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Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound, a tactical RPG originally released on the PS2 in 2005, has finally made its way to PC. While this remaster offers a unique blend of humor and strategic gameplay, its age shows in several areas. This review dives into both the charming and frustrating aspects of this Nippon Ichi classic.

A Zany Story with a Nippon Ichi Twist

alt: A screenshot from Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound, showing the game’s distinctive art style and character designs.

Fans of Nippon Ichi games, particularly the Disgaea series, will instantly recognize the developer’s signature comedic storytelling. Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound throws everything at the wall, from demons and netherworlds to love, the multiverse, and everything in between.

The narrative revolves around the arrogant Overlord Zetta, who proclaims himself the “coolest Overlord in the universe.” His reign is threatened by a prophecy foretelling the destruction of his netherworld. Consulting the Sacred Tome, Zetta is enraged to find the cause attributed to his own stupidity.

alt: Overlord Zetta, the main character of Makai Kingdom, interacting with the Sacred Tome.

In a fit of pique, he burns the very book responsible for his realm’s existence. In a desperate attempt to salvage the situation, Zetta binds himself to the tome, transforming into the Sacred Tome himself. Stripped of his physical form and dignity, Zetta embarks on a quest to reclaim his netherworld.

alt: A scene from Makai Kingdom showcasing the game’s humorous dialogue and character interactions.

While the humor is undeniably Japanese in nature, the localization team has done a fantastic job preserving the game’s spirit. The jokes land well, delivering consistent laughs without sacrificing the original intent. While predominantly comedic, the story occasionally dips into surprisingly philosophical territory, offering moments of reflection amidst the absurdity.

alt: In-game battle scene in Makai Kingdom showing the unique tactical gameplay.

Deep Tactical Gameplay with Unique Mechanics

Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound features turn-based tactical combat, but unlike grid-based systems seen in games like Final Fantasy Tactics or Disgaea, movement is governed by circular ranges. This allows for more fluid positioning within the battlefield.

alt: Demonstration of the “base” mechanic in Makai Kingdom, where players can swap characters and gain various benefits.

Two unique mechanics, “bases” and “vehicles,” add layers of complexity. Bases, created by sacrificing a character, allow for swapping units in and out of battle, crucial given the eight-character limit. They also provide benefits like increased currency, experience, and healing. Players can even capture enemy bases, converting their units to their own side.

Vehicles offer high damage output but are limited by fuel. Their large movement range is particularly useful on larger maps, facilitating rapid troop deployment. Mastering these mechanics is key to success in Makai Kingdom.

Grinding and Dated Presentation

alt: Gameplay screenshot of Makai Kingdom showcasing the diverse environments and tactical combat.

The difficulty spikes significantly at times, necessitating grinding in randomly generated dungeons. While some grinding is expected in Nippon Ichi games, the difficulty curve feels artificially inflated, forcing players to grind rather than rely on strategic prowess.

alt: A battle scene in Makai Kingdom, highlighting the character sprites and visual style.

Visually, the game hasn’t aged well. Character sprites and environments appear blurry, even at 1080p. The background images during story sequences are particularly jarring. The lack of mouse control for unit selection also feels like a missed opportunity.

alt: Example of the character art style and in-game UI in Makai Kingdom.

The soundtrack, while not bad, lacks the polish of modern remasters. The inability to skip skill animations further adds to the dated feel.

Conclusion

Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound offers a genuinely funny and engaging tactical RPG experience. However, the lack of significant visual and technical enhancements holds it back. While the core gameplay remains enjoyable, its dated presentation may deter newcomers. Fans of Nippon Ichi’s quirky style will likely find enjoyment, but those seeking a modern tactical RPG experience should proceed with caution.