In the pantheon of tactical RPGs, 'God Wars: Future Past' is like the kid who forgot his lunch but somehow manages to whip up a gourmet meal from just the lunchbox. Released on the PS4, it takes us on a nostalgic journey back to Japan's mythic past with a blend of tactical strategy and role-playing elements that might just have your brain spinning like a fan in a heatwave.
'God Wars' places players in charge of a ragtag group of characters as they navigate grid-based maps in turn-based combat. Think chess but with mystical warriors, mythological creatures, and occasional divine chaos. There are chapters galore, each with its own mini-episodes, ensuring you rarely have to miss out on a side quest. You can always circle back like a boomerang (but with less aerodynamic failure). Characters work in jobs, can change classes, and it's all about strategy-attack from higher ground for bonus damage and, of course, never forget to heal your party when they inevitably forget that walking into a swarm of enemies isn't the best idea. Plus, there's this quirky 'Impurity' stat that makes your characters more susceptible or resistant to attacks based on what kind of chaos you unleash during battle. Mind-blowing, right?
'God Wars' embraces a distinct visual style that seems to oscillate between crisp 2D artwork and slightly dodgy 3D models. The character designs are groovy, but the 3D visuals can sometimes look like they were dragged through a time machine set to the late '90s. It's like a charming throwback, albeit with the nostalgia tinted by a hint of "this was cool... back then." But the 2D sprites? They're gorgeous enough to make you want to hang them on your wall next to your favorite mid-2000s anime poster.
'God Wars: Future Past' isn't just a game; it's a solid reminder that sometimes you don't need to be the flashiest kid on the block to win friends. With its addictive gameplay, root-deep mythological story, and a hint of humor, it crafts an engaging experience that invites players into its beautifully chaotic world. While there are some quirks and occasional hiccups, such as looking decidedly 2017 or keeping up with an ever-increasing learning curve, it's a riveting journey worth embarking on. Grab your controller, channel your inner god, and dive headfirst into this tactical adventure; just don't forget to bring a healer along-you'll need it!