“Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast” is a tactical RPG set in the dark fantasy world of the popular Goblin Slayer anime and light novel series. Developed for the Nintendo Switch, this game takes a fresh approach to the franchise, placing players in the role of a young heroine who unexpectedly finds herself as the head of an Adventurers’ Guild. With its turn-based strategy combat, heavy emphasis on story, and unique trap-setting mechanics, the game offers a distinctive experience. However, does it manage to stand out among other strategy RPGs, or does it get lost in the crowded genre? Let’s take a closer look.
Story and Setting
The game is heavily focused on storytelling, introducing players to the protagonist, a young woman thrust into the role of guild master after a tragic incident. Players will be responsible for recruiting adventurers, assigning quests, and, of course, embarking on battles against goblins and other enemies.
One of the strengths of Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast is its commitment to world-building. Fans of the original series will appreciate the attention to detail and lore integration, but newcomers might feel a bit overwhelmed by the text-heavy opening. Unlike other RPGs that allow more exploration or interaction, the game focuses more on narrative and tactical gameplay, which could be a drawback for players looking for a more open-ended experience.
Gameplay and Mechanics
At its core, the game is a tactical RPG, and it introduces a notable gameplay element—trap-setting. Before engaging in battle, players can strategically place traps to weaken or eliminate enemies before the fight even begins. This adds a layer of strategy that isn’t often seen in traditional turn-based RPGs.
Battles are grid-based, with movement and attack ranges determined by character stats and abilities. Various classes are available, allowing for diverse party compositions. As players progress, they unlock new adventurers with different skill sets, offering some variety in combat strategies.
While the trap-setting mechanic is a highlight, the game’s combat can sometimes feel drawn out. Enemy placement and battle pacing can lead to prolonged fights, which may frustrate players who prefer faster encounters. Additionally, outside of combat, there isn’t much to do. Unlike games such as Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Tactics, where players can explore, train, or interact with their characters more dynamically, Nightmare Feast is primarily a series of battles strung together by its narrative.
Presentation and Visuals
Graphically, Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast adopts an art style reminiscent of classic PlayStation 1-era strategy RPGs. While nostalgic for some players, it may feel outdated to others. The character designs stay true to the source material, but environments and animations lack polish compared to modern tactics games. The game’s dark fantasy setting is well-represented, but it doesn’t push the boundaries of what the Switch can offer visually.
Reception and Final Thoughts
Reviews for the game have been mixed. While it succeeds in delivering a tactical RPG experience within the Goblin Slayer universe, it doesn’t necessarily stand out among other genre entries. While I appreciated the unique trap system and the deep narrative, some may find the pacing and limited interactivity outside of battles to be drawbacks.
For fans of the series, Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast provides an enjoyable tactical RPG that expands on the lore. However, for those looking for a deep and engaging strategy RPG with extensive character development and exploration, this might not be the best choice. Ultimately, whether you’ll enjoy this game depends on your expectations and your appreciation for the Goblin Slayer franchise.
