Divine Dynamo Flamefrit Review (Nintendo Switch OLED)

Summary

Divine Dynamo Flamefrit offers a nostalgic journey with its decent pixel art graphics and old-school presentation, reminiscent of classic SNES games. The game is lightweight, with a download size of just 94.7MB, and provides both Japanese and English voice options. Players can enjoy a top-down adventure RPG experience in a 3D game world, where they control a 2D sprite. The game features an awesome soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere. The enemies are well-designed, and their health bars are always visible, adding to the strategic element of combat. The stamina bar for rolling, which allows players to avoid damage when rolling through enemies, adds a layer of depth to the hack-and-slash combat system. Players can perform hold-down attacks and combos, and the screen size can be adjusted with a button press, offering both fullscreen and bordered options. The game is accessible, with many breakable objects that may contain health or mana drops, and a health bar system where players can pick up hearts to refill their health.

The game includes an opening tutorial section, in-game interactions, still art cutscenes, and some in-game encounters. Players can pause the game at any time, and save points not only save progress but also refill health and mana bars instantly while respawning all defeated enemies. Fire attacks can set the grass on fire, adding a tactical element to combat. The game world is divided into screens, similar to “Zelda: Link to the Past,” and is just large enough to encourage exploration with multiple routes and secrets to discover. Players can use either the d-pad or the stick for movement. Boss battles are unique, as players control a mech in first-person view, allowing them to shoot, parry, block, and sword-swipe their enemies. Special over-the-top attacks can be built up and activated during boss fights. Puzzle elements are scattered throughout the game, and rescuing friends grants new abilities and attacks.

However, the game has its drawbacks. Save points are far apart, which becomes frustrating when players die and have to replay large portions of the game. Getting hit while charging a shot ends the charge instantly, and learning how and when to dodge attacks and projectiles is a constant challenge. Parts of the scenery can be difficult to discern, making it hard to determine if they are on the same level, above, beyond, or merely cosmetic. The game also suffers from constant difficulty spikes and frustrating level designs, often leading players to locked doors without keys, forcing them to backtrack. Additionally, the game is light on content in terms of mechanics and items, which may leave some players wanting more.

In summary, Divine Dynamo Flamefrit is a charming throwback to classic RPGs with its pixel art graphics, engaging soundtrack, and satisfying combat system. While it offers a rich and nostalgic experience, the game is marred by its frustrating save point system, difficulty spikes, and lack of content. Despite these issues, it remains an accessible and enjoyable game for fans of the genre.