Welcome to Honest Gamer, your go-to source for unbiased opinions, reviews, and insights into the world of gaming. Today, we delve into “Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars,” a unique RPG experience developed by Square Enix and Alim. Released on October 28, 2021, this game is available on various platforms, including PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Join us as we explore this card-based adventure, covering gameplay mechanics, narrative depth, visual aesthetics, and much more.
In “Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars,” players embark on a fantastical journey reminiscent of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Guided by the creative direction of Yoko Taro, renowned for titles such as NieR Automata, this RPG offers a fresh twist with its card-based aesthetics. As you assume the role of a young adventurer accompanied by a peculiar monster companion, Mar, your quest unfolds in a medieval fantasy realm plagued by a menacing dragon. The narrative, though initially familiar, takes intriguing turns, showcasing Yoko Taro’s signature storytelling style with surprising depth and occasional dark undertones.
A distinctive feature of “Voice of Cards” is its reliance on narration rather than voice acting, creating a unique storytelling atmosphere enriched by sharp writing and witty dialogue. Despite the absence of traditional voiceovers, the narrative remains engaging, complemented by humorous narration that adds a layer of charm to the gameplay experience. The absence of voice acting is compensated by excellent writing, ensuring an immersive journey filled with memorable moments.
Gameplay in “Voice of Cards” revolves around exploration, character customization, and strategic turn-based combat. The grid-based movement system, reminiscent of tabletop games, offers a refreshing approach to traversal. Encounters and events punctuate your exploration, presenting choices that influence the outcome, adding depth to the gameplay loop. Character customization is robust, allowing players to equip party members with various weapons, armor, and accessories, each contributing to distinct playstyles and strategies.
Combat mechanics in “Voice of Cards” are intuitive yet strategic, employing turn-based tactics with elements of chance. The utilization of cards for attacks, defenses, and skills introduces a layer of unpredictability, enhancing the tactical depth of battles. While combat encounters provide engaging challenges, some players may find the difficulty lacking, particularly due to overpowered skills and repetitive encounters.
Visually, “Voice of Cards” boasts a charming card-based aesthetic that breathes life into characters and creatures, showcasing intricate details and vibrant designs. However, the visual appeal diminishes over prolonged gameplay, as environmental designs become repetitive and lackluster. Despite this drawback, the game’s soundtrack, composed by the talented team behind NieR Replicant, elevates the experience with its emotive melodies and dynamic compositions.
In conclusion, “Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars” offers a compelling RPG adventure that combines inventive gameplay mechanics, captivating storytelling, and charming aesthetics. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it succeeds in delivering an enjoyable and memorable experience for fans of JRPGs and card-based games alike. With its blend of humor, strategy, and whimsical charm, this title stands as a noteworthy addition to Square Enix’s diverse portfolio.
Honest Rating: 7.5/10
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