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Review of The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done! on Nintendo Switch

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Nov 2020
Cover image of The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done! on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 26 Nov 2020
Genre: Comedy
Developer: Project No.9
Publisher: SB Creative

Introduction

Ready to dive into the magical, cerebral world of shogi? Buckle up, because "The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done!" is here to whisk you away into a realm filled with strategic battles, adorable characters, and oddly placed existential marbles (because what else does a game need?). It's chock-full of cute quirks that go well with your lazy Thursday afternoon or your quest to procrastinate doing actual work.

Gameplay

In a nutshell, this game revolves around Yaichi Kuzuryū, a shogi prodigy (that's Japanese chess for those not in the know) who's hit a bit of a slump. He's like a teenage rock star for the chess nerds, and things only amp up when Ai Hinatsuru-a nine-year-old girl with more determination than a cat trying to get your food-decides she wants to be his disciple. Yes, you read that right. You'll maneuver through a world filled with more dramatic encounters than a telenovela, guiding Ai on her journey to shogi stardom while secretly dodging the fact that aren't you just a bit too old for this? Not to mention, you must also contend with Ai's mother's intriguing condition: marry her if she doesn't reach Pro status before hitting high school. No pressure, right? The gameplay is all about training, strategizing, and navigating interactions with a veritable cast of shogi enthusiasts, each with their own zeal and quirky backstories. You'll learn about shogi tactics-and maybe even become the next champion, if you can avoid being distracted by Ai's enthusiastic (and totally inappropriate) comments.

Graphics

Visually, the graphics aren't winning any awards for hyperrealism, but who needs an uncanny valley when you can enjoy charming character designs that feel like they were pulled from a '90s anime? Each character pops with style and personality-thanks, in part, to the colorful interface and adorable avatars that practically scream, "Hey! I might be small, but I can kick your chess-loving behind!" The animation is fluid, present enough to keep things lively, and the general aesthetic is quite pleasing for fans of the genre. Picture this: you, at home, backing away from the world, while vibrant characters bounce around your screen like they're part of a fairytale.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an immersive story about chess, a touching teacher-student relationship, and some slapstick humor, "The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done!" fits the bill perfectly. It's the perfect blend of life lessons and cute antics, with a generous sprinkle of competitive spirit that'll keep your shogi skills on point. Are you ready to outsmart your enemies on the board (or in life) while chuckling at the pure absurdity of your situation? Grab a controller, pour yourself some sweet iced tea, and let's get to shogi-ing! This game is more than just shogi; it's a funny rollercoaster set on a game board, and let me tell you, I'm enjoying every psychological twist and turn!

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