Nippon Ichi Software always seems to strike all the right chords with their artsy little indies. By "artsy indies" I simply mean their ambitious puzzle platformers that each contain a fairy tale driven lesson built into the story being told. As with other NISA releases in this particular sub-genre of puzzle platformers "The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince" weaves an interesting tale through hands-on gameplay and voiced art panel inclusive intermissions that border on being mature while pulling at your heartstrings in a nostalgic childlike manner. As if it were your own parents reading to you from your favorite children's storybook. The story at hand, as it were, is unfortunately one that if explained away in too much detail, could ruin the many surprises you'd get to enjoy by experiencing the experience for yourself. I can say, however, that it all starts with a curious prince and a gifted wolf who happens to have a beautiful singing voice. A voice that attracts the Prince, and in a twist of fate, has the two characters both leading a lie, and living one. In an accidental encounter the wolf feels morally obliged to right her wrongs against the prince, and ultimately seeks the help of a witch to restore what was lost to him. The journey that ensues due to the unfortunate circumstances and a metaphorical deal with the devil is an interesting, and endearing escort mission in which you get to control a now shape shifting wolf who can change forms from wolf into a human princess in order to maintain a lie about said wolf's identity. All due to a mutual appreciation that went awry without warning.
This particular story that is "The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince" is one that will have you utilizing both main characters' abilities in a puzzle platforming manner as they lead and follow one another through different parts of a dark forest in order to reach the witch, and ultimately help the prince regain what was lost to him. His sight. On one hand you have the shape shifting wolf who can transform into her princess form to lead the prince by the hand due to his blindness, and command him to do things in sync with the usual platforming and puzzle mechanics that are embedded in each given stage. As the wolf you will be able to destroy obstacles, kill monsters, and move key items into place. You'll also be able to jump higher than when in your princess form. On the flip side the prince is more of a command, and escort extension of your puzzle solving capabilities. You'll have to not only keep him safe as the wolf, but also get him to aid in progress by doing tasks such as activating floor switches, and carrying lanterns with fire. You don't directly control the prince, but through commands brought up in a quick over-the-character selection slider you can get him to move, pick things up, and set things down. You can also pull him along by the hand in princess form to places you need to go, or where you need him to be.
While the character stage interactions might sound simple it's the actual application of said character mechanics in puzzle solving situations that will really test your problem solving skills. Keep in mind though nothing in the game is too frustratingly difficult to complete, and though you will die at points due to unforeseen mishaps nothing is so cryptic or difficult in nature it'll keep you from finishing the game. Just remember that each stage is not all that long. From the start to finish your main goal in each area you visit will be basically to get yourself, and the prince to the end post signs that are pointing you in the witch's direction. In between all of that you'll have to deal with enemies of varying sorts, basic platforming, and somewhat complex puzzles that include mechanics of their own. Features that change as the plot continues to unfold, and features that are explained away in brief and non-invasive onscreen tutorials.
Speaking of "plot" the game will chime in with animated cutscenes overlapped by English subtitles, and spoken voice-overs of the Japanese sort from time to time at key points. It is in these more intimate moments that we get to better understand the two main characters, and their ongoing struggle to do what they set out to do while the wolf tries her best to maintain a princess facade. Along with the beautifully rendered and seemingly hand drawn animations comes a complimentary soundtrack that is almost zen-like in nature. The only time the soundtrack ever ramps up is at peak moments when action is intensified. In turn acting as a means to heighten the moody atmosphere of the game's environments, and bring the magical world of the wolf and the prince to life.
All stages, which can be accessed once you complete them via the "OPTIONS" stage select menu, will show all the hidden collectibles that can be found. Aside from the main escort mission you will also be looking for golden flower petals as well as flowers you can pick, and gift to the prince. The flowers themselves serve a dual purpose within the "OPTIONS" album menu. By clicking on the obtained, and named flowers in the "Flowers" listing you will gain behind-the-scenes insight into past encounters with the witch. Things mostly pertaining to deals she made outside of the main plot. It helps flesh out the witch better, and adds extra meaning to the story. As far as the flower petals go they are collectibles for collecting sake. At least I think so. Though they might actually be what unlocks the games' illustrations and the memory cutscenes which can also be viewed in the album menu. Needless to say you get the main meal with an appetizer, so-to-speak.
The Verdict ...
