If you're searching for a game that disregards today's snowflake standards and daringly ventures into the territories of death, despair, and redemption, then 'Crystar' is your answer. Developed by Gemdrops and published by FuRyu, 'Crystar' hit the shelves in Japan in 2018 and made its way to the Western audience in 2019. Set in the afterlife-world known as Purgatory, 'Crystar' tells an engaging tale of Rei Hatada, a girl who battles through this realm to save her sister's soul by confronting her darkest memories.
The Plot That's Not For The Faint-Hearted: The moment you kick off your journey in 'Crystar,' you are greeted with a narrative heavily centered upon death and self-discovery. This isn't your usual feel-good story, but rather one that dives into serious themes of regret, suffering, and redemption. Our protagonist, Rei, has been thrust into a dire scenario where you're not just slashing through enemies, but also dealing with the heavy burden of conscience and family. It's bold, and it doesn't apologize for its audacity.
A Beautifully Dark World: 'Crystar' creates a world that's artistically stunning and atmospherically heavy. Purgatory isn't meant to be a joyful setting, and it succeeds in conveying that with hauntingly beautiful graphics and music that drive the somber mood home. It’s an environment where even beauty holds an unsettling undertone, reinforcing the game's focus on the duality of emotions.
Combat That Keeps You On Edge: You won't find the typical over-simplified combat here that many modern titles fall back upon. 'Crystar' offers hack-and-slash mechanics paired with strategic elements. Think smart, act fast, and don't expect the game to hold your hand. It's intense and demands attention, providing a gratifying experience for those who appreciate a challenge over spoon-fed victories.
Cry To Strengthen: Rei isn't just a warrior; she's a character sculpted by her experiences and tears. The game introduces a unique mechanic wherein crying is cleansing. Tears are powerful; they purify, they strengthen, and they drive the narrative forward. It’s a testament to the game's theme that resilience isn't about holding back sentiments, but confronting and embracing them.
Character Development That Goes Beyond Surface-Level: It's rare to find characters that grow organically while addressing their fears and shame. Each character in 'Crystar' is shaped by their journeys within Purgatory. They aren’t just running through the map; they are evolving, facing their past, and making progress even when the odds seem grim.
Dialogue That Packs A Punch: Forget about dialogue tailored not to offend—'Crystar' tells it like it is. Conversations and character interactions are raw and mere reflections of the emotional turmoil characters undergo. The dialogue is a powerful vehicle for the plot, not an obstacle, and delivers hard-hitting moments without mincing words.
Music That Captures The Heart: Emotionally charged soundtracks accompany Rei with evocative tunes that complement the profound narrative. The music serves not just as background dirge, but as a central component in immersing players into the game’s emotionally taxing journey.
A Game for Players Who Crave Depth: If you're looking for a game that goes beyond superficial fun, 'Crystar' is the way to go. It's not just about defeating foes; it's about understanding the value of perseverance in a world that often feels devoid of hope. This game isn't designed for those seeking escapism, but for those after a tangible connection with character arcs and story depth.
Critics Can't Handle It: Let's get this straight—all the noise you hear about 'Crystar' being too grim isn’t surprising. We live in a world too focused on pleasing sensibilities that lacks the courage to deal with raw, unfiltered narratives. 'Crystar' embraces its shadows to illuminate truths many shy away from. It asks players to engage emotionally, rather than being passive participants.
The Real Deal: At its core, 'Crystar' is both a reflection and a critique of the human condition. It's a spiritual journey that mirrors real life's trials, aiming to offer players not just an understanding of courage and resilience but also posing a question about the price of redemption.
'Crystar' knows what it stands for and makes no pretensions about its impact despite what those who might expect hand-holding narratives might say.