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Dragon Star Varnir, developed by Compile Heart, the studio behind Hyperdimension Neptunia and Record of Agarest War, is a JRPG that initially appears to follow the studio’s typical focus on “fan service.” However, a deeper dive reveals a surprisingly engaging story and innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other Compile Heart titles.

Dragon Star Varnir Gameplay

A Surprisingly Intricate Narrative

Unlike many JRPGs that rely on a simple good versus evil plot, Dragon Star Varnir weaves a complex narrative involving four distinct factions: the Dragons, monstrous creatures and the primary antagonists; the Witches, the protagonists who hunt Dragons; the Knights, who oppose both Witches and Dragons; and the Raven, a mysterious faction with their own agenda. This intricate web of alliances and rivalries creates a compelling and unpredictable storyline.

Dragon Star Varnir Story

The game features multiple endings, with a True End that requires careful decision-making throughout the game. Players must maintain protagonist Zephy’s sanity by choosing compassionate options and protect the three young witches under his care. Achieving the True End adds another layer of strategic depth to the game.

Devour: A High-Risk, High-Reward Gameplay Mechanic

Dragon Star Varnir features turn-based combat on a three-tiered battlefield, allowing for vertical positioning and strategic maneuvering. While standard attacks and special skills are available, the game’s most unique mechanic is Devour. This ability allows players to instantly defeat most non-boss enemies, regardless of their remaining health.

Dragon Star Varnir Devour

The success rate of Devour depends on various factors, including skills, enemy weaknesses, and remaining health. This introduces an element of risk and reward, encouraging players to strategically weaken enemies before attempting a Devour. Balancing tactical decisions with calculated risks becomes crucial for success.

Dragon Star Varnir Characters

Successfully devouring enemies grants Dragon Cores, which function as skill trees. Each enemy has a unique Dragon Core, offering different stat boosts and abilities. This encourages players to experiment with Devour and strategically target specific enemies to acquire desired skills. This system, combined with the time pressure of protecting the witches, necessitates a “smart risk-taking” playstyle.

Dragon Star Varnir Combat

The Lingering Presence of Fan Service

While Dragon Star Varnir boasts a compelling story and innovative gameplay, the game still retains Compile Heart’s signature “fan service.” The 2D character portraits are highly detailed and expressive, while the 3D environments feel comparatively dated and lackluster. This disparity in visual quality highlights the game’s continued focus on character aesthetics over environmental detail.

Dragon Star Varnir Art

The game’s soundtrack, while generally pleasant, suffers from inconsistent voice acting, which detracts from the overall experience. Forced romantic subplots also feel somewhat out of place within the otherwise well-crafted narrative.

Dragon Star Varnir Visuals

Conclusion

Dragon Star Varnir is a refreshing entry in Compile Heart’s catalog. The engaging storyline and unique Devour mechanic offer a compelling gameplay experience. While the lingering “fan service” elements may detract from the game’s overall polish, it’s a step in the right direction for the studio. With a greater focus on refining its core gameplay and narrative elements, Compile Heart could deliver truly exceptional JRPGs in the future.

Game Information

• Developer: Idea Factory, Compile Heart
• Publisher: Idea Factory International
• Genre: RPG
• Release Date: October 8, 2019
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4

Dragon Star Varnir Screenshot

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit
• CPU: Intel i5 2.3GHz or AMD A9 2.9GHz equivalent
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5xxx, 1GB VRAM 5000
• HDD: 11 GB

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• CPU: Ryzen R7 1700 @ 3.7 GHz
• RAM: 16GB
• GPU: MSI Rx Vega 56 Airboost
• SSD: Samsung 950 Pro 256GB