Introduction

Ahh, high school. A magical time filled with burgeoning hormones, awkward social interactions, and the occasional existential crisis. But what if, instead of all that, you could also throw in some demons, creepy mists, and tactical combat? Enter *Monark*, a game that dares to make your teenage years seem even more chaotic! Buckle up, buttercup, we’re diving into the bizarre land of Shin Mikado Academy.

Gameplay

If you fancy challenging combat that makes you strategize, prepare to set aside your 'just button-mashing' tendencies. While it may not hit all the marks perfectly, its quirky charm and unique approach make it a worthwhile RPG for players looking for something a little out of the ordinary. So grab your lunchbox and an energy drink—school is in session, whether you like it or not! Stay cool, and don't forget to have fun while being eerily haunted by your high school angst!

Graphics

Graphically, *Monark* straddles the line between eye-catching and just plain weird. On one hand, the character designs and environments have a distinct style reminiscent of classic JRPGs. On the other, it sometimes looks like they tried to cram a bunch of ideas into a single blender and hoped for the best. Let's just say, not every color palette deserves to be used together. Sure, the aesthetics give off a creepy vibe that fits the horror elements of the game, but some parts might leave you asking, 'Did I accidentally discover an art project from the '90s?' Thankfully, these visuals tend to work well with the overall theme of ‘nothing is okay’, which helps ease the pain of any visual inconsistencies. Oh, and remember those daemons? Very stylized and suitably unsettling, most look like scary versions of your teachers during finals week. It's definitely a choice, alright!

Conclusion

Overall, *Monark* is a bold attempt to mix tactical RPGs with psychological horror, and while it doesn't quite achieve the level of greatness, it sure tries. It can get repetitive, sure, but if battling self-reflecting monsters and navigating murky emotional waters sounds like your idea of a good time, you might just enjoy your time at Shin Mikado Academy. And who knows? Maybe you'll walk away with some new life lessons… like how to face your fears or how to improvise when your group project partner suddenly goes missing. Just remember, no matter how wild it gets, always carry a snack in your pocket. That’s just good life advice.

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