PGC NEWS

2D role-playing games (RPGs) continue to thrive in a market dominated by complex 3D titles and virtual reality experiences. Their simplicity and accessibility make them ideal for aspiring game developers and those seeking a nostalgic gaming experience. A Timely Intervention, developed and published by Aldorlea Games, falls into this classic RPG category. But what sets it apart from the hundreds of other 2D RPGs available? This review delves into the game’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.

A Timely Intervention – Đánh Giá Game

A Humorous Tale of Time Travel

A Timely Intervention’s story unfolds in the secretive Marllon research facility. Journalist Predeus infiltrates the base, investigating rumors of strange experiments funded by substantial investments and military support. He discovers two peculiar machines and activates them, inadvertently pulling himself and scientist Alissa back in time. Marllon’s administration dispatches agents Jallund and Kayte to follow them and “resolve the situation.” Players control both teams, experiencing the narrative from alternating perspectives. The time travel trope isn’t particularly novel, but the game’s charm lies in its execution. The characters’ missions, the backstory of the secret military base, and the interactions between the characters create an engaging experience. The protagonists’ modern attire and mannerisms clash with the past’s setting, leading to humorous situations that add to the game’s appeal.

A Timely Intervention – Đánh Giá Game

Exploration and Discovery

On the easiest difficulty, completing the main storyline takes approximately 10 hours—a reasonable playtime for a budget-friendly indie title. However, beyond the central narrative, A Timely Intervention offers a wealth of exploration. Thirty secret areas are scattered throughout the game world, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path. While the rewards for discovering these hidden locations aren’t substantial, the joy of exploration itself provides a satisfying incentive. Seventeen side quests further enrich the experience, drawing players deeper into the game’s world. A Timely Intervention strikes a good balance between length and difficulty, making it ideal for completionists and those who enjoy uncovering hidden content.

A Timely Intervention – Đánh Giá Game

Customization Options

Before embarking on their adventure, players can customize various gameplay elements. They can choose whether enemies are visible on the map, adjust the game’s difficulty, and even control the encounter rate. The combat system introduces Technique Points (TP), which increase and decrease during battles and level-ups, but don’t regenerate through rest like HP or MP. Repeatedly using a skill also levels it up. For those focused on the narrative, the lowest difficulty setting allows for a streamlined experience, completing the game at a relatively low level. Conversely, the Legendary difficulty offers a significant challenge with increased rewards.

A Timely Intervention – Đánh Giá Game

Lack of Innovation

While A Timely Intervention offers some unique elements, it doesn’t significantly deviate from established genre conventions. The narrative prioritizes humor over depth, and the rewards for exploration aren’t game-changing. While the customization options are welcome, they don’t drastically alter the core gameplay. The turn-based combat and 20 character stats feel somewhat unnecessary and overly complex. The graphics, with a low resolution of 600×480, are arguably the game’s weakest aspect, lagging behind other titles in the genre. Overall, A Timely Intervention offers a pleasant and occasionally distinct experience, but it might not satisfy those seeking groundbreaking innovation.

A Timely Intervention – Đánh Giá Game

Conclusion

A Timely Intervention provides a lighthearted and enjoyable retro RPG experience. Its humorous narrative, exploration opportunities, and customization options offer a decent amount of content for its price point. However, its lack of innovation and dated visuals might deter players seeking a truly unique or modern experience. If you’re looking for a classic RPG with a touch of humor and a focus on exploration, A Timely Intervention is worth considering.