Role Playing Reminiscence- Nostalgia Review

As the resident RPG reviewer for the site, I get the opportunity to play every turn-based adventure that gets sent our way. While I approach almost every title with eager anticipation, sporadically those expectations can be crushed by drudgery; an excessive amount of grinding or a tedious combat system can quickly turn a stirring diversion into a monotonous chore. Still, a particularly charming and well built title has the power to rekindle my faith in the genre.

The recently released Nostalgia is one of those uncommon games that is perpetually delightful, proficiently constructed, and undeniably gratifying. It’s a throwback to Playstation-era RPGs like Wild Arms and Star Ocean: The Second Story, and a much-needed reminder that a heartwarming story is just as important as visual splendor in an adventure. DS owners seeking a charismatic RPG should strongly consider seeking out Nostalgia.

Nostalgia opens as fedora-clad, stalwart archeologist Gilbert Brown is exploring the famed Tower of Babel. Brown’s expedition is interrupted by a cultish mob- the Cabal, who are forcing a young woman to retrieve an enigmatic artifact. The chivalrous adventurer comes to the detainee’s aid and ushers her aboard his airship, as the duo plan a hasty escape from the nefarious gang. Unfortunately, the adventurer’s plan is thwarted- although the youthful captive escapes, Brown is apprehended by the Cabal’s leader. In characteristic RPG style, players assume the role of the archeologist’s son, Eddie Brown as he scours the world, searching for his missing father.

Unlike many RPGs, the title’s plot consistently moves at a rapid pace; dialog is focused, and yet delicately sculpts each of the game’s central protagonists. The game’s 19th century setting fastidiously explores a variety of locales- from the Great Pyramids and Tibetan temples to metropolitan locations such as New York, London and Tokyo, fostering a brilliant sense of discovery. A wealth of side missions and an expansive epilogue flush out the game’s storyline, and assist in disguising the linear nature of the title.

Nostalgia features two distinct forms of combat: dungeon battles and airship conflicts. The game’s interior contests are randomly generated, but occur sporadically enough so they don’t ruin the momentum of a specific quest. Once an enemy encounter is initiated, gamers are shown a graphical representation of the battle order on the lower DS screen. Each member of the player’s four member party has a specific aptitude, easing the tactical requirements of the title.

Although the game’s airship conflicts are still turn based, enemies approach the player’s vessel from the front and each side when sky conflict inevitably occurs. Party members staff different parts of the ship, and can use special attacks to defeat a group of foes. Once players power up their airship, higher altitudes are available, meaning tougher enemies will be encountered. Occasionally, these battles with resilient opponents will cause combat to drift into monotonous territory. Only by venturing into the upper thresholds will players be able to unearth some of the title’s World Treasures; so there is a tradeoff for the more arduous skirmishes.

Visually, Nostalgia is a thoroughly proficient title that utilizes the same capable 3D engine as Final Fantasy III and IV. Characters are drawn with an endearing super deformed aesthetic, while city and dungeon maps sport a distinctive hand-drawn style. While the title forgoes an adjustable viewing perspective, the game assists players with urban navigation by displaying icons for weapon, armor, and supply shops. The game’s soundtrack is comprised of diverse chiptune melodies that evoke the game’s variety of locations.

Nostalgia is the ideal name for a game that tenderly evokes the role-playing goodness of past eras. Although players accustomed to complex battle systems or multi-layered narratives may not be captivated by the title’s amiable simplicity, those who take pleasure in light-hearted romps will surely appreciate Nostalgia’s impeccable execution.