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The golden age of J-RPGs, particularly during the 80s and early 90s, holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Before the widespread adoption of the internet, local arcades thrived, filled with the sounds of SNES and PlayStation consoles. J-RPGs, with their intricate stories and engaging gameplay, were particularly popular, captivating players even without localized versions.

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Over time, the gaming landscape shifted. Faster-paced games and evolving technology meant that J-RPGs, often requiring significant time investment, lost some of their dominance. This led to a fascinating trend: Japanese developers began “westernizing” their J-RPGs while western studios started experimenting with traditional J-RPG mechanics. Games like Sudeki, Septerra Core, and the more recent Child of Light exemplify this shift. Now, Celestian Tales: Old North, developed by Ekuator Games and published by Digital Tribe, emerges as a promising new entry in this classic genre. Does it live up to the expectations of J-RPG enthusiasts? Let’s delve in and find out.

A Rich and Engaging Narrative

Celestian Tales: Old North draws inspiration from the political intrigue and feudal struggles reminiscent of Game of Thrones. The game’s world is torn apart by conflicts between lords, and each of the six playable characters hails from a distinct noble house. From humble peasants and mercenaries to devout monks and sheltered noblewomen, each character brings a unique perspective to the unfolding narrative. This interwoven tapestry of personal stories within a larger political conflict creates a captivating experience unlike other J-RPGs.

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The world of Celestian Tales isn’t limited to political machinations. It’s a realm filled with fantastical creatures, magical abilities, and mysterious events. This blend of political intrigue and fantastical elements creates a rich and immersive world for players to explore.

Deep Gameplay Mechanics

Celestian Tales: Old North embraces the core elements of classic J-RPGs. Dialogue plays a crucial role in storytelling, shaping the narrative and revealing the intricacies of the world. The game begins with a choice: selecting one of the six available characters. Each character possesses unique traits, backstories, beliefs, and approaches to problem-solving. While all six characters eventually become playable, the initial choice significantly impacts the unfolding events and offers substantial replayability.

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The combat system evokes nostalgia for SNES-era J-RPGs, with characters rendered in charming 2D Chibi style. Battles unfold in a turn-based fashion, determined by character speed. Actions range from basic attacks and skill usage to item consumption and strategic retreats. Celestian Tales prioritizes tactical decision-making over grinding. Time is spent exploring, completing quests, and engaging in conversations that drive the narrative forward. Full health restoration after each battle encourages players to utilize each character’s abilities fully rather than conserving resources.

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A Few Minor Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, Celestian Tales: Old North isn’t without its flaws. Developed initially for consoles, the PC port’s control scheme adheres to a gamepad layout. The inability to remap buttons can be frustrating, especially given the sometimes awkward default configuration.

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The game’s visuals are another point of contention. While not outright bad, the graphics walk a fine line between charming and dated. The grid-based environment design can evoke comparisons to RPG Maker XP, which might detract from the overall presentation for some players.

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Finally, the soundtrack, while pleasant, lacks variety. Repetitive music and a generally calm tempo can sometimes create a sense of stillness that borders on monotonous.

Conclusion

Celestian Tales: Old North successfully captures the essence of classic J-RPGs. Its engaging narrative, deep gameplay mechanics, and unique character perspectives create a compelling experience. While minor issues with controls, visuals, and music hold it back from greatness, Celestian Tales: Old North remains a worthy addition to any J-RPG fan’s library. The game offers a refreshing take on a beloved genre and showcases the potential of independent developers to create compelling and nostalgic experiences.