Labyrinth of Galleria | PS4

In a world of whimsy, witchcraft, and wicked deeds we meet the unlikely pair of Eureka and Madame Marta. A noble girl looking to fill an odd job, and a wicked witch looking to acquire Eureka's special set of skills for that very job. It seems the Count of Galleria Manor and the assistant Witch in charge, Marta, are looking for something in particular. A special collection of art pieces known as Curios which are locked away in a dungeon-like labyrinth of miasma and monsters. To access it they need someone fit to not only collect the items in question, but to return intact along with said art. The catch being that it will take the binding of Eureka's soul to a powerful lost soul as well as an army of soul infused Manania puppets to traverse the dungeon depths, and return with the art/curios in hand.

The game starts off simple enough with storytelling via voice acted characters that catch us up to the objective at hand. We bare witness to Eureka's arrival at Galleria Manor, and through her own words the explanation as to why she is there. Eureka is basically desperate for work, and the advertised job requirements seem right up her alley. She goes in expecting something ho-hum, but quickly finds out this job is not at all what it seems. 

Madame Marta catches Eureka up on things in a long winded and vague description of what the job entails. Through tests, and the capturing of a lost soul in a magic lanterne Eureka slowly, but surely comes to terms with the arrangement. She is basically to be the eyes and ears for the conjoined lost soul that is bound to her as it guides Manania puppets into battle within the Red Tribuna's wardrobe entrance for the sake of looting it of more of it's Curios, or malevolent art pieces. At the request of the mysterious Count of Galleria Manor, no less. 

The game is broken down into a couple areas of interest including the Red Tribuna which acts as the game's main hub of operations, and the dungeon-like labyrinth hidden away there. It is here you can shop for items, craft puppets with the required materials, customize them, and assign them to covens which can be commanded in the dungeon outings. You can also forward the story here. 

In the way of character or puppet creation/customization you get six different job archetypes to choose from in both male, and female forms. Each form with three different visual designs as well as three different color options. You can name and nickname these crafted characters, add personality through flavor text, and even fine tune their tactical approach through normal, sun, and moon alignment. Each option in turn changing the characters' in-game offensive, defensive, and neutral approach. You can even choose a third skill for that character which can be used battle with spent dunom points as well as a note-like attribute rank which will determine that characters' stat growth potential and focus. Should a puppet get injured or fall in battle you can opt to repair it with parts back at the Red Tribuna hub. Through leveling you can even reincarnate it into a more stronger version of itself.

In the way of battle, options are fourfold. You can perform basic attacks, perform dunom skills reliant on dunom points, fortify the coven, or use a built up crest attack via associated meter fulfillment. The dunom skills add offensive, defensive, and healing abilities for the selected characters while the fortifying of the coven allows for a more defensive option wherein big or potentially fatal damage can be negated. You can even use items of restoration outside of battle if need be. 

The point in each dungeon outing is to ultimately find, and return to Madame Marta with one or more of the Curios art pieces. This will require navigating the dungeon carefully, avoiding hazards or pitfalls with the use of Fantabilities, and surviving battles with the resident monsters. Sometimes forwarding the plot through triggered events. All while collecting new gear for the Manania puppets as well as currency for spending on the witch's wares, and the Curios Madame Marta's master seeks. That and mana itself. Your efforts are rewarded according to an end tally that takes in account your battles, mana acquisition, and goals met. Sometimes gifting you new equipment, souls, or items for your troubles.

As you progress different wardrobes with different map layouts, threats, and loot will appear. These expeditions into the unknown offer opportunities to build up coven, and puppet levels while gaining you access to the Curios that lie hidden behind puzzles, and fiendish foes. Should you wipe out while out penalties to puppets will be dished out. Resulting in lowered stats, and other things that will make progress the next go around all the more difficult. Should you need to change things yo a bit the Witch's Contract option can afford you things like the lowering of difficulty for a part of your mana pool. It should also be noted that when going in to the Wardrobe reinforcement, and Brigade points will be deducted accordingly. Changing the approach in regards to the covens you send in.

The Verdict ...

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society, is a dungeon crawling first person JRPG that brings with it an abundance of charm, and mystery. It's a magical experience delving into the realm of witchcraft that builds upon the lore of a previous entry in the series. Though it is standalone in nature. The gameplay loop is simple, and the mechanics easy to pick up on. Leaving the plot, and character conversations to breathe life into this dialogue and voice enriched adventure. Those of you interested in voice-over talent will be pleased to know that the English casting is as impressive as the original Japanese cast. The attention to personality quirks, and accents is what you'd come to expect from a NISA release. Though the gameplay itself might be old school by design this latest entry does good to spice things up in the presentation. For NISA fans this is a no brainer kind of purchase. Do know though that the limited editions sell like hotcakes, and won't last for long.