Classic strategy RPGs are an acquired taste, but Adventure Academia: The Fractured Continent aims to charm even those most jaded gamers.
It’s an upcoming title by Acquire, the Japanese developer and publisher responsible for AKIBA’S TRIP First Memory, OCTOPATH TRAVELER, and Samurai Gaiden KATANAKAMI.
Adventure Academia: The Fractured Continent will come out in Japan on September 8, 2022. And the target platforms include the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC.
While that will satisfy strategy RPG fans in the land of the rising sun, what does that mean for western gamers? Well, we have good news, UK-based game publisher PQube dropped an announcement trailer on July 29, 2022.
The trailer briefly showcases the boss battles, character creation, combat, rewards, and upgrade system. Furthermore, the game features incredibly colorful and vibrant visuals with characters sporting a flat 2D style similar to Super Paper Mario. The maps are entirely 3D and feature a top-down isometric viewpoint, which is commonplace in many strategy RPGs.
But what sets it apart from its counterparts is its free-roaming nature, even though the maps are grid-based. And the ability for players to pinch, pick, or drop their characters on the fly.
Overall, Adventure Academia: The Fractured Continent seems more dynamic and unconfined to control than its peers. And that’s a good thing, as it should make the game more accessible, even to those unfamiliar with the strategy RPG genre.
The story of Adventure Academia: The Fractured Continent
The story revolves around Alex, the game’s charming young protagonist. He sets out to find his missing father and utilizes the Ruler Orb. It’s an artifact passed down in his family for many generations and allows Alex to command his party in battle.
However, Alex doesn’t travel alone, as Citrin and Lazuli accompany him on his adventures. Citrin is a pink-haired girl and his childhood friend, whereas Lazuli is his somewhat nerdy advisor.
Unfortunately, the trio will face many trials and tribulations in The Continent of Pedra. Pedra is a large island consisting of four nations but gradually transforming into a labyrinth-like dungeon. Now, monsters roam the land and terrorize the island’s inhabitants.
What types of characters can make up a party?
There are ten character classes that players can choose to make up their party, and they consist of the following:
- Human – Incredibly versatile possessing vast knowledge
- Khulaz – Possessing speed, dexterity, and childlike curiosity
- Felpurr – Descendants of cats that have cheerful personalities
- Bahamoon – Draconic and hardened individuals with powerful melee attacks
- Dwarf – Small in size but with beastly features and incredibly rugged
- Gnome – They possess special bodies and perform ranged attacks
- Diabolos – Descendants from the underworld that prefer solitude
- Fairy – They’re wise and possess powerful magic and healing abilities
- Elf – Physically attractive with phenomenal archery skills
- Celestia – Angels that strive for a harmonious and peaceful world
There’s no shortage of story-rich JRPGs available lately. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 comes to mind, yet that features a massive overworld for players to explore. And then, there’s the upcoming STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE that offers players a rich sci-fi saga.
So, it’s nice to have a title appear out of the blue that’s more lighthearted, even if less technically impressive. But still bring something unique to the table, such as its accessible gameplay mechanics, charming characters, and vibrant world. Let’s hope the English localization of this offbeat title satisfies western strategy RPG fans upon release. Stay tuned!