The Alliance Alive for 3DS is a valiant attempt to capture the essence of classic JRPGs, and while it certainly brings back the nostalgia of the genre's greats, it falls short in some areas. Developed by a collaboration of Cattle Call, GREZZO, and FuRyu, this game offers a massive world to explore, an intricate storyline featuring nine protagonists, and a combat system that is well-crafted.
Set in a world where Daemons have subjugated Humanity and created a Great Barrier, The Alliance Alive takes players on a journey to reclaim their freedom. The backdrop of the game, with its post-apocalyptic setting and hierarchical society, immediately brings to mind the nostalgia of classic JRPGs. Fans of the genre will appreciate the homage paid to its roots.
One of the strengths of The Alliance Alive lies in its sprawling world. From lush forests to desolate wastelands, the game offers a diverse range of environments to explore. This sense of exploration evokes the feeling of classic RPGs, where the journey was just as important as the destination. Players will find themselves getting lost in the richly detailed landscapes, discovering hidden treasures and uncovering secrets.
The intertwining story of nine protagonists is another highlight of The Alliance Alive. Each character brings their own unique perspective to the narrative, and their individual storylines eventually converge to create a compelling overarching plot. However, it must be noted that the storytelling can feel disjointed at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. It's a shame, considering the potential that the game had to create a truly immersive and engaging narrative.
In terms of gameplay, The Alliance Alive shines in its battle mechanics. The turn-based combat system is well-designed, offering a strategic depth that will appeal to fans of the genre. Players can form alliances between characters, utilizing their different abilities and skills to gain an edge in battle. The game also introduces the idea of ignition, which allows players to unleash powerful attacks when certain conditions are met. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the already engaging combat system.
While The Alliance Alive captures the essence of retro JRPGs in many ways, it falls short in terms of its overall execution. The game suffers from pacing issues and a lack of polish, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the graphics and sound design, while serviceable, don't quite live up to the standards set by other modern RPGs.
In conclusion, The Alliance Alive is a valiant attempt to bring back the nostalgia of classic JRPGs. It offers a vast world to explore, an intriguing storyline, and well-crafted battle mechanics. However, it falls short in certain areas, with pacing issues and a lack of polish hindering the overall experience. Despite its flaws, fans of the genre will appreciate the homage paid to classic RPGs and the nostalgic feel that The Alliance Alive evokes.
