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Blue Reflection, a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) developed by Gust and published by Koei Tecmo, immerses players in the world of magical girls, high school life, and emotional turmoil. This review explores the game’s strengths and weaknesses, examining its captivating visuals, simple yet effective gameplay, and unfortunately, its lackluster story and repetitive nature.

BLUE REFLECTION – Screenshot

The Allure of Magical Girls

Blue Reflection centers around Hinako Shirai, a ballet dancer whose dreams are shattered by a tragic accident. Gifted with the power to become a Reflector, a magical girl, Hinako navigates the complexities of high school life while battling otherworldly foes in a realm known as The Common. Alongside her companions, Yuzu and Lime, Hinako strives to protect her friends and the world. The game’s all-female cast and the magical girl transformations are undoubtedly appealing, capturing the essence of the “mahou shoujo” genre. The characters’ designs are visually stunning, and the game delves into Hinako’s emotional journey, allowing players to connect with her struggles and triumphs.

A Visually Stunning World

Blue Reflection features two primary locations: Hoshinomiya Girls’ High School and The Common. While the graphics may not rival those of AAA titles, they are impressive for a JRPG, especially within its niche. The attention to detail in the environments is commendable. Hoshinomiya High School is meticulously designed, with various classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, and even a rooftop. The Common offers diverse landscapes, from lush meadows to fiery volcanic terrains, each representing a different emotion: joy, sadness, anger, and fear. The visual presentation of these realms is breathtaking, offering moments of genuine awe.

BLUE REFLECTION – Screenshot

Simple Yet Effective Combat

Blue Reflection employs a classic turn-based combat system. A timeline at the top of the screen dictates the turn order, with characters and enemies moving towards the center. This system, while simple, is effective and provides clear information about turn order and attack ranges, allowing for strategic planning. The game emphasizes defensive strategies and support abilities, encouraging players to protect their team. Fragments earned by helping friends can be equipped to enhance abilities, adding a layer of customization to the combat. Overall, the gameplay is accessible and enjoyable, though not particularly innovative.

BLUE REFLECTION – Screenshot

A Disappointing Narrative

Despite its strengths, Blue Reflection suffers from a weak and predictable storyline. Hinako’s mission to help her classmates, while thematically relevant, often feels contrived and unrealistic. The resolutions to their problems are often simplistic and lack depth. While there are a few surprising twists, the overall narrative fails to engage the player on a meaningful level.

Repetitive Gameplay and Environments

The core gameplay loop of completing quests and venturing into The Common becomes monotonous. The limited number of environments, while visually appealing, contributes to this repetition. The lack of experience points earned from battles further exacerbates the issue, making each encounter feel less rewarding. The game’s focus on Hoshinomiya High School and the four emotional realms of The Common restricts the variety of locations, leading to a sense of stagnation.

BLUE REFLECTION – Screenshot

A Flawed PC Port

The PC version of Blue Reflection suffers from several technical issues. While some, like the initially lower resolution of certain assets compared to the PlayStation 4 version, have been addressed, problems such as occasional crashes and a lower frame rate persist. The game’s launch was plagued by a game-breaking bug in Chapter 7, highlighting a lack of thorough testing.

BLUE REFLECTION – Screenshot

Conclusion

Blue Reflection offers a visually stunning world populated by charming magical girls and a simple yet enjoyable combat system. However, its weak narrative, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues hold it back from reaching its full potential. While fans of the magical girl genre may find enjoyment in its aesthetic and character interactions, those seeking a compelling story and engaging gameplay might be left wanting.

BLUE REFLECTION – Screenshot

BLUE REFLECTION – Screenshot