Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen Reviews
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is yet another port of Utawarerumono for Japanese fans, but it's the first time in nearly 20 years that the first chapter of this iconic hybrid visual novel trilogy is playable in English. A unique world and unforgettable characters are at the heart of this game, but they're complemented by gorgeous artwork, addictive battles, and incredible music. It drags in the middle act, but once that final act ends and the credits roll, you'll barely remember the rough edges of this otherwise fantastic experience.
It's a situation where you may find yourself wondering if one element outweighs the other. If someone is a visual novel fan, then Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen's story will definitely be reason enough to devour this feast. If someone is considering it because they enjoy strategic RPGs and are hoping for something challenging and new, they'll likely find themselves disappointed. I would say the saga is strong enough that it makes enduring an occasional, brief battle every once in a while, but people who feel like they need more would be justified in not helping Hakuowlo pick up the pieces.
Between a visual novel and a strategic game, Utawarerumono: prelude to the Fallen crosses the boundaries of the oriental market to capture the hearts of western players with a well packed game.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen has some flaws, but is an excellent starting point to an epic tale.
Utawarerumono is a great, charming series, and one that is more than deserving of a closer look. This remake might not stand the test of time quite as much as its sequels, but don't let that stop you from getting into the series - it's one that I can't recommend enough.
As a visual novel, Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is pretty good. It doesn't hit the heights of a masterpiece like Steins;Gate but it is engaging, interesting, and charming, all of which are more than enough to motivate you to find out what happens next. Dated designs and lackluster combat hold it back, especially if you just what to find out what happens next but are not enough to stop it. As long as you're willing to invest the time and effort to get to know these characters, it will be an experience that pays off in the end.
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is graced by a compelling plot, but everything else is quite forgettable in this by-the-numbers visual novel.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you are in the mood for a hefty visual novel full of compelling characters and don’t mind that the combat mechanics aren’t particularly deep, then you’ll definitely want to give the Utawarerumono franchise a shot.
If you enjoy Visual Novels and battles that require thoughts and tactics, then Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is the best choice for you. This game’s narrative will make you fall in love with it
Review in Persian | Read full review
For Utawarerumono fans out there who always wondered how the series began I can’t help but recommend this game. Sure, it shows its age a little in certain parts of the visuals but the characters, artwork, soundtrack, and story are all well worth experiencing through to the end even if that story loses some steam here and there.
With the release of Prelude to the Fallen, the core part of the franchise is now all fully (and formally) available in English, and that's a wonderful thing. I do hope that there's more to come in the future, as the unique aesthetics, thematic background, and design elements of the series make it both interesting and evocative, and after playing these games, they do kind of stick with you as something beautiful and memorable.
Utawarerumono – Prelude to the Fallen is just like any visual novel that I would recommend. It might have a slow start, but it picks up the pace once you pass a certain point. The strategy RPG part is interesting as well. If you like visual novels, you can keep a copy, but for just the experience just borrow a copy and be done with it. It is enjoyable as a one-time play only.
Prelude to the Fallen is a solid introduction to the Utawarerumono universe so if simple SRPG battles and visual novels appeal to you then this is one game that you'll definitely want to play.
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen finally brings the original game to the West with an amazing storyline hampered by simple tactical combat.
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is an excellent combination of visual novel and strategic RPG. Despite minor missteps in the course of the story, the game is in fact a classic full of charm and fans of Japanese games in general should explore it.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen returns to the beginnings of the grid strategy, with an interesting story.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen has an intriguing story, great characters, and a decent SRPG battle system. The story of seeing where Hakuowlo starts and where he goes from there is really the selling point here. I did have some complaints about the censorship going a bit too far and the battle system is not amazing, but overall I highly recommend it. It's certainly a candidate for my best visual novels of 2020 list.
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen gives western players the missing piece to this almost 20-year-old story. The updated visuals and balance of narrative and battles creates an experience that’s more approachable to new fans, but still true to the series. It was nice to play this entry in the west finally, and thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint.
An interesting story, and some fighting with good ideas, buried under tons of text devoid of any kind of language associated with video games. Neither interactivity, nor cinematics, nor correlation between type of narration and RPG combat. Only for those who have a lot of interest in its history.
Review in Spanish | Read full review