Misplaced Eidolons is an unusual sight within the present RPG panorama. It is a technique title that takes clear inspiration from video games like Hearth Emblem, however it forgoes a stylised artwork course for realistic-looking characters who, at a look, would not seem misplaced in a AAA, blockbuster manufacturing. And that is an essential level to make, as a result of exterior of its largely stable voice performing and first rate fight animations, Misplaced Eidolons feels decidedly thrown collectively, notably when it comes to presentation and efficiency. An odd combine, to say the least.
You’re taking command of the battlefield as Eden, a neighborhood gang chief whose muddy village exploits give rise to a mercenary firm that grows over the course of a 26-chapter marketing campaign. It is a rags-to-riches story set in an intriguing medieval world, the place a seemingly mad emperor’s as soon as iron grip on the land is loosening. Seeing Eden and his merry band of mercs set up themselves as a significant participant makes for a compelling story, even when the dialogue and cutscene pacing is tediously drawn out at occasions.
Naturally, Eden and his initially ragtag group (which is made up of particular person, named characters, once more, very similar to in Hearth Emblem) need to combat for his or her proper to ascend the empire’s hierarchy, and this leads to loads of tactical, turn-based battles. It is a easy system on a floor degree, as you progress models throughout grid-based maps and make the most of enemy weaknesses — like heavy weapons being efficient in opposition to plate armour — however depth is revealed in how every character class will get its personal set of particular talents. Knights, for instance, can appeal to the ire of their foes, drawing enemies away from extra fragile social gathering members.
About midway by the marketing campaign, if you’ve unlocked quite a few courses and your military’s of a major dimension, you will have greater than sufficient to consider — even throughout lesser skirmishes. Fortunately, the problem curve is generally nicely judged, and new ideas are launched at a manageable price. It is solely when preventing in opposition to monsters that fight fumbles, as these beasts require the chaining of particular assaults to deal any significant harm. As such, monster encounters can rapidly turn into a slog if you do not have the correct weapon varieties accessible on the proper time, slowing the already methodical gameplay to a crawl.
All in all, Misplaced Eidolons is a reasonably bold outing that nearly sticks the touchdown, regardless of some severely tough edges.