Hallowed Core

Don't know why I keep trying these 2D RPG games. They are all the same to me, BORING!

Great game guys! I enjoyed what I am guessing is the first chapter, since I am unable to get to the "cave to the east". lol I make my way through the most east area, and then it plops me back to the west side of it. Storyline is great, even though i kinda sped through it. I also like the little easter egg quests hidden within the residents (ie Red Dolly) of the towns. Very cool. Can't wait for the next chapter!

Hallowed Core is a classic style turn based RPG that I think has a lot of charm in its first chapter. I am entering the sacred centre of the planet Trowa, a hollow world where the surface has become more of a legend than a real place. The story follows a young man dealing with his family's past while a war between the fire wielders of Granlest and the water wielders of Sylvestria is already causing trouble. I liked the setup because it feels very much like an older RPG while still having its own world and history. The turn based combat is probably the part I enjoyed most. The game has an elemental combat system, with the conflict between fire and water playing an important role in the world and battles. I like having to think about my choices instead of just attacking every turn. The party based setup also gives the fights a little more variety as I progress, and I think the slower combat suits the game's old school style quite well. It is not trying to be an action RPG, so I can take my time and think about what I want to do. The world is another strong point for me. Hallowed Core clearly takes inspiration from games like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 6 and Golden Sun, and I can definitely feel that influence in the pixel art, top down exploration and overall structure. At the same time, I liked the idea of a world where people live inside the planet and wait for the prophesied return of the chosen one. The war between the two elemental nations gives the setting a reason to feel unstable, while the mysterious Alpha adds another layer to the story. I also enjoyed the focus on the characters. The game is built around character arcs and themes of inheritance and responsibility, rather than only using the story as an excuse to send me from one battle to another. I think that gives the opening chapter more personality. The original soundtrack also fits the classic RPG feeling well and helps the different areas feel more distinct. There is a clear attempt here to make the characters and world matter, rather than relying entirely on combat to carry the experience. The biggest problem for me is that this is only the first of four planned chapters. That means I am getting a proper introduction to the world and characters, but the larger story is obviously not finished yet. I wanted more once I reached the end because the setup creates quite a few questions that are clearly meant to be answered later. I also think some of the combat and exploration could use more depth, although that may naturally come as the later chapters are developed. The presentation is simple, but I think that works in its favour. The 2D pixel graphics have a clear 1990s RPG influence and I prefer that style here over something that tries too hard to look modern. The game is also completely free, which makes the limited first chapter much easier for me to accept. I can play the opening part of the story without paying anything, and there is enough here to show me what Pyxis Studios is aiming for with the full four chapter project. Overall, I think Hallowed Core is a promising start to what could become a really enjoyable old school RPG. I liked the hollow planet setting, the elemental conflict and the focus on characters and their responsibilities. The turn based combat is familiar but enjoyable, while the pixel art and soundtrack give it the right classic feeling. The biggest limitation is simply that I am only getting the first chapter, so I cannot judge the complete story yet. Even so, I think the foundation is strong and I enjoyed my time with it enough to want to see where the later chapters go. Rating: 6.6/10