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Unicorn Overlord, a new tactical RPG from Vanillaware, the creators of Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, offers a compelling blend of real-time strategy (RTS) and turn-based strategy (TBS) gameplay. Released to commemorate Vanillaware’s 20-year partnership with ATLUS and SEGA, this Nintendo Switch title brings a unique and engaging experience to the tactical RPG genre. This review explores the game’s intricate mechanics, expansive character roster, and stunning visuals.

Unicorn Overlord World Map

A Deep Dive into the Addictive Gameplay

Unicorn Overlord’s gameplay can be visualized as a three-layered sphere. The outermost layer is a vast, dynamic world map featuring a day-night cycle and changing weather patterns. Players can explore this world, uncover hidden secrets, gather resources, and aid villagers in developing their settlements. After Chapter 1, the world opens up, allowing players to chart their own course, even venturing straight to the final boss if they dare. However, strategically placed strongholds guard key narrative locations, posing a significant challenge for unprepared players.

Unicorn Overlord Battle Scene

The second layer consists of instanced battlefields, reminiscent of dungeons in MMORPGs. These areas, based on locations from the world map, feature deploy points and command posts crucial for victory. Objectives typically involve capturing these posts or defeating enemy leaders. The gameplay here draws inspiration from titles like Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Total War, allowing free real-time movement of squads comprised of one to five characters. Each squad features a leader who grants specific bonuses, such as increased movement speed for cavalry leaders.

The core of Unicorn Overlord’s gameplay lies in the third layer: direct squad confrontations. Each character possesses Action Points (AP) for attacks and skills, and Passive Points (PP) for triggering passive abilities. Battles unfold in a turn-based fashion, with each squad alternating actions until both sides exhaust their AP. If neither squad is eliminated, the side with the most remaining HP wins.

Unicorn Overlord Character Customization

This unique auto-battle system emphasizes strategic squad composition, equipment allocation, and character positioning. Even a slight advantage in a stat like Initiative can drastically alter the battle’s outcome. The game also features a “Tactics” system, similar to the Gambits from Final Fantasy XII, enabling players to program specific actions and passive abilities based on various conditions. This adds a layer of complexity to the combat, moving beyond simple rock-paper-scissors unit matchups and incorporating a vast array of character classes, from melee fighters and aerial units to mages and mounted warriors.

Unicorn Overlord Class Promotion

As players progress and increase their Renown, they can promote characters to advanced classes, further expanding the strategic possibilities. A five-hour demo offers ample opportunity to experiment with the game’s mechanics before committing to a purchase.

A Rich Tapestry of Characters and Story

Unicorn Overlord unfolds in the fantastical land of Fevirth, a high-fantasy setting reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire. Players follow Prince Alain as he builds the Liberation Army to reclaim his throne from Emperor Galerius. While the story itself is fairly predictable, the game shines in its character interactions and the interconnected relationships between its expansive cast.

Unicorn Overlord Character Interactions

Players recruit characters through various means, including hiring mercenaries and making impactful dialogue choices that shape the narrative, similar to The Witcher 3. These choices have lasting consequences, adding weight to player decisions. With over 70 recruitable characters from diverse races and backgrounds, the game offers a rich tapestry of personalities to discover. Rapport Conversations, unlocked through combat experience with characters in the same squad, further deepen these relationships, akin to the support system in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Uniquely, Alain can even bestow a Ring of the Maiden upon his chosen character, fulfilling the “waifu” dream of many anime game fans.

Stunning Visuals and Enchanting Sound

Vanillaware’s signature 2D anime art style shines in Unicorn Overlord, with detailed character designs and breathtaking background art. From the lush grasslands of Cornia to the barren deserts of Drakengard and the mystical forests of Elheim, each location offers a visual feast. The game’s soundtrack further enhances the experience, with dynamic melodies that shift between day and night, perfectly complementing the visual presentation.

Unicorn Overlord Environment

Room for Improvement: Balancing Challenges

Even on its highest difficulty, Unicorn Overlord’s challenge might not satisfy hardcore tactical RPG enthusiasts. The HP-based victory condition, combined with certain items, can be exploited to overcome significant level gaps. Time limits on larger battlefields can also feel restrictive, particularly at higher difficulties. While unit balance is generally good early on, certain classes, like the Vanguard, become less effective in the late game.

Conclusion: A Unique and Engaging Experience

Unicorn Overlord offers a fresh and engaging take on the tactical RPG genre. Its unique blend of RTS and TBS gameplay, coupled with a vast roster of characters and stunning visuals, makes it a compelling experience. While the difficulty could be more finely tuned, the game’s innovative mechanics and charming presentation make it a worthy addition to any Switch owner’s library.