Virgo Verses the Zodiac is a crowd-funded JRPG that is equally fun and confusing. Its complex colour-based defence and attack system were strange. Moreover, the layers of stats and other character-altering elements will make you frown. However, once you get to grips with each strange idea, you’ll lose yourself in a thrilling world.
This old-school JRPG was developed by Moonana Inc. and published by Serenity Forge. Moreover, it uses a bizarre reaction-based combat system that takes some getting used to. Yet, once you master the finer points, you’ll love the varied subplots and the ability to alter the surrounding world.
Virgo Verses the Zodiac tells a harrowing tale.
RPGs deliver some of the best fantasy storylines you’ll ever experience. The blend of random characters and the odd plot twists keep you entertained throughout. On top of this, the developer has the freedom to deliver powerful weaponry and ridiculous foes.
Fortunately, Virgo Verses the Zodiac delivers each of these elements. Its OTT plot is laced with incredible protagonists. Moreover, the use of war and loss will resonate with many gamers. If you then consider the excellent writing and the layers of lore, this will thrill many fans of the genre.
You control Virgo, the Holy Queen. From her perspective, she is righting the wrongs of the kingdom. However, the heretics view her as a dreadful and destructive entity. Consequently, her actions wreak havoc and the Zodiac Realms do their best to resist her advances.
Tough to swallow gameplay.
The plot was incredible and the excellent writing and deep lore were fascinating. However, the gameplay is tough to swallow if you are new to the genre. The reaction-based combat is tough to master, and the dividing subplots can be confusing and often misleading. As such, one action doesn’t always lead to a fruitful conclusion.
This definitive layer of grey and the relatively tough learning curve makes this a hard game to swallow. Yet, if you can overcome the challenging opening hours, you’ll enjoy a fascinating title that embodies the finest elements of the genre.
Combat and exploration.
The combat and exploration make up the main body of the action. During the fighting elements, you must learn to maximise your chances against an array of tough opponents. Furthermore, you must learn about a weirdly labelled statistic and a colour-coded system. If you can master these often confusing elements, you’ll be fascinated by the combat moments.
Alongside this, you are free to explore each strange realm to your heart’s content. Along the way, you’ll find collectables and snippets of lore that add to the plot. Additionally, you’ll encounter new party members that improve your chances of taking down each foe you face. This classic RPG mechanic kept the gameplay balanced, and I liked how it complemented the tough but fun combat system.
Virgo Verses the Zodiac looks great.
Pixelated artwork isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Yet, if you adore this genre, you’ll cherish every garish colour and strange character model. On top of this, the stage design is interesting and the blend of top-down map exploration and fixed-screen fights works well. Each of these elements is supported by smooth animation and an intuitive UI. Accordingly, once you master it, it is straightforward to play.
The combination of upbeat and dramatic tunes works perfectly. Additionally, the crass and often loud sound effects work exceptionally well. As tradition dictates, the dialogue is not spoken and this leaves plenty to the imagination.
Responsive controls.
Though I have complained about the challenging learning curve, you can change the difficulty settings. By reducing the reaction times and the number of inputs, the action becomes much easier. However, this reduces the layer of challenge versus reward. Subsequently, it is better to play this on a moderate difficulty setting.
There are 3 unique endings to enjoy. As such, once you get into the groove, you will want to return for more. Yet, Virgo Verses the Zodiac isn’t a title aimed at newbie gamers. Instead, experienced players will get the most from this game.
Virgo Verses the Zodiac is a great indie title.
This isn’t a game for the faint of heart. Furthermore, if you lack patience and a desire to learn, there are better games out there. However, if you want an interesting and challenging indie title, then this will tick each of those boxes. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you destroy the heretics and bring back the Golden Age? Master your skills, pick a team, and smash everything in your way.
