![]() ![]() The turn-based combat once again features the Momentum Mode, where a character adds some extra oomph to an attack by using one of the charges on his or her Momentum gauge. This time around, however, there is enough breathing room given to each new mechanic to make the whole experience much more comfortable and user-friendly. Not only do a few enemies make repeat appearances, but the battle system, which previously worked well but was saddled with unnecessarily complex mechanics, has been expanded upon. While Lost Sphear owes much to the titans of yesteryear, it is in many ways also a product of Tokyo RPG Factory’s previous effort. The random and unknowable nature of the disappearing phenomenon is helpful in sending the narrative in different directions rather than following a predictable path, just as it breaks up grindy dungeon runs with the occasional reveal of a secret item or path forward. Before long, his talents become known to the empire’s military officials, and he and his friends are recruited into their ranks to assist on special assignments. By collecting enough memories about them, Kanata, our lead, has the ability to summon these lost things back into existence. For reasons no one knows but everyone accepts, objects and people - whole towns, in some cases - have started to literally disappear, leaving behind impenetrable white fog. The designers have tapped into the mysterious power angle to provide a unique and engaging gameplay hook. Youth gathers a group of friends, and ends up becoming the world’s savior.” While this same cookie-cutter template applies to Lost Sphear as well, it doesn’t really do the moment-to-moment storytelling justice. “Mysterious-slash-unfortunate youth from a small village discovers he has innate powers, just as events occur around the world that require these powers to be utilized. Lost Sphear‘s plot can be summed up in a brief, generic blurb that could easily be copied and pasted onto at least half of all JRPGs. The game is steeped in that smooth zen-like nostalgia you feel when character designs, gameplay, music, graphics, and combat system gel so well you can’t help but smile. But Lost Sphear outdoes its predecessor in every way, a great testament to a studio listening to critical feedback even as it adheres to its core design philosophies. In fact, Tokyo RPG Factory would probably welcome such comparisons for its sophomore offering the studio’s previous effort, I Am Setsuna, aspired to similar heights. Doing justice to the overall feeling of a game like Lost Sphear without comparing it to some of the most beloved classic RPGs of the 16 and 32-bit eras is almost impossible. ![]()
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