Ok so here are some brief impressions from playing one single combat before I turn in for the night. I'll start with the most superficial (aesthetic) observations first, then move on to gameplay:
+ Music is generic but not bad even though game is still in alpha. Sound effects also provide good feedback for hits/dodges.
+ Icons are nice. Team 21 has got some bretty gud artists.
+ Although the PCs are pregens, they do have a nice selection of skills to complement and synergise with one another across the board. If Team 21 can offer more skills to choose from in the final version, I can imagine there would be a good number of permutations for party compositions
+ In addition to class-specific skills, you can also choose to end your turn with defensive moves like Block and Counterattack.
+ Attack of Opportunity is in.
+ You can flank and backstab. Because of AoO, I find this creates a nice risk-benefit balance.
+ Spells have different effects. This makes positioning all the more important. Lightning, for instance, can strike one other random person within a certain range; then there are some spells that require you to fire from beyond Range 1.
- Graphics are on potatoland shovelware level, but you guys probably knew that already
Honestly, I had my doubts about this project. I still do. The graphics and poor translation reek of European shovelware. Maybe someday my $90 will be used to buy a house or hookers'n'blow. HOWEVER - and I do stress this was a major push for my putting in of $90 - while the developers seemingly gave the impression back then that they knew what they were talking about with regard to RPG rulesets, this alpha demonstrates that they're on the right track. I am feeling a lot more optimistic about the final product after playing the alpha. Closely keeping an eye on future developments.
might very well be GOTY 18 if they live up.
