OFF Reviews
The best RPGs impart lasting emotions on the player over the duration of the playthrough. In between its turn-based battles, light character building, and dark symbolism, OFF imprints guilt, horror, and confusion on the player in ways few games successfully pull off. OFF is an RPG that everyone should experience blindly, especially those who appreciate a haunting journey with blips of the bizarre. This remaster is not just a should-play of 2025, but a must-play of the decade. If you want OFF's rainbow, you must have the rain.
OFF is still striking to look at. Blending muted backgrounds with bursts of bright color for a surreal effect, the pixel art strikes a good mix between being simple and easy to remember. OFF adds small changes like smoother animations, particle trails that follow the Batter, and the widescreen mode with dynamic frames that we already talked about.
As an old RPG Maker classic from 2008, OFF certainly shows its age, but it deserves respect as a pioneer in the indie RPG scene, and those successes still shine through in this faithful remaster of a cult-classic.
The thing I love most about these dust ups is how critical hits are managed.
OFF, the classic RPG Maker project, is back in a remastered edition that keeps its essence intact.
OFF is a decent remaster of a great game and ultimately stands as a worthy return to this watershed moment in the 'weird' side of the indie RPG scene. Its memorable story, engaging combat, and challenging puzzles all combine to make for a brisk and enjoyable RPG adventure that no fan of the genre will want to miss. Even though the additions in this remaster feel a bit minimal, OFF is overall well worth batting for.
OFF is dated, but in the same charming, lovely way that a big grandfather clock is dated. It's something you have to appreciate; you can enjoy the craftsmanship behind it, and it's something that inspired so many things you love nowadays.
I have some hang-ups about compromises that had to be made, but the methodology on display in drawing attention to and deliberately not replacing the original is a more than fair answer. If you like RPGs, you owe it to yourself to sit down with Off. The Batter needs your help. You monster.
Overall, OFF is definitely worth the purchase just for the experience you have whilst playing it. It’s wholly unique and has you contemplating your actions and its world throughout and way after the credits roll. Whilst it may just have a basic battle system and puzzles, OFF is a masterclass in feeling and atmosphere, and this new remaster makes it even more accessible to a modern audience.
OFF represents pure, unfiltered artistic expression, and while I can't fully piece the puzzle together, the process of trying is rewarding.
OFF isn't for everyone, but it's a must play if you're not everyone, and fans of Undertale must try this game.
Anyone invested in the history or aesthetics of indie RPGs should check out OFF.
Despite the passage of time, OFF still holds up incredibly well. The newer translation lets the utterly hilarious dialogue shine, the updates to the combat make it far more intuitive to use, but the part that really holds it together, the story, hasn't changed at all, and honestly didn't need to. It's still a well-written, bite-sized experience that deserves the attention of anyone who loves newer RPG maker games or games inspired by that genre. You owe it to yourself to finally get around to beating OFF.
Playing OFF, you can see why it has enjoyed a huge cultural impact over the last 17 years. It's a timeless piece that pushes what we believe to be standard video game convention, and the added content is a loving epilogue for long-time fans.
Granted, this game being a turn-based RPG isn’t necessarily the point of its enjoyment; it’s more about the memorable, strange, but curious experience itself. OFF strikes out, however, with its poor party member designs. At least it’s very short.
It's worth playing as a reminder of how far smaller, more unique RPGs have come in the last two decades, but its gameplay and story aren't captivating enough to warrant a full recommendation. While I respect how its niche-ness is part of its identity, you really need to value that aspect prior to diving in. My overall impression is that I'm happy to have experienced it and glad to have another piece of video game history on the Switch eShop. But once I've turned it OFF, I'm ready for something with more meat on the bone.
A wonderfully surreal RPG, with some interesting thematic depth to match.
OFF is everything I thought it would be and more. It drags you by the eyeballs into a story of blind faith and utter despair, and does so with the single minded frankness of a serial killer confessing his sins. It convinces you to ignore the warning sides and drive towards the dead end of the road at full speed. You are shown, never told, what is truly at stake, and then allowed to do with that information what you will.
OFF is recommended for those seeking an unconventional experience, with a strong authorial vision and a passionate community always ready to theorize about the worldbuilding. It's a title that prioritizes emotional experience and atmosphere over complex gameplay or abundant optional content. If you loved Omori or Undertale, know that their spiritual predecessor will be able to deliver more than a few moments of joy in its brief—but intense—hours of gameplay.
Review in Italian | Read full review