Mar 2020
In a world filled with magic rings, stone curses, and the alarming tendency for new heroes to pop out of the woodwork like mushrooms after rain, we have 'Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition.' It's like your favorite childhood fantasy novel came to life, complete with an 8-bit soundtrack that will haunt your dreams like an over-caffeinated bard at a tavern.
So, imagine you’re Lita, a 16-year-old who spends her spare time exploring ancient ruins and getting scolded by her dad. One day, after dusting off an elvish ring that would make even Gollum green with envy, you inadvertently start a series of unfortunate events—sort of like when you decide to play with a Ouija board and suddenly, it's all 'Nope, Bad Idea.' Your goal? Free your town from stone-ness while saving your dad and the totality of humanity from becoming vampire snacks. You recruit a merry band of misfits along the way—Adrian, your childhood friend who fits the role of ‘a guy who just makes things more complicated’ and Doran, the bard who looks like he just stepped out of a '90s Disney movie. Most of your time is spent engaging in turn-based combat, which is both a blessing and a curse. It’s tactical, it’s strategic, and pray to the gaming gods that you don’t accidentally hit ‘fight’ while you meant to run away from that overly confident bat overlord. The combat can be satisfying when you start lining up devastating combos, and also deeply regretful when you realize you’ve lost an entire hour’s worth of grinding because the final boss brought a knife to a gunfight—a metaphorical knife, of course. There are towns to explore, quests to accept, and arcane puzzles to solve (I'm telling you, if I have to talk to one more rock, I may lose it). Overall, the gameplay is reminiscent of classic JRPGs, but it’s wearing a nice, freshly laundered outfit to the party — flashy, but not so flashy that you can’t still love every quirk.
Let's talk visuals. The game retains that lovely retro charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a 16-bit world filled with pixelated nostalgia. It's both adorable and somewhat reminiscent of that one ex who made questionable fashion choices but was still loveable despite their flaws. Each character has a distinctive art style that speaks to their quirky personalities, while the environments capture the essence of a whimsical world where everyone drinks too much coffee and memes run rampant. The Enhanced Edition adds a layer of polish that shines like the ring Lita finds, turning the original into a visual treasure and inviting newcomers to experience its charm without the eye strain of yesteryears. So yes, while pixelated, it’s pixelated with a purpose, and I’m here for it.
In conclusion, 'Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition' is like a fancy dinner that started with an awkward appetizer and finished with an indentation in your couch as you binge the entire evening away. Sure, it has its moments of frustration — just like every family gathering where one relative won't stop asking you about your love life. But if you're a fan of classic JRPGs or just someone who enjoys a story filled with heart and the occasional slapstick comedy, you'll find a place in your gaming heart for this one. It isn't revolutionary, but it dances on the line between nostalgia and refreshment, twirling gracefully in a style that will make you laugh, cry, and sometimes want to hurl your controller across the room. But remember, friends don’t let friends throw controllers — so maybe just stick to popcorn. Happy gaming!
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