Excave for 3DS, a classic dungeon exploration RPG from Japan, has made its way to the handheld gaming scene. As a seasoned retro gaming enthusiast, I approached this title with both excitement and discernment, eager to experience a taste of the past while evaluating its merits in the modern era. Unfortunately, Excave falls far short of capturing the magic of its retro predecessors.
While the premise of the game is intriguing, with players tasked with exploring a perilous labyrinth beneath an Imperial City, the execution leaves much to be desired. The storyline lacks depth and fails to draw players in, making it difficult to fully invest in the adventure. Additionally, the characters feel flat and one-dimensional, lacking the charm and personality that is often found in classic RPGs.
One aspect of Excave that does excel is the customization options available for the player's character. With hundreds of treasures and equipment items to collect, modify, upgrade, repair, and sell, there is no shortage of ways to personalize your hero. This aspect of the game harkens back to the nostalgic feeling of discovering new weapons and armor in older RPGs.
However, the excitement of customization is overshadowed by the lackluster combat. While there are a decent variety of enemies to face, the battles lack strategy and depth. Simply mashing buttons will often be sufficient to defeat foes, stripping away the challenge and tactical decision-making that make classic RPG battles so engaging.
One area where Excave truly shines is in its visual presentation. The pixel art style is reminiscent of classic games from the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia that will warm the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. The environments are beautifully designed, with each floor of the labyrinth offering a unique and visually appealing backdrop.
Unfortunately, the visual appeal cannot make up for the shortcomings in gameplay. The lack of variety in dungeon design and repetitive gameplay loop quickly lead to monotony and boredom. The promise of 50 terrifying dungeon levels to explore sounds enticing, but in reality, the lack of unique challenges and engaging puzzles makes it feel like a chore rather than an epic adventure.
In conclusion, while Excave for 3DS may hold some appeal for those seeking a taste of nostalgia, it ultimately falls short of capturing the magic of classic dungeon exploration RPGs. The lackluster storyline and unengaging combat overshadow the decent customization options and visually appealing pixel art style. As a seasoned retro gaming enthusiast, I cannot in good conscience recommend this title, as there are far better options available for those seeking a true retro RPG experience.
