Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force (Nintendo Switch)

For those of you who missed out on "Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force" the first three times you'll have another chance to play through the game, and all of it's DLC on the Nintendo Switch. This version which comes out on the 17th of January is the same multiple path adventure that the previous port was. You get to play as the male protagonist Fang with up to six supporting characters as you fulfill your destiny as a fabled Fencer. Along with Fang comes his anxious Fairy partner Eryn who urges him along the way to revive the Goddess, and put an end to the battle against the Vile God that was waged so long ago. By collecting and wielding the Fencer swords, and their Fairy's magical powers you will press forth in strategic battle that is not too indifferent from previous Idea Factory JRPGs. The catch is that you can become more powerful by performing a Fairize where you merge with Fairies, and transform into the weaponized hero you were meant to be. This gifts you different combo combinations, and skill attacks that can be dealt to lesser, and greater foes alike. Unfortunately time is of the essence, and there are other Fencers also seeking to collect the 100 Fencer swords, and bring their own desires to fruition in the ultimate fight of good versus evil.

For those of you who did not read through my original PS4 review of the game please click the following link, and do so before I give you my thoughts on how the game is presented on the Nintendo Switch ...

Review: Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force

The Nintendo Switch port of "Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force", the one this review is about, comes with some flaws that are being worked out before launch. Frame rate issues, and other common development issues are being fixed as you read the following paragraphs. I personally didn't notice anything too worrisome outside of the title screen cutting off a good portion of the title as if it were a forced direct port to a screen size it was not mean to fit. Of course I am speaking of the handheld mode of the Switch, and not the TV conversion. That aside the game seems the same as it did back on the PS4. All the DLC included. The sound quality is good, and the picture quality equally as so. In the way of controls it does take a little getting used to, but there are the usual character driven tutorials included that IFI is known for, and they are in line with this version of the game. One thing to note is that the rumble feature, when playing with the joycons, can become annoying. Thankfully they can be turned off though.

When it comes to the content versus pricing ratio this game is an experience that is more balanced towards gamer friendliness as it affords said gamer extended gameplay well beyond the initial RPG length story. There are bonus dungeons, and higher character level caps to enjoy along with new battles to encounter. It is the usual JRPG grind, but it's one that isn't done in a bad way. The story features an interesting cast of characters. Each with their own unique personalities. It's never a dull moment in-game, and there are most certainly some laughs to be had along the way as well as some serious moments. It is the story that will appeal to most fans first, and the combat second. IFI is known for impressive storytelling, and character development. While the combat is not entirely different from other IFI series it does good to sell the point of the fight at hand, and with an IFI anime flair. Something which is shown time, and time again in this particular tale.

The Verdict ...

As a packaged, and portable deal I think this is an alright buy. Especially if you have not played through the game on other platforms/consoles. As I said, it comes with all the extra DLC including new dungeons, accessories, and Fairies. For that reason alone you'll be getting your money's worth. In the way of stories it is one of IFI's more unique IPs, and is done quite well for what it is. It does have some fan service (not that I'm complaining), and despite that the characters are all likable. I think most people will enjoy those features more than the combat. I'm not saying the combat is bad, but IFI's storytelling always outshines the combat. It's one of the reasons I love IFI brand JRPGs. Just note that there are three paths with three endings within the game. Two paths pertaining to the Goddess and vile God, and one of a corrupted Goddess. Certain choices you make in your playthrough will effect the ending you get. Thus the game does have some replay value. All considered I hope that if you have not yet played this game that you give it a chance on the Switch. it's a fun loving game!