Ok first of all, it's a crime to skip transformation in a Majokko anime, secondly... Yeah I get what you mean with how the game works, I've just recruited the last girl and the dungeons are getting kinda tiring and yeah this entire game feels like a giant drug induced hallucination... But it weirdly works?! I also at this point feel that Cosmic Star Heroine is better but there's something here that just kinda clicks. I also like the soundtrack even though it really wasn't what I sorta expected the game to have
I knew my opinion on the OST would likely be contentious, and yeah I.. don't know if I liked the game still xD I liked Parts of it... I'd like to find games that succeed at those elements that aren't so bogged down. I think most people are going to immediately say 'Persona!' but it's not quite the same vibe. Maybe Blue Reflection? I should give that one another go. I hate to keep coming back to this one, but Night in the Woods had a similar vibe at times with the friendships really stealing the show. I'd love to see more of that elsewhere. I need more cute relaxing games that aren't bogged down with so much busywork like most farming games are lol
Honestly, the game feels much like Zeboyd's other games. Pure campy goofiness. Although that might be because I love magical girls and like the silly little references and things like the first boss being Audrey II and fighting lovecraftian entities. Even the skakespeare theme reminds me of older magical girl anime.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have sort of avoided there other gsmes besides Cosmic Star Heroine because i know they are just jokes, i was hoping This Way Madness Lies would be more than that.
I've not played this game... so all I could possibly contribute to this conversation is an evaluation of the soundtrack. Too bad the OST is not on Spotify, RUclips or anywhere else that I can't find. The music in the trailer certainly didn't sound too inspired.
I had the same experience as you, but one game back. I loved all their previous games, kickstart backed cosmic star heroine, didnt receive my free copy, and didnt even care, but gladly bought another copy off steam.. and couldnt be more disappointed. Couldnt bring myself to even finish it. They do fine with short light hearted rpgs, which their first couple were, but when it came to fleshed out characters and slightly more serious dialogue, as well as tweaks to combat and gameplay, it was obvious to me their partnership with tycho and gabe was crucial, and missing. They really need to hire a writer at the very least, that would probably free them up to work on the visuals more as well.
Well that's crappy news. I kept seeing this game's art on twitter, and really dug the style. Honestly though the lack of animation in the story scenes would really take me out of the experience.
It was definiteky an interesting choice. My only guess beyond what i said in the review is that it was so you wouldnt miss the animation while reading the text or something?
I saw this on sale on the switch, and it looked cute but was hesitant to buy it. So, thanks to your review I think I'm going to pass getting it unless it's on deep discount. 😆
Great review! You offered a lot of great insight into this game. It's a shame magical girl/shakespeare blend didn't quite hit the mark, as I'm all for games offering something a bit more out there and unique.
'Nothing of substance' is certainly debatable, but id be happy to sum up my points for you in a shorter fashion; Cons: Tonally dissonant aesthetic and music, go nowhere plot, lazy visuals, gameplay balancing issues, poor pacing, too much combat, does nothing with its Shakespeare/theater motif. Pros: Battles are occasionally fun because of the unique battle system, most of the comedy worked for me and the slice of life moments are cute. Honestly feels to me like I've said far more of substance than most reviews of the game have which has all boiled down too 'It's funny, Me Like!' But hey, we all have our opinions.
Ok first of all, it's a crime to skip transformation in a Majokko anime, secondly... Yeah I get what you mean with how the game works, I've just recruited the last girl and the dungeons are getting kinda tiring and yeah this entire game feels like a giant drug induced hallucination... But it weirdly works?! I also at this point feel that Cosmic Star Heroine is better but there's something here that just kinda clicks. I also like the soundtrack even though it really wasn't what I sorta expected the game to have
I knew my opinion on the OST would likely be contentious, and yeah I.. don't know if I liked the game still xD I liked Parts of it... I'd like to find games that succeed at those elements that aren't so bogged down. I think most people are going to immediately say 'Persona!' but it's not quite the same vibe. Maybe Blue Reflection? I should give that one another go.
I hate to keep coming back to this one, but Night in the Woods had a similar vibe at times with the friendships really stealing the show. I'd love to see more of that elsewhere.
I need more cute relaxing games that aren't bogged down with so much busywork like most farming games are lol
I've always liked Zeboyd's games. They're not always the most polished, but they're weirdly cozy in a way I've seen few games accomplish
It certainly has charm to it.
Honestly, the game feels much like Zeboyd's other games. Pure campy goofiness. Although that might be because I love magical girls and like the silly little references and things like the first boss being Audrey II and fighting lovecraftian entities. Even the skakespeare theme reminds me of older magical girl anime.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have sort of avoided there other gsmes besides Cosmic Star Heroine because i know they are just jokes, i was hoping This Way Madness Lies would be more than that.
@@StilesReviews Very well.
And Yes, I am willing to support you, the day you learn how to review a game. Good luck!
I've not played this game... so all I could possibly contribute to this conversation is an evaluation of the soundtrack. Too bad the OST is not on Spotify, RUclips or anywhere else that I can't find. The music in the trailer certainly didn't sound too inspired.
I think they actually do have a Bandcamp? I looked it up while playing but don't have a link handy.
I had the same experience as you, but one game back. I loved all their previous games, kickstart backed cosmic star heroine, didnt receive my free copy, and didnt even care, but gladly bought another copy off steam.. and couldnt be more disappointed. Couldnt bring myself to even finish it.
They do fine with short light hearted rpgs, which their first couple were, but when it came to fleshed out characters and slightly more serious dialogue, as well as tweaks to combat and gameplay, it was obvious to me their partnership with tycho and gabe was crucial, and missing. They really need to hire a writer at the very least, that would probably free them up to work on the visuals more as well.
Well that's crappy news. I kept seeing this game's art on twitter, and really dug the style. Honestly though the lack of animation in the story scenes would really take me out of the experience.
It was definiteky an interesting choice. My only guess beyond what i said in the review is that it was so you wouldnt miss the animation while reading the text or something?
I saw this on sale on the switch, and it looked cute but was hesitant to buy it. So, thanks to your review I think I'm going to pass getting it unless it's on deep discount. 😆
Here's the money I would have spent on This Way Madness Lies.
Oh damn, thank you so much!
Brutal
@@StilesReviewssend me your banking information and I will send you $ 1,000 for you to never review a game ever in your life again.
@@aaron6493 Money first. Cash only.
@@StilesReviews I am afraid we live very far away from each other. Goodbye!
Great review! You offered a lot of great insight into this game. It's a shame magical girl/shakespeare blend didn't quite hit the mark, as I'm all for games offering something a bit more out there and unique.
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Crazy how much effort this video took to make to say absolutely nothing of substance
'Nothing of substance' is certainly debatable, but id be happy to sum up my points for you in a shorter fashion;
Cons: Tonally dissonant aesthetic and music, go nowhere plot, lazy visuals, gameplay balancing issues, poor pacing, too much combat, does nothing with its Shakespeare/theater motif.
Pros: Battles are occasionally fun because of the unique battle system, most of the comedy worked for me and the slice of life moments are cute.
Honestly feels to me like I've said far more of substance than most reviews of the game have which has all boiled down too 'It's funny, Me Like!' But hey, we all have our opinions.
Translation: Uwaaaahh, he didn't like the same game that I like!