Written yesteryear Alexander O. Cuaycong
Title: Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth
Developer: Aqua Plus
Publisher: Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Price: $49.99
Genre: SRPG, Visual Novel
Also Available On: PSVita
Released inwards Nippon inwards September 2016 as well as translated to English linguistic communication for Western markets the twelvemonth after, Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth (MoT) picks upwards from where Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception (MoD) left off. In next the exploits of primary protagonist Haku inwards his adopted homeland of Yamato, it sees Osthor, 1 of his companions as well as the Royal General of the Right, killed inwards battle. He as well as thus takes it upon himself to choke on Osthor's struggle, fifty-fifty going thus far every bit to accept wages of their similarities inwards appearance inwards lodge to assume the latter’s identity.
From MoT’s start evolves a surprisingly interesting narrative, 1 that those novel to the series, as well as possibly fifty-fifty to visual novels, may good neglect to notice. Osthor is hardworking, strong-willed, as well as idealistic, which is to nation Haku's consummate opposite, compelling him to suppress his personality to maintain his deception going. This, fifty-fifty every bit he learns firsthand how much influence the human he is impersonating wields, and, likewise, how of import he himself was to people who believe it was he who barbarous inwards battle. Considering the expansive backdrop, framed amongst falling empires, large scale battles as well as powerful enemies as well as allies revealing themselves chapter-by-chapter, MoT delves on an intriguing premise, where Haku is non merely dealing amongst inner conflict, but also amongst the actual demons that are plaguing his land. This juxtaposition propels the plot as well as keeps the gamer/reader going, every bit Haku is pressed into conflict subsequently conflict spell struggling to maintain his identity secret.
In this feel MoT’s greatest property – its storyline – also underscores its biggest failing. It relies likewise much on information from the prequel to motion forward. Granted, the game's prologue sequence does endeavour to fill upwards the gaps, but a large business office of what makes it gripping is undermined yesteryear the inordinate amount of fourth dimension gamers bumble along as well as endeavour to glean the backstory harking to MoD from text alone. It surely adds unnecessary length to what is already a protracted reading; clocking inwards at merely about threescore hours, MoT tin last a text-dependent project fifty-fifty for avid VN fans. In short, it’s every bit much of an acquired gustation every bit its older sibling, especially to those who aren’t predisposed to Utawarerumono’s overly dramatic pacing.
Occasionally, MoT’s storey is broken upwards yesteryear “battles,” though, every bit before, they seem to last merely a means to suspension upwards the monotony to a greater extent than than anything else. Featuring tactical RPG-esque mechanics, the fights experience to a greater extent than similar lite bonuses than apt challenges, every bit they are neither especially difficult nor absorbing plenty to spur rigid positive sentiments. Attacks tin experience apartment as well as generic, as well as battles unsatisfying every bit a whole, fifty-fifty amongst its QTE-like segments mid-swing. That said, the combat organization is serviceable, as well as Munechika's Trials, its version of a complimentary battle/quest system, does add together inwards a fleck of diversity when players acquire tired of reading.
Overall, MoT holds its ain when compared to other VNs. Fights tin last a fleck boring, but, at worst, render welcome side-activities from fourth dimension to time. It doesn't suspension novel ground, but it at to the lowest degree stays faithful to the Utawarerumono serial as well as provides a adept jump-off signal for the side yesteryear side release. For all its emphasis on fan-service as well as overreliance on MoD, it’s a adept pickup for those partial to VNs inwards full general as well as those who dearest the franchise inwards particular.
THE GOOD
- A VN lover’s haven, amongst tons of dialogue as well as voiced text
- Outstanding music as well as audio design
- Compelling premise as well as grapheme development
- Combat mechanics could last better
- Overreliance on MoD to acquire the ball rolling
- Segments of the storey tend to drag on
RATING: 7/10
Share This :
comment 0 comments
more_vert