The NOexistenceN of Morphean Paradox: The Forest of Silver Shallots - A Turn-Based Tango with Translation Troubles
When RPG meets visual novel, and they both forget the tutorial
Launch Day Larry
In the realm of early access games, “The NOexistenceN of Morphean Paradox: The Forest of Silver Shallots” stands as a curious blend of visual novel storytelling and RPG mechanics. It’s like a cocktail party where the guests are a bit too shy to mingle, but you know there’s potential for a great night if they just loosen up a bit. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this ambitious title and see if it can live up to its intriguing premise.
Gameplay: A Strategic Symphony or a Number Cruncher’s Dream?
The gameplay of “The Forest of Silver Shallots” is a heady mix of turn-based combat and visual novel elements, with a dash of deck-building thrown in for good measure. Imagine “Darkest Dungeon” but with a range system that seems to have skipped class on the day of clarity. The combat system, while promising, often feels like a “number check” rather than a strategic dance. Players are left scratching their heads, wondering if they missed the memo on how to actually strategize beyond inputting the biggest numbers they can muster.
The user interface, meanwhile, seems to have taken inspiration from my teenage bedroom’s organization skills—clunky and hard to navigate. Players are clamoring for a fast-forward button and clearer pop-up notifications, not to mention a tutorial that doesn’t leave them feeling like they’ve been thrown into the deep end without a life preserver. The absence of a save or pause menu until Day 3 is a bold choice, akin to starting a marathon with your shoelaces tied together.
Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Font Fiascos
Visually, the game is a stunner. The anime art style is both refined and immersive, with character designs that are as unique as they are detailed. Lilith, in particular, steals the show with her captivating design and presence. However, the disparity in detail between main characters and their less important counterparts is a humorous nod to the hierarchy of character importance.
Yet, not all is rosy in the land of visuals. The font color and style often blend into the background, making text boxes a challenge to read. It’s as if the text decided to play a game of hide and seek with the players. Add to this the occasional graphical bug, like character expressions disappearing, and you have a visual experience that’s both breathtaking and occasionally baffling.
Story: A Narrative Labyrinth with Translation Twists
The story of “The Forest of Silver Shallots” is a meta-narrative delight, picking up from the previous game, “The NOexistenceN of you AND me.” It’s a tale within a tale, where the protagonist engages in an RPG with the enigmatic Lilith. This concept is as intriguing as it is confusing, especially for newcomers to the series. Character interactions, particularly with Lilith, are a highlight, described by some as “Absolute Cinema.”
However, the narrative is not without its hurdles. Translation issues abound, with untranslated text and grammatical errors peppering the dialogue. It’s like trying to enjoy a Shakespearean play with half the script missing. The pacing, too, could use a trim, with some sections dragging on like an anime filler episode. Despite these challenges, the story’s branching paths and replayability keep players engaged, even if they’re not entirely sure if repeated events are intentional or just bugs.
Final Verdict
“The NOexistenceN of Morphean Paradox: The Forest of Silver Shallots” is a game brimming with potential, yet hampered by its early access growing pains. Its engaging story and stunning visuals are offset by a combat system that needs more strategic depth and a UI that could use a serious makeover. With future updates, this game could blossom into a must-play title. For now, it’s a fascinating work in progress that will appeal to those willing to navigate its quirks.
Score: 6.7/10