Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth Reviews
The sequel offers twice the content of its predecessor but still suffers from the same flaws. The combat is pretty straightforward but the highlight of the game is easily its visual novel segments that lets you experience the story in great detail.
It is difficult to pull off, but Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth has managed to both make a solid SRPG and visual novel in the same game. The world is interesting, and the characters are enjoyable to play as and to see the world with, even though sometimes it is too reliant on common tropes. The combat system also has depth to it with a lot of systems in place to reward those who think several turns in advance. The problem is that both aspects of the game are somewhat bloated. For fans of both genres this will not be obvious or even an issue at all, but for those who only likes the former or the latter, this might quickly make either feel like it's overstaying its welcome, in a good 80+ hours long game.
Although Mask of Truth is certainly a better game than Mask of Deception, it unfortunately retains many of its flaws.
If you aren’t a fan of visual novels or RPG’s then half of this game will be tolerance waiting for fun, which is how no good game should be. This game isn’t for me, but fans of the previous iterations or fans of both genres will find enjoyment on this game.
A divisive game by its very nature, Utawarerumomo: Mask of Truth nonetheless sits as the capstone to a storied and well-loved story. The only true question is if you feel the visual novel format is for you.
Ultimately, readers that have experienced the original will be able to determine whether this title is worth their time. The story does certainly head in an interesting direction, but players will need a tolerance for the anime fanservice present. It's a niche title, but one that the intended audience will likely be able to appreciate. There's a surprising amount of sincerity to be found here.
This has been a very enjoyable game to play and strongly recommend a play. Even if you’ve never played a JRPG before like me.
All and all this is a great continuation of a great series. Even though the game is long you will not feel like your time is wasted. Not many visual novels can match up to the Utawarerumono series and after playing the games we can definitely understand why.
Mask of Truth is a direct sequel from Mask of Deception. It has many upgrade in combat, apart from that is more of the same from the first game. If you are playing this is only because you liked the first one. A nice game that takes its time and it's rewarding.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
So I say with no reservations—and the aforementioned caveats—that for better or worse Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth is unabashedly the game it wants to be, and the game its fans will enjoy.
When you hear a one-off story getting a sequel over 10 years after release, it almost feels worrying as to what they may bring to the table especially because the original was so beloved. For this series to come back with a sequel that's just as good as the original is absolutely fantastic. As far as trilogies go, this might have become one of my favorites. Ever.
Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth, is the third game in the series of visual novels that begin with a Japanese eroge called Utawarerumono, developed by a company called Leaf in 2002 for Windows.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you’re a fan of anime then Mask of Truth may very well be exactly what you need after a long day at work. Just be prepared for a lot of reading and a lot of fan service.
Mask of Truth takes what Mask of Deception‘s second half had finally started to do and gives the characters and story the telling they deserve.