Who wants to get thrown through a portal and into a world of clashing steel, arrows thumping against leather and the distant rattle of undead skeletons? Rainbow Moon is a pristine medieval RPG originally released for the PS3 and Vita. Now it’s finally come to PS4 complete with Cross Save, and it’s gorgeous. The title certainly does this game justice, with colours brighter than any rainbow leading you to believe you’re about to play something cutsie. Fine, Rainbow Moon actually is mewing kittens, pinch-the-baby’s-cheeks, coochie coo cute, but those lovely and vivid cartoon-style graphics hide what is actually a proper grown-up, big boy, old-school RPG. Shove a dagger through the heart of the next fifty hours.
The first thing we need to talk about is the battle system. It’s the core of any RPG and probably the most important factor when considering a purchase. Generally when I read a review I get as far as ‘Baldrick’s Black Beaver IV is a turn-based—’ SOLD. Don’t need to read any further. Turn-based combat is the ultimate in strategic fighting. There’s a place for hack ‘n slash but it isn’t in a game like this. So, Rainbow Moon has a turn-based combat system. That’s all some of you need to know. Go off and buy a great RPG and have a tremendous time. For anyone who would like to know a little more, read on.
Battles earn you XP which in turn will raise your level and make you stronger etc etc. But to make things a little more interesting, a little more strategic and a lot more time consuming, any character who defeats an opponent in battle receives Rainbow Pearls. These pearls can be taken to the Savant where you can swap them for increased strength, defence, speed, luck, HP and MP. There’s a limit to how much you can raise these stats per level and if you want to spend more Pearls, you’ll have to wait until you have enough XP to hit the next level. It means that if you want to level up a character it’s not enough just to bring them along in your party; they actually have to do their bit in battle and finish off a few enemies. It adds an additional consideration when you’re planning out your attack.
Reaching certain levels will also give that character additional turns, which is very handy in a game where defence is of utmost importance. Movement costs a turn, using an item another, attack yet another and so on. Hitting a high enough level for at least three consecutive turns is like making it to the loo after a dodgy sausage roll. Oh the relief. Move, strike, defend. Lovely. Adding to your battle combat strategy is the ability to set any character as leader. As the game progresses you will also come across battle formation plans that can be set up in the Group tab in the main menu and will allow you to begin a fight with your characters in a particular spread and order.
Some battles are necessary to progress the story and access all areas of each map. After you’ve checked it’s a realistic fight, just walk into the pacing enemy to begin the skirmish. You will also encounter random battles as you roam about. The option to take part will flash up in the bottom left of the screen with details of level and how many enemies of each type. Press X to engage or just walk away. If you’re not a fan of forced encounters, this is ideal.
Aside from delicious turn-based combat, the best parts of an RPG are the upgrade and crafting systems. As well as earning XP and Rainbow Pearls, weapons and objects will also raise your stats. Win stuff in battle, pilfer it from bags and chests or buy it the old-fashioned way with Rainbow Coins also won in battle or pilfered from bags and chests. Weapons can be taken to a crafter and if you’ve also managed to buy or nick some materials, he will fit them into your upgrade slots. It’s not the most sophisticated system in the world, but it does feel very old-school and comfortable.
Review - ps4
BY sj hollis
50