Small Saga

I don't have enough words to describe how much I loved this game. My best way to describe it would be "Metamodernism piece of art". I'm not one to usually play single-player nowadays, much less turn-based but... i'm glad I ended up playing it. Not only it adresses my usual pains with "classic" turn-based RPG logic, but also is very bold in sticking to its values instead of yielding towards sanitization for the sake of corporate appeal, knowing when to pendulum between its moods really well, and having a banger of an OST. This game was made in such a way that it is palpable how much love the dev put into it. The game is honetly pretty easy, so you shouldn't go in expecting a hardcore difficulty thing, but that didn't detract too much from my experience, as the writing, music, and charming characters were carrying the whole thing for me . (Although I heard something about a hard mode coming in the future... ? I'm not sure. I hope they make fights more complex than just "enemy deals more damage and get bulkier" but we will see !) Honestly, the one and only negative I can see on it is that "It may feel short", but honestly, I preffer it the way it is right now: many RPGs who followed the old way of doing them tended to force you to go through dozens of random-fights between places. That sure is a way to extend play time, but in Small Saga, fights generally feel intentional. Now, you *do* have some spots where you must fight a similar enemy a couple times to progress or such, but those sections do not stretch for long, and do not happen frequently enough that it feels like a shore (problem that many RPGs of old had for me). I think it respects your time as a player, and, by doing so, respect its own story, and the importance given to fights that happen during it. In short: The type of game I know that I will one day look back to, and wish I could play again for the first time

I love this silly little homage to GBA-era Jrpgs and Berserk. Simple but satisfying turn-based combat system, charming characters, EXCELLENT music, and a polished art style. Oh, and did I mention the devs are still putting out patches 3 years after it's release for the sake of stability and a fun experience? My only regret is that I did not play this sooner.

Masterpiece of a JRPG that doesn't waste your time. Politically and ideologically progressive, queer, and for the people, but without demanding you accept its messages at face value (in fact, I think it asks the opposite - to think on it, question it, and decide whether you stand with it. Unless you're a fascist. But even then, you can [spoiler]engage in a fairly civil debate/argument with one[/spoiler], if you're so inclined, but only after [spoiler]you kick their ass, and the asses of everyone they associated with[/spoiler]). Sometimes emotionally raw, and definitely not afraid to shy away from the cruelties of nature (mostly using nature as a lens through which we see our own societies) and the apathy sometimes exhibited by humankind. (Especially humans with power.) Mechanically, the game is less complex than other turn-based RPGs, but I think the short length helps prevent it from growing stale. You're bound to have set up a broken build well before the final boss - possibly even by accident - but the game's recently-added (as of this review) hard mode should alleviate this for players seeking a challenge. For those who aren't, the combat remains engaging through the use of interesting setpieces and unique boss mechanics, and possibly your own drive to see the party succeed in their greater goals. Oh, and the music is beyond excellent. It is divine. The soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission (but you can also just ... buy the soundtrack itself, if you're so inclined). The tracks are short - most of them don't break two minutes per loop - but what we have is a smorgasboard that knows how to set the mood and guide the player's emotions through sound alone. I've still got the [spoiler]tavern[/spoiler] songs, as well as the boss themes from the endgame, running through my head on repeat. I can't believe I bought this game the month after it launched and then waited nearly three whole years to finally play it. Don't be like me. Play this game as soon as you are (reasonably) able.

Short, about my playtime above in length while just taking my time and doing what content I noticed. Pretty easy too, though I built Verm like the glassiest dang cannon that ever shattered at the slightest touch. But very sweet. Writing, art, music, story, characters, all wonderfully portrayed in a good package. Lots of very solid messaging in there, and I'm continually surprised how these games can get me so attached to these characters in so short a time. It's well worth a purchase if it sounds up your alley. I watched a friend play dang near half of it for me, and that was enough for me to buy and play it myself.

This game is part of me. I have started a new game for the V2 and I didn't know I could feel this much nostalgia for a game I first played two years ago. Please, if you who created this game read this, continue and never stop. Gaming industry need more little games made with full of love, more small games that makes you live through a brilliant story in 10 hours, and more gay rats.

Fair warning: achievements are listed, but not implemented in the game. If you care about those, be warned. That being said, I truly think you should play this game. It has a well written story, supported by the gameplay in clever ways. I never struggled, Small Saga is not a hard game, but it doesn't need to be. Cool story, cool mechanics, what else can I say?

TLDR You play as mouse Guts from Berserk and the final boss is Dale Gribble I liked this game a lot I would like a sequel with the same assets and a higher difficulty, but it is a fun short game.