Despite it being the staple of its genre, I’ve found many things at fault with Dynasty Warriors. The AI always seems lifeless, combat is improved incrementally, and there aren’t huge differences with using separate weapons. Many other gamers feel the same way, as the franchise just hasn’t clicked for them. However, Fate/Extella is attempting to give some evidence to that audience that they shouldn’t give up on the genre as a whole. Is it effective? My thoughts lie below.
Gameplay:
Fate/Extella’s general gameplay flow could be considered too complicated by some, but I think it’s a near perfect attempt on how to reward players for efficiency, among each system they’ll learn. One example is how the game develops variations in its enemies, which is still noticeable even when there’s mass sizes of them. Here, Fate/Extella is amplifying ambition without tarnishing any necessary systems.
Fate/Extella also includes some more personal additions to spice up combat, which are not only welcome, but tie into the game’s story. This not only wipes out any possible monotony players could experience, but is also a treat to anyone wanting a different flair outside of their normal gameplay strategy.
Story & Design:
Fate/Extella is one of the more obscure properties to get localized for a recent Western release, and unfortunately, it shows. Dialogue is sprawling over every in-game moment, and things can come to a confusing halt if you try to pay attention to the game’s story. If you need accomplished story and great gameplay in your hack n slash, then a quality bump like this makes Fate harder to recommend.
The following is also disappointing because I found the characters to have great potential, echoing tropes in refreshing ways. The game succeeds with this trend for all of it’s cast, so you could imagine my reaction when it couldn’t tie it all together.
Presentation/ Visuals & Audio:
Fate/Extella has decent replay value, but individual sessions contain an unpredictability factor. I’ve had times where I could fit the game into a pick up and play scenario, and other times where segments took me an hour or two to complete. This could turn some gamers off, especially if they aren’t captivated by the narrative.
Something they would likely be more captivated by is the visual presentation, which graces the game with impressive and distinct animations. The same aesthetic is also present in character design and other facets, showing that this great spirit wasn’t lost.
Conclusion:
Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star is an increment from being a great hack n slash, but I wouldn’t say that it doesn’t get the job done in important spots. I was a fan of the gameplay, characters, and visuals, and I believe these strong suits come off as needed and entertaining.
Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star gets a 7/10 (Average)
We’d like to thank XSEED Games for giving us a code!
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