Another day and another KEMCO RPG to review. This isn’t a complaint, as I love the genre, but the one-shoe-fits-all approach from the dev and publisher makes it difficult to decipher between titles. However, here we are as I take a look at Illusion of L’Phalcia. This old-school experience is much tougher than my previously reviewed RPGs. There is a sense of strategy and tactics and a balls to the wall mindset will lead you up shit creak without a paddle. Accordingly, be cautious and mindful if you wish to be successful.
This retro RPG was developed by EXE-CREATE and published by KEMCO. It is a single-player title where a talking cat and a bunch of would-be heroes band together to complete an epic quest. Much of the action is familiar, and lovers of the genre will feel right at home. However, unlike Sephirothic Stories or Frane: Dragons’ Odyssey, this will kick your ass repeatedly. Consequently, if you want an easier time, I suggest trying either of those titles first.
Illusion of L’Phalcia tells a grand tale.
Despite the weirdness of a talking cat, Illusion of L’Phalcia tells a grand tale that is captivating, absurd, and great to observe. There is nothing better than a legendary treasure and a journey thwart with danger. This is exactly what happens in this RPG. The Sword of Amal will grant any wish. As such, Ryser and his companion Cougar (the talking leopard) must team up with random individuals if they wish to complete their adventure. En route, the band of heroes must slay endless monsters and explore dangerous dungeons.
The story is well-trodden, and the genre tropes will feel comfortable for veteran gamers. Yet, this doesn’t mean it lacks originality. Magic, fighting, runes, and a host of strange creatures keep you hooked as you complete every side quest. Moreover, the fun but occasionally useless NPCs add a layer of distinct old-school energy.
Mastering runes.
Though Illusion of L’Phalcia has many dated quirks, I loved the rune system. You can equip any rune to any character as long as it fits the rune area. Lower-level characters have a smaller space, and higher-level characters have more room. Subsequently, the higher your level, the more power you have. This was a key mechanic as your character progression focuses on the runes you use and the effect this has on your character role.
Do you push for all-out melee or go for a magical build? Either way, you must make your mind up early as this gives the best chance of building a successful party. Alongside the runes, you’ll enjoy classic turn-based combat. The random encounters come in thick and fast, and you’ll need to maximise the potential of your team if you are to complete your quest.
Illusion of L’Phalcia blends 2 viewpoints.
Visually, Illusion of L’Phalcia has a nice dated appeal. The sharp colours and pixelated ways are distinctly old-school. Each village and dungeon has a rudimentary design that feels limited and small. However, they are deceptively big, and exploration was a joy. This isometric viewpoint changes when you enter any combat arena. The 3D battles and wonderful cutscenes were pleasant to look at. Though the colours are a little “in your face”, I loved the feeling of nostalgia.
The audio is as loud and aggressive as other games from the developer. The simple soundtrack is borderline obnoxious but great to listen to. Moreover, the sound effects are tough to escape, and this makes this a particularly noisy RPG. Where it excels, however, is the blend of Japanese voice-over work and written dialogue. I loved the authentic feel as it added energy to each interaction.
Sluggish controls.
A basic control system isn’t a bad thing per se. Unfortunately, Illusion of L’Phalcia has a few issues where navigation can be challenging. The hero hits invisible walls, and this makes moving through tight spaces tough. However, the well-explained controls and the simple-to-understand combat overcomes these issues.
I’m not sure that I’ll return to play this once I’ve finished it. I’m around 85% of the way through, and I’m enjoying getting to the conclusion. I could approach the core story with a different mix of heroes if I wanted. This was great as it enhances replay value and changes your tactics and strategies. However, I’m not that keen on it, and I probably won’t get enough out of a second playthrough.
Illusion of L’Phalcia is a good RPG.
Despite not wanting to play it again, Illusion of L’Phalcia is a good RPG. I liked creating my style of heroes and the challenging gameplay. Furthermore, the blend of 3D and isometric viewpoints was amazing. Though this is old-school in its approach, it has enough modern elements to keep everyone happy. I like it and I recommend buying it here! Can you complete your quest and find the sword? Pick your style, choose your strategy, and bring that sword home.
