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That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles, a game based on the popular anime TenSura, offers fans a chance to dive into the world of Rimuru Tempest. But does this adaptation live up to the hype? Let’s explore its strengths and weaknesses.

A Faithful Adaptation with New Content

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, affectionately shortened to TenSura, is a beloved isekai anime with a global following. The story follows Mikami Satoru, an ordinary Tokyo office worker who is tragically stabbed and reincarnated as a slime. As Rimuru Tempest, he gains the unique “Predator” ability, allowing him to absorb the skills and memories of anything he consumes.

Rimuru and Veldora

ISEKAI Chronicles faithfully recreates the anime’s storyline, covering the initial events up to the conflict with the Kingdom of Falmuth, encompassing most of the first two seasons. The game utilizes stills directly from the anime, creating a familiar experience for fans. Furthermore, it introduces two original storylines penned by the TenSura author, Fuse, adding fresh content to the mix. A major plus is the full voice acting, further immersing players in the world of TenSura.

Rimuru's Journey

The game’s presentation, reminiscent of classic Tales of games like Tales of the Abyss and Tales of Symphonia, adds a nostalgic touch. This influence extends to the combat system, which we’ll delve into later. For fans of the anime or those looking for an alternative way to experience the story, ISEKAI Chronicles offers a substantial amount of content.

Engaging Combat and Base Building

ISEKAI Chronicles offers two core gameplay loops: story progression and base building. Story progression sends Rimuru and his companions on dungeon-crawling expeditions, where players complete various objectives, from defeating bosses to collecting items.

Combat Scene

Combat is inspired by older Tales of titles, featuring real-time action on a 2D plane. Players move their characters and execute attacks to defeat enemies. While not as complex as modern Tales of games, the combat is generally fun and accessible, particularly for those eager to immerse themselves in the TenSura universe.

Rimuru in Town

A notable feature is the ability to control various party members like Gobta, Ranga, Shuna, and Shion, each with unique special moves. This variety helps alleviate some of the potential monotony. The second gameplay loop involves base building, where players develop Rimuru’s goblin village into a thriving kingdom. Starting with humble huts, players gradually unlock resources to construct various buildings, from markets to residences.

Combat Screenshot

While interaction with the village is limited, primarily affecting pre-battle stats and occasionally unlocking character skills, the charming character models and environment make exploring the village a pleasant diversion.

Repetitive Gameplay and Lackluster Elements

Despite its initial charm, ISEKAI Chronicles suffers from repetitive gameplay. The simplistic combat quickly becomes monotonous, with limited enemy variety and straightforward dungeon design. This repetition extends to other aspects of the game, such as repetitive character dialogue and limited NPC interactions. The dungeons, while visually appealing, lack complexity and offer little in the way of exploration or challenge.

Enemy Encounter

Furthermore, several aspects of the game feel underwhelming. Character animations can appear stiff, the music selection is limited, and the overall graphical style lacks distinction. While the full voice acting is a definite positive, other technical and design elements fall short. At times, the game’s structure feels more akin to a mobile title than a full-fledged console or PC release.

Another Combat Scene

Conclusion

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles offers a faithful adaptation of the anime with the addition of new storylines. However, the repetitive gameplay, simplistic combat, and lackluster technical elements detract from the overall experience. While fans of the series may find enjoyment in reliving the story, the game’s shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential.