by Lady JJ » Sat Aug 25, 2018 3:38 am
Just finished the final battle and I have mixed feelings: happy that I finished the game, but sad that I'm no longer playing. I did find quite a few equipment pieces that gave pretty good skills and resistances. I did find Dinyon's hat, but I think it was Crodin's hat that was the difference maker in the final battle. Not sure I could have survived without Crodin's headpiece. I'm sure I didn't find all the available gear equipment, but I did find a lot. So, here is my review.
This game is an incredible epic journey. It could have easily been broken into 2 or 3 parts, each being well worth the current cost of this one game. Replenishing health and spirit takes a little getting used to in the beginning but soon becomes a very efficient way of handling monsters without the constant need for using healing items. The monsters are very well balanced throughout the game.
Things I liked bout the game (and some I didn't)
The format of exploring 4 different worlds with 4 different parties keeps this long game from becoming boring. Just when you get to the point of your characters easily slashing their way through anything that comes their way, you are brought back to the base and begin again with new entry level characters.
Each of the 4 worlds are totally different, each with their own unique stories, maps and monsters. And, somehow, all the characters tie in beautifully at the end.
The mazes - boy, some were really hard! Especially since they almost all wrapped north/south and east/west. But they all became easily navigable because of the landmarks. Burning Plains posed a bit of a problem because of hidden passageways, but most were very straightforward. The only one I really didn't care for was the water spouts. I know there was at least one ancient chest I just left behind because, though I could see it, I just couldn't find the way to get to it. When I finally reached the exit, I just kept on going and vowed to never look back!
The puzzles-Where to start? The mazes, the mini-quests, the ice sliding, the boulders, these were all so much fun. Not so much fun were the puzzles where you needed to physically dodge or outrace to win. I would have far preferred thinking-strategy puzzles (like the twin statues or more buttons and boulders type puzzles. But you can't please everybody, and I'm sure there will be some who will say that they hate those type of puzzles and would prefer the physical reflex games. I applaud the developer for trying to put a little something in there to please everyone, but I do think making game progression dependent upon solving these mini-games has put some potential players off. I will point out that once that puzzle has been mastered, you never have to contend with it again. I surely appreciated that after every hard maze/chase/etc., there was always a short-cut that could then be opened up for a much easier return access. The developer put a lot of thought into this game.
Character development-I loved the use of weapons and armors to gain attributes, especially as the gear could be passed around for others to learn as well. It was a hard decision to decide what equipment to place on my heroes in that final battle.
The story-and, without giving away too much of the plot, there are only so many ways you can spin a story around a demon trying to destroy the world and a gang of unlikely heroes trying to save the world. Yet, this was a fresh approach. The characters weren't perfect, in fact, some quite flawed, and they were absolutely eclectic. Yet, diversity became the theme of the game, not hope vs evil, but diversity vs evil.
Game value-Ummm, I've seen games (even bought one or two) that gave 4 or 5 hours of play, only to end with 'to be continued,' for a lot more money than this game. To my mind, Labyronia Elements is right up there with any of the Millenium installments (not the whole series of course, nothing could surpass that).
Game play-I experienced no bugs or glitches. Transitions were smooth and load times were minimal.
Wishlist-a way to bypass puzzles that become way too frustrating and a guide with maps.
Thank you for making such an enjoyable game. Can I just say one more time.... This game is awesome!