Oct 2022
In an age where post-apocalyptic narratives reign supreme like a soda spill on a high school textbook, 'Batora: Lost Haven' emerges as a unique, if somewhat flawed, take on the genre. Picture a world where a teenage girl, Avril, fights not just for survival but to unravel the mystery behind her sister's tragic demise and the fate of a destroyed Earth. If you're into colorful visuals, emotional baggage, and combat mechanics that might make you want to break your controller (in a good way), you might want to keep reading!
'Batora: Lost Haven' invites players to step into Avril's shoes as she navigates through four elemental planets, each packed with enemies that are just waiting for you to unleash your stylish psychic or melee attacks. Switching between her purple psychic powers for distance attacks and orange melee capabilities is as smooth as butter on a hot pancake. But, you have to stay on your toes and remember – color coordination is key! Each enemy is color-coded, so you better use the right powers unless you enjoy the smell of defeat. The branching narrative allows Avril to make decisions that drastically affect the story's outcome, offering four distinct endings – because who doesn’t love a good plot twist, right? And if you’re feeling particularly masochistic, there's a New Game Plus mode that just screams, 'Come back and get clobbered again!'
Visually, 'Batora: Lost Haven' is like a candy shop exploded with vibrant colors. The art style is reminiscent of your favorite animated series but with a dash of 'post-apocalyptic chic.' The character designs are charming, and the environments are lush and inviting, belying the dark narratives lurking beneath the surface. When the game isn't freezing your frame rate into a popsicle, it’s a treat for the eyes. But hey, let's not be too picky – just like high school art projects, it's not always perfect, but it has its own flair.
'Batora: Lost Haven' offers a rich narrative that's engaging yet flawed, much like your least favorite group project. Its colorful aesthetic draws you in, while the dynamic combat can leave you breathless – or breathless from laughing at your own mistakes. While critics have been mixed in their praise, this title stands out for those looking for something a little different in their action-adventure games. With its unique gameplay mechanics and four endings that might inspire some one-on-one conversations about life's choices, it’s definitely worth a try. Just remember: don’t take it too seriously – it’s just a game! All things considered, I score 'Batora: Lost Haven' a solid 7 out of 10 for its ambition, creativity, and a few too many moments that will have you facepalming. Happy gaming, folks!
Another SquareThought Site