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The PlayStation 4’s initial lack of backward compatibility with PlayStation 3 titles was a controversial point for many gamers. However, this limitation also presented an opportunity for developers to revisit older games and give them a fresh coat of paint for the new generation. Nippon Ichi Software, known for the tactical RPG Disgaea series, joined this trend with The Witch and the Hundred Knight: Revival Edition. This review examines whether this PS4 remaster offers enough improvements to warrant a revisit or a first-time playthrough.

Exploring Medea’s World and the New Tower of Illusion

The Witch and the Hundred Knight originally offered a unique action RPG experience with an intriguing story, but it also suffered from some noticeable flaws. The Revival Edition aims to address some of these issues while enhancing the overall experience. One of the most significant additions is the Tower of Illusion.

This new area provides a challenging environment for the Hundred Knight to explore and farm rare, high-powered equipment. Players can also find Catalysts within the tower, essential for upgrading the Hundred Knight’s weapons. This system adds a layer of depth to weapon progression, though each weapon has a limited number of upgrade opportunities.

The Witch and the Hundred Knight: Revival Edition – Screenshot of Tower of Illusion gameplay

The Tower of Illusion also holds Concentrated Mana, items that allow players to temporarily summon and control the witch Metallia. Metallia’s powerful abilities offer crucial support in challenging encounters. Accessing the tower, however, requires sacrificing a weapon. The rarity of dropped items and the tower’s difficulty scale with the sacrificed weapon’s level.

Enhanced Visuals and Performance on PS4

Taking advantage of the PlayStation 4’s hardware, the Revival Edition boasts improved graphics compared to its predecessor. Character models, including the Hundred Knight and the enemies it faces, are more detailed. Environmental details, lighting effects, and overall visual fidelity have also been enhanced, creating a more vibrant and engaging world.

The Witch and the Hundred Knight: Revival Edition – Screenshot of improved environmental details

Furthermore, the frame rate has been boosted to a smooth 60 FPS, a significant upgrade from the original’s 30 FPS. This improvement makes combat and exploration feel much more fluid and responsive.

Familiar Gameplay with Lingering Issues

Beyond the graphical upgrades and the Tower of Illusion, The Witch and the Hundred Knight: Revival Edition doesn’t offer many significant changes. Players familiar with the original will find the core gameplay and story largely untouched.

The Witch and the Hundred Knight: Revival Edition – Screenshot of gameplay

Despite the visual improvements, some of the original’s shortcomings persist. Environmental obstacles like trees and buildings can still obstruct the player’s view, hindering navigation and combat. The tutorial system remains largely unchanged, and some of the original game’s gameplay quirks haven’t been addressed.

The Witch and the Hundred Knight: Revival Edition – Screenshot showcasing in-game environment

Conclusion: A Polished, but Familiar Experience

The Witch and the Hundred Knight: Revival Edition delivers a visually enhanced and smoother experience on the PlayStation 4. The addition of the Tower of Illusion provides a new gameplay element and valuable rewards. However, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, and some of the original’s issues persist. While the improved visuals and performance are welcome, players hoping for more substantial changes might be disappointed. Ultimately, the Revival Edition is a polished version of the original, offering a better-looking and performing experience, but without fundamentally altering the core game. This makes it a worthwhile purchase for newcomers or fans looking for a prettier playthrough, but perhaps not essential for those who extensively played the original.