As a NISA game "The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince" stands tall as one of their best games, to date. It is a beautifully drawn and animated fairy tale with a moral to boot. Along with the well thought out gameplay sections it is a proper package deal. While you might expect gameplay to be an afterthought it is done masterfully, and helps the player to better understand the bond of the two main characters as you help them along the way. It solidifies their relationship, and makes that journey to the end all the more engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed my playthrough, and I did end up completing the game. In my time with it I noted it's amazing orchestral soundtrack, and the genius behind each puzzle placed in your path. There were puzzles where I thought to myself, "This is something I've not seen before". Regardless of the utilization of old platforming, and puzzle techniques there were some puzzles in place that went well beyond the norm. The story, the platforming, and the puzzles really sell this game's point. I think by the time your reach the conclusion you to will understand the moral behind it all, and that in itself is worth the price being asked. I think this game is definitely worth buying, and though it is somewhat short in length I feel you will enjoy every moment as you join the wolf and the prince on their adventure.
This particular story that is "The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince" is one that will have you utilizing both main characters' abilities in a puzzle platforming manner as they lead and follow one another through different parts of a dark forest in order to reach the witch, and ultimately help the prince regain what was lost to him. His sight. On one hand you have the shape shifting wolf who can transform into her princess form to lead the prince by the hand due to his blindness, and command him to do things in sync with the usual platforming and puzzle mechanics that are embedded in each given stage. As the wolf you will be able to destroy obstacles, kill monsters, and move key items into place. You'll also be able to jump higher than when in your princess form. On the flip side the prince is more of a command, and escort extension of your puzzle solving capabilities. You'll have to not only keep him safe as the wolf, but also get him to aid in progress by doing tasks such as activating floor switches, and carrying lanterns with fire. You don't directly control the prince, but through commands brought up in a quick over-the-character selection slider you can get him to move, pick things up, and set things down. You can also pull him along by the hand in princess form to places you need to go, or where you need him to be.
While the character stage interactions might sound simple it's the actual application of said character mechanics in puzzle solving situations that will really test your problem solving skills. Keep in mind though nothing in the game is too frustratingly difficult to complete, and though you will die at points due to unforeseen mishaps nothing is so cryptic or difficult in nature it'll keep you from finishing the game. Just remember that each stage is not all that long. From the start to finish your main goal in each area you visit will be basically to get yourself, and the prince to the end post signs that are pointing you in the witch's direction. In between all of that you'll have to deal with enemies of varying sorts, basic platforming, and somewhat complex puzzles that include mechanics of their own. Features that change as the plot continues to unfold, and features that are explained away in brief and non-invasive onscreen tutorials.
Speaking of "plot" the game will chime in with animated cutscenes overlapped by English subtitles, and spoken voice-overs of the Japanese sort from time to time at key points. It is in these more intimate moments that we get to better understand the two main characters, and their ongoing struggle to do what they set out to do while the wolf tries her best to maintain a princess facade. Along with the beautifully rendered and seemingly hand drawn animations comes a complimentary soundtrack that is almost zen-like in nature. The only time the soundtrack ever ramps up is at peak moments when action is intensified. In turn acting as a means to heighten the moody atmosphere of the game's environments, and bring the magical world of the wolf and the prince to life.
All stages, which can be accessed once you complete them via the "OPTIONS" stage select menu, will show all the hidden collectibles that can be found. Aside from the main escort mission you will also be looking for golden flower petals as well as flowers you can pick, and gift to the prince. The flowers themselves serve a dual purpose within the "OPTIONS" album menu. By clicking on the obtained, and named flowers in the "Flowers" listing you will gain behind-the-scenes insight into past encounters with the witch. Things mostly pertaining to deals she made outside of the main plot. It helps flesh out the witch better, and adds extra meaning to the story. As far as the flower petals go they are collectibles for collecting sake. At least I think so. Though they might actually be what unlocks the games' illustrations and the memory cutscenes which can also be viewed in the album menu. Needless to say you get the main meal with an appetizer, so-to-speak.
The Verdict ...
As a NISA game "The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince" stands tall as one of their best games, to date. It is a beautifully drawn and animated fairy tale with a moral to boot. Along with the well thought out gameplay sections it is a proper package deal. While you might expect gameplay to be an afterthought it is done masterfully, and helps the player to better understand the bond of the two main characters as you help them along the way. It solidifies their relationship, and makes that journey to the end all the more engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed my playthrough, and I did end up completing the game. In my time with it I noted it's amazing orchestral soundtrack, and the genius behind each puzzle placed in your path. There were puzzles where I thought to myself, "This is something I've not seen before". Regardless of the utilization of old platforming, and puzzle techniques there were some puzzles in place that went well beyond the norm. The story, the platforming, and the puzzles really sell this game's point. I think by the time your reach the conclusion you to will understand the moral behind it all, and that in itself is worth the price being asked. I think this game is definitely worth buying, and though it is somewhat short in length I feel you will enjoy every moment as you join the wolf and the prince on their adventure.
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