Jul 2021
Cris Tales is like the time travel of RPGs. It tries really hard to impress everyone with its unique mechanic, colorful art, and charming characters, but sometimes it feels like it stepped in something sticky along the way. Let's see if this game is a journey worth taking or if we need to find a way to rewind to another timeline.
In Cris Tales, you play the role of Crisbell—a girl with the magical ability to manipulate time. No, you can't go back to prevent that embarrassing moment in 7th grade, but you can split the screen to show the present, past, and future all at once. Think Donnie Darko meets Paper Mario. The gameplay revolves around turn-based battles where time travel plays a pivotal role; you can send enemies back to change their attributes using crystal powers. Sounds cool until you realize you'll be pressing buttons like a caffeinated hamster just to deal damage and stay alive. There's also a Colosseum mode that lets you face waves of enemies. If you think that sounds fun, wait until the second or third wave when you’re questioning your life choices. That’s right, the combat can get repetitive quick. Depending on the choices you make throughout the game, expect one of three different endings—but don’t worry, they all come with a hefty dose of melodrama, just like your favorite telenovela!
Visually, Cris Tales looks stunning, like a watercolor painting that accidentally got connected to a video game console. The hand-drawn art style is charming and vibrant, reminiscent of a combination of a Disney movie and a cult classic animated film. But be warned: pretty graphics don’t save you from occasional frame rate drops—it's like your console is trying to take a coffee break while you're still playing! Despite these hiccups, Cris Tales makes up for it with solid character designs that make your heart feel a little warmer. And considering it's a Colombian indie game, it’s great to see some cultural representation in the gaming world. So yes, it’s not just pretty pixels; it’s a reflection of real-world colors and artistry, with a side of magical realism that will make you think twice about your own backyard.
Overall, Cris Tales is a whimsical adventure that certainly has its charm. With its unique storytelling time travel mechanic, beautiful art, and generally solid gameplay, it aims high. It doesn't always stick the landing, though; repetitive battles and some awkward pacing might make you think twice about whether you should revisit Cris's world. Is it a must-play or just a pretty face? If you love turn-based RPGs and don’t mind a little time-warping drama, give Cris Tales a shot. I mean, it’s not every day you get to wield the power of time... unless you're Thanos. So grab your crystals and hop on this colorful journey, but be prepared for a few hiccups along the way!
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