Spirit Valor is another pixelated RPG that uses core mechanics from Alter Age. However, unlike its recently released peer, Spirit Valor doesn’t use form shifting as its Ace card. Instead, it focuses on spirits, magic, and other minor tricks to make it stand out from the crowd. This unusual approach works well as it beautifully intertwines the story, key characters, and combat mechanics.
This old-school RPG was developed by Exe Create and published by KEMCO. It is a single-player turn-based experience. Moreover, there are some nice traversal elements as you explore a large semi-open world. This freedom was welcome as the story and the never-ending fights were occasionally overwhelming.
An outlandish story and Spirit Valor go hand-in-hand.
A classic RPG has to have an outlandish and borderline insane plot. If there are colourful characters and a sense of tension, then that makes it even better. Thankfully, Spirit Valor uses each of these storytelling ingredients.
You play the role of a spirit who is bonded to Richard the Warrior. A fight with the dark overlord has failed, and you need the warrior to defeat the hulking monster and restore balance. If you fail, humanity and the spirit world will go into disarray. Accordingly, your mission is life and death.
It’s all about the magic.
Though the story is great and the 4 main characters bounce off one another, it is the magic elements that take centre stage. The protagonist has free rein to cast spells; after all, he has a spirit as a friend. The other 3 must learn magic or capture magical essence from the foes they face. This mechanic makes an interesting progression idea that adds tactical layers.
Alongside this, there is the basic equipment, levelling up, and magical items to contend with. These ideas are not as interesting, deep, or captivating as the combat-infused magical moments. However, they are easy to understand and have a nice, familiar edge.
Spirit Valor is gloriously old-school.
If you want a polished, modern game that uses the power of next-gen machines, Spirit Valor will disappoint. Yet, if you enjoy a walk down memory lane, you’ll smile from ear to ear. The vivid colours, simple settings, rudimentary animation, and crisp text are great to witness. Furthermore, each dungeon is unique, and this prevents repetition from kicking in.
The audio is a blend of upbeat music and loud noises. The soundtrack blends drama and melancholy moments to great effect. Furthermore, each battle is a cacophony of melee weapons and fantasy magic.
Plenty to learn.
Unlike Alter Age and other KEMCO titles, Spirit Valor has a harsher learning curve. This should have been a headache, but it wasn’t. As new elements are introduced, a handy tutorial talks you through each key idea. This was perfect as it prevents you from becoming frustrated.
If you wish to test your RPG abilities, there are plenty of difficulty settings to play with. The hardest mode is a ball breaker and will push genre veterans to their limit. However, the easy and normal setting was a walk in the park. Subsequently, there is some replay value and longevity if you wish to test your skills.
Spirit Valor is a great RPG.
I wish I had picked this up for my Steam Deck. The action would work well on a handheld device as it is more casual than other RPGs. Regardless, it is great when tackling it on Xbox. The story is captivating, and I love the characters and their witty ways. Furthermore, the quests are easy to follow, and the world is a joy to explore. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you restore balance and save the day? Master your spells, explore a colourful world, and defeat the dark overlord.
