14.8.20
4:13 PM
Nyx✰
anime, anime update, Pokemon, video
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- 2:12 PM
- Nyx✰
- fun, game, game review, Games as Art, gaming, maid, nintendo, review, Switch, Turn-Based Stretegy, video game
- No comments
((Check out my stream of Banner of the Maid HERE!))
What. A. Treat. Azure Flame Studio's Banner of the Maid is just the right amount of historical fun mixed in with the detailed turn-based challenge those of us who love the genre live for. If the game's art isn't enough to draw you in then I'm sure the fantastic story elements will be. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or not, Banner of the Maid's take on alternative French history is just downright great. As someone who is absolutely fascinated with, and knowledgeable about, the real-events of the French Revolution, I just couldn't pass this game up -- of course, the French waifu material was a nice draw-in too.😏 Lookin' at you, Marie~~
The alternative-telling of the French Revolution focuses on Napoleon Bonapart's sister, Pauline. She is an officer of the French Army but also known as a "Maid". The Maids are characterized as a small group of woman who harness special powers that can influence the tides of war as well as political bonds. The story, as great as it is, can be a bit difficult to fully comprehend because of the incredible detail. Much like all the events of the French Revolution, there is a lot going on and this game gives you the sense that there was so much more that led up to this whole point that still needs explaining. That being said, it's pretty easy to understand what your objective is, made clear through the story's dialogue.
There are many, many different characters you can unlock to join your army but most of them come to you a few levels lower than where you'd want/need them. They require a bit of catching up and by the time you start getting into the really challenging battles (about halfway through the game), that "catching up" can feel very tedious and annoying. Similar to other turn-based strategy games, you can tweak your army and deck them out in the latest gearz which can be purchased or acquired through gameplay. You can get better things by increasing your notoriety with the game's various political factions. Battles can be tricky, yes, but luckily there is no permadeath. Units who die in battle will not be relivable within the battle and cost you financially once the battle has concluded. All in all, the game could feel a bit grindy at times, but that is typical for a game that falls within the genre of turn-based strategy. You can either take a strategic route to victory, or take the time to OP the shit out of your army and steamroll. Juuuust be sure to spend your money wisely, as bread can be expensive and the cake is a lie, hon hon hon!
Combat is an absolute joy, so even the grindy moments can be fun. Everything matters on the battlefield; terrain, weather, troop placement, type matches, skills and abilities, it all counts toward your overall chances for victory. Weather, for example, will effect both sides and alter your troops' stats when fighting. It's turn-based, so you'll position and attack prior to the enemy and trade turns respectively. Whether you be on the attack or defense, you can use terrain such as long grass, to give you advantages, campfires to heal units, etc.. It is strategically fun to maneuver your units to make the best out of all the classes, but it does welcome a unique challenge which some may find off-putting or overwhelming. Combat animations are unique in that they're presented as line formation battles with your unit, the commander, leading the charge. Luckily, you can turn this animation off since it can get a bit repetitive but it is kind of cool to hear the characters speak Chinese during each attack.
The game is visually stunning and I'm happy to say that no corners were cut when it comes to character design, backgrounds, and other UI elements. Character design is big for me and this game hits a wow-factor! Be careful though...some of these girls have some rather BIG cannons flying around 👀 (not that I'm complaining). The game looks great handheld or on the TV but with no ability to zoom in or rotate the maps, the TV is the easiest to use.
Alright, let's wrap this up. Banner of the Maid is a fantastic game if you're itching to play something with historic and artistic flare but also holds up as really great turn-based strategy game. The game fills all my holes perfectly (giggity), with very few exceptions. The story and characters are very entertaining, the battles are challenging and rewarding, the graphics and artwork are colorful, detailed, and fun, and the game quickly became a bit of an obsession. Apparently there is some DLC for the PC version so I hope that makes its way to the Switch! If we're left waiting too long, we'll just have to make do with the New Game+ option!~
FINAL SCORE: 9/10
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