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Genre: Tactical RPG
Developer: Ocean Drive Studio, Inc.
Publisher: Ocean Drive Studio, Inc., Kakao Games
Release Date: Nov 5, 2024
Platforms: Steam
Release Price: $19.99
Written By: Draul
Edited By: Bex
Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is an intriguing roguelite tactical RPG that blends intense combat mechanics with a branching narrative structure. As a spin-off of the original Lost Eidolons, it retains familiar strategic elements while introducing new systems and challenges that enhance replayability. Here’s an in-depth look at the game:
The narrative places players in the role of a protagonist stranded on a mysterious island teeming with undead. Guided by a cryptic witch, the hero must unravel their fragmented memories while forging uneasy alliances. The story explores themes of survival and identity but suffers from occasionally clunky dialogue that undermines its darker tone.
In typical roguelite fashion, runs involve navigating a node-based map with varied encounters, from battles to narrative events. Success or failure feeds into progression, letting players upgrade characters and equipment for subsequent runs. This loop adds depth but can feel repetitive over extended sessions.
The grid-based combat borrows heavily from games like Fire Emblem, emphasizing weapon weaknesses, positioning, and environmental interactions. Each character wields two weapon sets, and cooldown-based abilities replace traditional mana systems. These tweaks streamline battles but add strategic complexity.
Environmental hazards like fire, water, and foliage can be exploited for strategic advantage, while larger enemies demand coordinated multi-hit combos. These mechanics encourage creative problem-solving and elevate the tactical depth.
Between runs, characters grow through skill trees and unlock passive abilities. Gear upgrades allow further customization, but progression resets after each expedition, creating a balance between long-term strategy and in-run adaptability.
The cel-shaded visuals and expressive character art convey a dark fantasy aesthetic, complemented by a heavy metal combat score. While serviceable, the graphics are functional rather than groundbreaking, with limited animation during non-combat sequences.
The game offers a satisfying challenge with varied mission objectives and adaptive AI. The limited roster size—nine characters with a choice of five per battle—ensures focused gameplay but may restrict experimentation.
Multiple paths, random events, and unlockable upgrades make each playthrough unique. However, the limited diversity in early-game encounters might deter some players from committing to longer sessions.
Streamlined mechanics, such as cooldown-based abilities and simplified character builds, lower the barrier for newcomers without alienating tactical RPG veterans.
Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is a solid addition to the genre, offering a blend of strategy and roguelite elements. While its story and dialogue could use refinement, the tactical depth and replayability make it a compelling choice for fans of turn-based RPGs.
Pros:
- Deep tactical combat with innovative mechanics.
- Engaging roguelite progression loop.
- Strong visual style and atmospheric music.
- Replayability through varied paths and upgrades.
Cons:
- Repetitive early-game encounters.
- Inconsistent dialogue quality.
- Resetting progression might frustrate some players.
Draul gives Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch a Drastik Measure 8 out of 10(80)
A solid tactical RPG with room for growth, Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch appeals to fans of the genre but may not win over those seeking a more polished narrative or graphical experience.