Strengths: Plays faster than traditional strategy RPGs.
Weakness: Very challenging AI can be cheap at times, even maddening!
If you're a fan of games like Ogre Battle, Tactics Ogre, or Final Fantasy TACTICS, you will likely enjoy this game. If you're a gamer that enjoys the more fluid gameplay of a typical Final Fantasy (non-Tactics), rent this game first and you may dislike it very much.
The AI is VERY tough, and often you'll find yourself losing any battle. If this happens, you're free to restart the battle - but you'll be able to keep the experience points earned that builds your characters. This is pivotal since the developer likely knew the game would be difficult to progress through on your initial try, so players may have to play, restart, and re-play a stage multiple times until their units are able to defeat the enemy.
Rondo of Swords can be very difficult, but very rewarding in the end. If you like strategy RPGs, and aren't a fan of just action or typical RPGs, you will have some value with this game.
Rondo of Swords uses a unique "Route Maneuver System" for combat. In order to deal damage to enemies, you basically have to run through them by planning your movement. This requires quite a bit more thought than your usually 'click attack' sort of RPG. You can trigger combos by crossing your own characters and your mistakes can give multiple hit opportunities to the enemy. It's not an easy system to understand right off the bat and the difficulty is cranked up pretty high. This is not a very forgiving RPG where things are set to super easy at the start.
On the plus side, if you like a challenge, this is a good game pick for you. The storyline is engaging and there are hours upon hours of gameplay packed into this game since it will take a lot of time and effort to get the best ending. I personally found it a bit too punishing and put it aside halfway through for something simpler, but maybe I just have a short attention span and you'll have better luck.
Strengths: Innovative new mechanics for a strategy RPG
Weakness: Extreme difficulty
Rondo of Swords provides SRPG fans with something new for their turn-based appetites. With a very high degree of difficulty and a pretty steep learning curve, it is definitely not for those new to the genre. Veterans on the other hand will appreciate the new approach, though their overall enjoyment will depend on their tolerance for pain.
Rondo of Swords is a good strategy, depending on what you think of strategy games. See, it's difficult. very difficult. but it's designed to be difficult. It's also not revolutionary, or even evolutionary. It's good. If you're a big fan of strategy and tactical combat games, buy this. If you like old school style games with old school difficulty, buy this. otherwise, there are beter tactical games out there.
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Rondo of Swords (& the Bolero of Difficulty)
Strengths: Plays faster than traditional strategy RPGs.
Weakness: Very challenging AI can be cheap at times, even maddening!
If you're a fan of games like Ogre Battle, Tactics Ogre, or Final Fantasy TACTICS, you will likely enjoy this game. If you're a gamer that enjoys the more fluid gameplay of a typical Final Fantasy (non-Tactics), rent this game first and you may dislike it very much.
The AI is VERY tough, and often you'll find yourself losing any battle. If this happens, you're free to restart the battle - but you'll be able to keep the experience points earned that builds your characters. This is pivotal since the developer likely knew the game would be difficult to progress through on your initial try, so players may have to play, restart, and re-play a stage multiple times until their units are able to defeat the enemy.
Rondo of Swords can be very difficult, but very rewarding in the end. If you like strategy RPGs, and aren't a fan of just action or typical RPGs, you will have some value with this game.
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