I know Ive been here before. I feel ... a disorienting sense of deja vu. A turn-based RPG, with a Sphere Grid style ability development system, where I begin my quest by hunting sewer rats, and end it by exploring hidden bases in familiar landmarks. I'm looking for my father, and along my journey, I'll be joined by a group of misfits and squat-bodied side-kicks, all of whom express emotions in a single set of iconic gestures.
It's called Nostalgia because of what it evokes: A tradition of strong, simple Japanese Role Playing games. Developed with the help of Naoki Morita (Sakura Taisen) and Keisuke Kikuchi (Fatal Frame), Nostalgia's strength is built on the foundation of twenty-plus years of Japanese RPGs. Where it treads on familiar ground, it does so by choice. But Nostalgia goes a step beyond Final Fantasies and Dragon Quests, by setting its story on an alternate Earth. No matter how interesting a sci-fi palace may be, it's more compelling to walk the streets of New York or London, investigating the secrets under our own feet. It's why Harry Potter or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appeal to us; the implication is real magic, right on the other side of the fence.
You're Eddie Brown, son of famous adventurer Gilbert Brown, and you sign up to become an explorer like your father as soon as he goes missing. Soon, you meet Fiona, a girl who has been exploited for the gain of your father's organization, and Melody, a rambunctious wizard with no friends. Yeah, the worst part of Nostalgia are the one-dimensional characters.
But the best part is Airship Battles! Typically, the pleasure of getting an airship in JRPGs is that you no longer fight random battles on the world map. In Nostalgia, being on your ship means fighting in the skies. Your cruiser (the Maverick) has a single HP meter, and each member of your party handles a different aspect of the ship's defense or offense. When your character levels up, you have the choice to apply your bonuses to personal or airship gain. Here's a hint: Level Up Your Airship. You're gonna get your ass handed to you if you don't.
score 7.5 out of ten
verdict This is how you do the basics. Solid, familiar JRPG that is better-than-good. And you get to fly around the earth in an awesome airship!
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