Introduction

When it comes to time-bending RPGs, you might expect a sprawling epic filled with cosmic battles against dark forces, epic heroes, and the fate of the universe hanging in the balance. But what if I told you a game like that could also feature fluffy animals, an awkwardly timed marriage proposal, and a goofy romance plot involving two versions of the same girl? Enter 'Time and Eternity,' a game that proves once and for all that even time travel can't save a bad script. Buckle up, folks, we're diving into the world of Toki and Towa, aka two peas in a very confusing pod.

Gameplay

'Time and Eternity' sets the stage with our protagonist Toki, a princess who is set to marry Prince Toki. Yes, that's the actual name of the prince; no, it does not get any less confusing. Think of Toki as the quintessential high-energy princess who's always one step away from an anime-induced meltdown. The wrinkle is that, upon her wedding day, a mysterious assassin decides to crash the party (how cliché), and Toki impales him with a lightsaber-sorry, epic sword. But wait, we're just getting started! Toki then dies. Cue dramatic gasp. But here's the kicker: Toki's spirit possesses her alter ego, Towa, leading to some next-level split-personality antics. It's like if 'The Princess Diaries' had a weird time travel twist and a musical number during a battle sequence. Oh, did I mention Towa is more of a melee fighter but has her own personality that ranges from sassy to downright bizarre?

Graphics

Visually, 'Time and Eternity' leans heavily into the animated aesthetic, showcasing hand-drawn sprites that might make you feel like you're watching a really cheesy anime instead of playing a game. The 3D environments are reminiscent of a really old PS2 engine-think Late '90s nostalgia but without the charm. You'll roam around fantastical towns populated with NPCs that look like they just rolled out of a low-budget Saturday morning cartoon. When you're not battling or rolling your eyes at the story, you might find yourself staring blankly at overly colorful visuals that beg you to appreciate the effort while simultaneously leaving a bad taste in your mouth. I mean, who knew that vibrant colors could feel so bland?

Conclusion

'Time and Eternity' can be summed up like this: a mashup of good ideas but held back by questionable execution. For every peachy moment-like Toki and Towa's dual personalities battling to save (or ruin) their wedding-there's a cringe-worthy joke or inexplicable design choice that leaves players scratching their heads. The combat system, which allows you to switch between Toki's ranged and Towa's close combat skills on a whim, could have been phenomenal if it weren't masked by repetitiveness and awkward pacing. In the end, 'Time and Eternity' is more of a yarn than an epic tale; it's like that VHS your aunt has of home movies that only gets played during family get-togethers when everyone is too polite to suggest putting on something else. Is it worth a playthrough? Only if you're curious, have a soft spot for time travel stories, or want to put your patience to the test. Otherwise, you might just want to set your time machine to a different game altogether.

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