narrative of yore, but it simply follows the tired "good god/bad god" routine without bringing anything new to the table. Battles themselves are too easy to take advantage of a potentially good battle system, and poor, underdesigned dungeons rip away any possible depth the gameplay could have had. Newcomers to the genre might be able find something to appreciate about Advent Dark Force despite its flaws, but diehard fans are hard-pressed to find much exciting about a port of an already unimpressive 2013 JRPG.
Fairy Fencer F is still a pretty decent RPG, containing a lot of the same fun mechanics that make quite a bit of the other Idea Factory RPGs work so well. However, it all comes down to the gameplay loop in the end, and unfortunately, while the combat is great fun and exploration is fine, the repetitive nature of traversing simplistic dungeons over and over again is just a big bore, as even with the boosters and free DLC the game lets you use to power through the story if you so desire, it still feels like you’re just going in boring circles and not doing much of anything, even as you recruit new party members, gain access to alchemy and sidequests, and have lots to do. When it just feels like busy work, it’s tough to recommend this older game over one of IF’s newer RPGS.
With Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force, Compile Heart has proven to be the Platinum Dunes of otaku entertainment – an assembly line of titles with similar plots, repeated mechanics, and fan service that feels designed for middle schoolers.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force improves on the previous game, but that still doesn’t make it a perfect experience.
Fairy Fencer F Dark Advent Forces feels like a visual novel stapled to a JRPG, making for an odd homunculus that just can’t compete with other titles in the genre. I can only recommend this one to those who already have sunk hundreds of hours into similar games.
Whilst this may be a time killer whilst you wait for the next big RPG, this won't be an RPG you'll remember fondly.
Despite all its flaws, however, I cannot completely count out Fairy Fencer F. It is dated and may not be a great game or even a good game all things considered, but overall I would consider it a pretty okay choice if you're simply browsing the eShop in search of a quick “junk food” JRPG. There's not a lot of substance to it, but it will at least keep you busy and entertained in some form for the twenty or so hours it will take you to complete a single route.
Lack of any real innovation makes this game a bit too mundane for all but the most hardcore JRPG fan.
Fairy Fencer F Advent Dark Force is a deceptively simple game housing some deep customization options. It's easy to get into if you're new to the series, while veterans will no doubt enjoy all of the new content that's been padded on. While it no doubt caters to a certain audience, Fairy Fencer F Advent Dark Force does show both promise and potential in the niche market.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force honestly has a lot going for it, but failed to seal the deal in the end. No matter the ending, I felt more frustrated than anything with all the monotony thrust upon me. Perhaps if the stories weren’t so predictable, or perhaps if the grind wasn’t so prevalent I would have been able to overlook one or the other. Instead, I wrapped up my adventures with Fang with wistful dissatisfaction.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a dull game due to the fact that Compile Heart has not explored more ways in the role genre. Until then, their games still feel like they are all the same.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Though it more often feels like a Director's Cut than a true remake, 'Advent Dark Force' nonetheless turns a flawed PS3 RPG into a stronger experience overall, making it the absolute best way to play 'Fairy Fencer'.
Make no mistake, Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a big step up, and its changes are good ones. Even if it will cost more upon release, should you seek to get involved with the original, this is the entry to do it with. However, the stitch-marks where things were added in after the finished game are quite clear and unhidden. On the whole, though, it is a welcome improvement over the base title.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force benefits from great sound design and artistic direction, and is uplifted by a story that's interesting to sit through, and, at moments, hilarious.
The bugs as well as the fact that all roads lead to a grindfest can be hard pills to swallow if you don’t already have a connection to the cast of Advent Dark Force but on the balance of probabilities, there’s still more than enough shine and sparkle in the game to warrant you giving it a spin.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is an enjoyable, though not groundbreaking RPG.
Compile Heart has taken measures to amend major issues with the plot, but players must first endure some poor design decisions.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is in kind of a weird spot. The characters and gameplay are fun but at times they can be hard to invest in due to the over-scoped plot. Normally I would say go for it and just don't get too invested; but this is a JRPG we're talking about here, not some beat 'em up or other quickly-concluded escapade. However, the ideas present in the world are unique and there's a guy with a Canadian accent, which is rare enough to cherish whenever it pops up. If you're looking for something fresh to scratch that RPG itch of yours, Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a worthy offering.