Cladun X3 review

The Cladun (a portmanteau that combines the words “classic” and “dungeon”) franchise arrived in 2010 for the Sony PSP. As one of the first console titles to blend randomized dungeon generation, deep character customization, and publisher’s Nippon Ichi’s brand of eccentric humor, Cladun: This is an RPG easily earned critical acclaim. Sure, the sprite-based visuals might not have enticed audiences. But in Japan, Classic Dungeon: Fuyoku no Masoujin garnered a group of tight-knit loyalists. I remember it nearly affected my academic aspirations when I was at The University of Tsukuba.

Subsequently, the series expanded with 2011’s ClaDun x2 and 2017’s Cladun Returns: This is Sengoku! Like most follow-ups, each entry expanded on the first game’s fundamentals adding bigger dungeons and expanded its Magic Circle mechanic. This component allowed you to stack characters and equipment in different foundations, converting every dungeon crawl into a mix of risk management and experimentation.

While developer System Prisma’s gradually evolved the formula, they never strayed too far from the pocket-sized dungeons and obsessive tinkering that made the original title so fun. Unsurprisingly, Cladun X3 continues to expand on the series’ foundations, but it also revisits its signature gameplay without making bold strides forward. As such, Cladun fans will be satisfied, but I suspect everyone else won’t be able to distinguish what makes X3 different from the dozens of other, more enticing-looking action roguelikes on the market.

Villains, Quips, and Meta Skits

Cladun X3’s storyline is set in the Arcanus Cella, a metafictional dimension where villains battle in a deadly competition, supposedly for world peace. Exposition is distributed in short, pulpy skits, filled with the usual blend of self-aware quips and meta-commentary about the game’s premise.

Largely, the dialog is entertaining with the writers attempting to turn every interaction into a punchline. While the mystery behind is slowly unveiled, there is an effort to deliver an emotional punch. Although it didn’t land on me, those more immersed in the plot might receive a glancing blow.

Diminutive Dungeons Conceal Depth and Danger

Largely, Cladun X3 distinguishes itself from predecessors with improved accessibility, refined gameplay systems, and a bit of streamlining when delving into the dungeon. These subterranean spaces retain their diminutive size and strategic design, that made them ideal for portable play. Wisely, most of them can be completed in minutes and many of the unexpected difficulty spikes have been softened. The EX dungeons, which had gated progression with some truly challenging requirements and been removed and replaced by a succession of stages that’s more in line with the game’s narrative beats.

Expectedly, the Magic Circle system continues to be X3’s most distinctive mechanic. Here, your main character occupies the center of different linear formations, surrounded by a choice of support characters. Each supporting cast member channels their “mana” along preset routes, powering up the protagonist and providing stat bonuses according to their job and placement.

The Endless Possibilities of the Magic Circle

Fiddling with the Magic Circle complements the real-time action well. Here, your cognitive abilities also get a workout, as you plan different tactical placements to min/max your hero. You’ll use supporting characters sacrificial shields where they’ll absorb damage until defeated. But Cladun also encourages you to regularly revise your Circle. If you’re chasing efficiency, then distributing dividends across a team of characters is a key strategy.

Artifacts, the game’s enhancement items, are slotted onto these paths. These can boost everything from attack and defense stats to special powers, with advanced artifacts introducing additional complexity. From Twin doubling effects, Wide increasing area of effect, and Zero removing debuffs or mana cost, X3 expects players to repeatedly dive into its menus.

Familiar Sprites and Soundscapes

Visually, Cladun X3 preserves the pixelated look that first defined the series, with its squatty sprites, bright palettes, delivering a nod to decades of roguelike dungeon crawlers. But despite its enduring appeal, much of the spritework feels like it’s been recycling from previous entries, diminishing X3’s impact. This same familiarity also applies to the soundtrack, which mixes retro-inspired chiptunes with the occasional more atmospheric track across both the retro and modern listening options. And while the game’s visuals and music provide a dependable backdrop, they also emphasize the series’ reluctance to evolve beyond its established identity.

Cladun X3 marks an assured return for a Nippon Ichi’s goofball dungeon crawler. Offering a smoother difficulty curve, richer customization, and writing that understands who the game’s audience is, there’s notable improvement. But there’s also an overwhelming sense of familiarity, with System Prisma tweaking and adding things, rather than taking the series in a bold new direction. Ultimately, X3 feels less like a reinvention and more like a comfortable encore for those already invested in the franchises’ quirky charms.

Cladun X3 was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.