Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth (PS4)

This latest Utawarerumono game is one that is not shy in thrusting you face first into a lore already well established. It is, at heart, a follow-up to "Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception", and it shows. From Kuon's amnesia stricken introduction to her learning of her friends' circumstances that unraveled during a politically motivated visit to the neighboring imperial city of Yamato near her home nation of Tuskur, Kuon fights for forgotten memories, and eventually to reunite with those friends who are in peril from the looming war. To begin with Kuon's awakening is interrupted with fragmented memories that gradually return in the company of familiar acquaintances in a full-on, and unmanned visual novel presentation. One that can be automated, or clicked through at your own pace. This introduction catches the player up on things in a matter of about an hour, and ends with a tutorial showcasing a hands-on version of the simple SRPG elements. A grid based system of strategic battle where elements play a role in damage dealing/resistance as well as an action chain mechanic where multiple critical hits can be landed if timed properly. As the story continues to open up in the guise of a tale being told through multiple character perspectives, one being Kuon's and the other Haku's, dialogue between said characters is shared as battles are fought for both political, and friendly reasons.

The game as a whole is sectional in nature with the visual novel portion of the game taking up most of the game's 50 hour length. On occasion, at the height of conflict, the leading characters and their party members will engage in a strategy focused battle where mechanics such as the action chain, and Zeal meter come into play. In regards to the action chain you'll find that as characters level up they'll gain more chain opportunities that will afford them extra critical attacks if the player is able to press the attack button on cue. The "cue" being a closing circle located on the enemy avatar that is only there until the circle closes in completely. As mentioned before you'll also need to mind the seven different elemental alignments (Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Light, Dark, Neutral) as you place your units on the gridded environment next to the opposition. Enemies that are more susceptible to your attack will have a "ADV" indicator near their health bar while those that aren't as susceptible will have a "DIS" marker meaning that you are at a disadvantage.

Zeal, as previously mentioned also comes into play through actions in battle. When your character, or unit's Zeal level reaches 100 they'll become OverZealed ultimately benefiting them with some bonus perks. Buffs to stats, and such. It should also be noted that in battle you can rewind set moves up to 50 squares if you need to do so. Once you reach that limit though you will be stuck with your final action. Movement is done on a turn based basis, and in each turn you can perform an action such as attack, or wait. The battles in this latest Utawarerumono adventure, while challenging to a point are lenient, and do take a second seat of importance to the story being told. The ability to start halfway into battle after death via a prompted choice is a testament to this. In fact you'll be spending more time reading character dialogue, or listening to the original Japanese voice-overs than you will be doing battle for either said of the warring nations. Regardless of this uneven balance of storytelling, and involved gameplay you will be drawn into the fray properly, and at a pace befitting of such a tale.

The story portion of the game comes complete with Japanese voice-overs, and English subtitles which are shown in such a way as to differentiate between character thought, actual spoken words, and details pertaining to the outside goings on within each story panel. The story panels themselves are beautifully painted environments with slightly animated anime character depictions shedding light on each, and every situation. Unlike most visual novel experiences though things aren't divided into short chapters giving the player a resting point between the heavy plot points, but you can press "OPTIONS" to bring up a save menu which will save your story progress at the point you decided to save. After loading the game up again you will be taken back to the point in dialogue where you last saved, and if need be you can select to read the dialogue backlog via an appropriate button press if you wish to recall what exactly has transpired.

As far as the story goes You'll find that Kuon, the heir to the throne of Tuskur, is the main protagonist. Accompanying in her tale though as a second player of importance is Haku. A mysterious acquaintance that Kuon met, and rescued while staying at the Yamato's imperial city. Through odd circumstances surrounding the warring nations conflicts arise, and Kuon and those she cares about are betrayed. Her Yamato friends are victimized, and her Tuskur family ready to fight for control as Yamato's usurper aims to send it's own armies out to Tuskur. As the heir to the throne of Tuskur, Kuon uses her influence to lead her nation into war, but secretly to avenge her Yamato friends, and save them in the process. It's a tale told with many twists, and turns that are revealed as you follow the cast of characters involved both in the company of their friends and foes as well as on the battlefield.

For those of you looking for extras you'll find that as you play a glossary of terms related to characters, culture, and places is collected to help you better understand the world of Utawarerumono. You'll also unlock an art gallery, and music player that can be enjoyed from the main menu's "Bonus" section.

The Verdict ...

Though I find myself lost to the deeper side of the conflicts at hand I was able to understand the plot enough to enjoy it. That being said I feel this is a game best played after you've finished "Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception" as that gameplay progress can be brought over into the new game via an initial prompt. Not only that, but you'll better understand what is going on between the characters, and nations. I will also say that the lengthy visual novel sections don't give the player a proper break. The first portion of the game that ended in a gameplay battle lasted over one hour with no indication as to when it would end. Chapters would have been a nice feature to have, but the developer just keeps the ball rolling, and the momentum going. In due respect I can see as to why the game might warrant such an approach as the story is highly attractive, but players need a break to stretch, and need to know when that break is coming. Other than that I loved this game. It's a different sort of visual novel experience. One that actually harbors SRPG combat scenarios that feel to be more than just a haphazard add-on for the sake of accenting the core experience. If you've played through the first game, and liked it I'd say this would be a no-brainer type of purchase. If you happen to still be able to get the limited edition with the anime pillow cases it might also be worth a buy. It's up to you.