Unicorn Overlord - Nintendo Switch

First of all, I have 2 scores for it. 5 is the main score, but if you've played Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (which it is very clearly inspired by), drop it down to a 4, maybe even a 3, because you won't be able to avoid comparisons, and it's got less depth in a few areas that can't be missed. The game is good, but it could have been better, and was clearly based on a game that did several things much better.Standard review first, comparison with ogre battle afterStory: 4 or 5 of 5 - The story's pretty good, but has three flaws. The first, which is pretty forgivable, it that the game is quite long, and there's a lot of story. Sounds like a good thing, but 60-80 hours in... the option to skip will probably be used if you don't care about the characters that are talking. Second, preaching about having the moral high ground. It's not terrible, but it's overdone just enough to be a bit grating. Third, Intimacy Events, in a game that they were clearly trying to get a 'E' rating on. To be fair, they mostly mean the 'comradeship' meaning of intimacy, but the main character does have potential love interests that they try to do more with. For those, expect less intimacy than a classic Disney movie (I think there's hugging in one of them, how scandalous!). It is worth noting that the main character's cousin is one of those options though, which some may have opinions about.Sound: 5 of 5 - I'm not a big sound person, but the music was dramatic when appropriate, and didn't get annoying even after 80 hours. I call that good enough music. Voices fit the characters for the most part, some personal opinion there of course, but can't think of any glaring problems.Gameplay 4.5 of 5 - The core gameplay was mostly fine, some of the side features hurt though. There were three notable ones for me. First, major issue. The AI is regularly suicidally stupid (e.g. assaulting with a mostly defeated squad rather than heading back and healing up). Higher than 'normal' difficulties can raise the challenge level though (AI is still stupid, but has better stats and those suicidal units become a lot more dangerous). Second, it periodically has gimmick battles (unique/rare mechanics that change things up, suicidal allied units, etc.). Some of those worked, some were more obnoxious than fun. Third, time sinks. Between the poorly thought out garrison system that leaves you manually collecting resources after about mid-game, exploration, treasure hunts, intimacy events, and a few other things, you're going to be spending a lot of time running around. Good if you want a game that takes a while to beat, but annoying when you realize that you played 4 hours and only did 2 battles (just plowing though, you can do 5-20 in that time, depending on their scale).Comparison vs Ogre Battle (Unicorn Overload = UO, Ogre Battle = OB)Places where UO is better:UO has better graphics. OB had amazing detail on the units for a SNES game (which still look decent 30 years later), but UO looks better.UO has voices.UO has a -much- more in-depth story, but lacks even the mild-moderate choices that OB offers.UO has customizable skills with different costs, as opposed to OB's simpler split of front-line and backline skills for each class.UO has 4 quip slots per character rather than OB's 1, although this can lead to micromanaging annoyances.UO has a LOT more battles, an overworld map you can navigate, and (mostly) entertaining side quests/minigamesUO has the option to fully skip battles, OB can only fast forwardPlaces there UO is worse:The name Unicorn Overlord. The word 'Overlord' really doesn't belong, especially one you play though the story. I'll take OB's mashup of Queen song names over that (which kinda work if you know the songs).Originality. From playstyle to classes, everything is clearly inspired by OB.While UO probably technically has more classes, many of them are racial copies of each other, often only having a small (but sometimes significant) change. OB has a much more varied variety of classes, class evolutions, and semi hidden classes. UO likely has a few more unique/semi-unique classes on characters. Oh, and UO has no non-humanoid species.UO has no alignment system, the main character is forced to be good and noble.UO lacks recruitable undead, demons, or anything that could be considered slightly morally questionable. OB has all those and lets you go full evil overlord if you want (blocks many characters though, and the endings are typically kinda bleak)UO has no gender options, or meaningful relationships, while OB's relationships and gender options can unlock and block characters, change how characters are acquired, and can make significant changes to the post game summary of the world.UO's reputation system is a counter that unlocks things at landmark points, rather than OB's system which is the common people's view of the liberation army and takes a major role in the game's path, what characters are recruitable, and the endings.UO's units don't have upgrade options based on alignment, items, or stats. They have 1 option to be promoted to (0 for some unique/semi-unique classes). On the plus side, they can't be locked out of every single upgrade option due to handling their stats wrong like in OB.OB has a much more robust system of immunities and elemental + physical resistances, with UO's being pretty much limited to physical damage, magic damage, and statuses (many of which are rarely seen)UO has a the Valor system (buffs before battle) vs OB's tarot system (mid battle effects)UO has longer load times for everything. They're not terrible, but it's a long game so they add up.UO is much more restricted with number of creatable parties, although they have comparable numbers of deployable parties.UO actually has worse AI, despite OB being made for the SNES (OB's AI understands retreating to heal, and using fast units to capture undefended locations, rather than just rushing the nearest unit/base like UO's does. )

Unicorn Overlord on the Nintendo Switch is an absolute gem for fans of tactical RPGs and fantasy adventures. From the moment I started playing, I was captivated by its rich storytelling, strategic gameplay, and stunning visuals.The game’s story is immersive and beautifully crafted. You play as a young hero leading a rebellion against an oppressive empire, and the narrative is filled with twists, memorable characters, and emotional moments. The world-building is top-notch, with a vibrant fantasy setting that feels alive and full of lore to uncover.Gameplay-wise, Unicorn Overlord excels as a tactical RPG. The battles are challenging and require careful planning, with a variety of units, classes, and abilities to master. The grid-based combat system is intuitive yet deep, allowing for endless strategic possibilities. Each victory feels rewarding, and the difficulty is well-balanced, offering a satisfying challenge without being frustrating.The art style is breathtaking, with beautifully designed characters and environments that pop on the Switch’s screen. Whether you’re playing in handheld or docked mode, the visuals are crisp and vibrant, and the animations during battles are smooth and dynamic. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with epic orchestral tracks that enhance the game’s atmosphere.One of the standout features is the replayability. With multiple story paths, side quests, and optional content, there’s always something new to discover. The game also runs flawlessly on the Switch, with no noticeable performance issues.Pros:Engaging and emotional story with great charactersDeep and rewarding tactical gameplayStunning visuals and art styleBeautiful soundtrack that enhances the experienceHigh replayability with multiple paths and contentSmooth performance on the SwitchCons:The learning curve might be steep for newcomers to tactical RPGs (but it’s worth it!)In short, Unicorn Overlord is a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs and fantasy adventures. It’s a beautifully crafted game that delivers on every front, and it feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. Don’t miss out on this magical experience!

Recently getting into the strategy genre, I had heard positive things about this so I decided to give it a shot when it went on sale. For some reason, my brain blocked out that it was an auto battler because I couldn't believe that a concept like that could work, but it's exactly that, an auto battler where you have to setup your team compositions before deployment and then see how the battle plays out. Now let me tell you this, the game devs knew what they were doing because the gameplay is highly addictive and incredibly fun. I'm playing it on the hardest setting too so as long as you are not over leveling before entering combat, you will be challenged in the most satisfying ways. The animation style is GORGEOUS and really unique, like some hybrid of 2D meets 3D. This is part of what makes seeing the battles play out so satisfying is it is genuinely enjoyable to watch, especially when you work hard to setup a team that completely counters and wipes out the enemy units. Everyone gets a certain amount of moves starting with 1 attack and 1 defense and this increases as you upgrade your units or find unique items that give extra bonuses. I'm telling you, if you are on the fence and are reading this, take this as as sign to buy it sale or no sale because it is totally worth it. 50 hours in and I've not even covered half of the map yet. The voice acting is incredible too btw.