Review: Alphadia Genesis (Wii U)

Alphadia Genesis is the first JRPG from acclaimed developers KEMCO. The story chronicles an epic adventure with Fray and his investigative team from the Archleign Kingdom as they set out to solve a mysterious murder case in a nearby city.

Pros:

• Vibrant graphics used.  The pixel graphics emit warm nostalgic comfortable feelings as like a Snes game would give.  The graphics used in combat is a more detailed 3D model.  Again then look fantastic.
• Two difficulties easy and normal.
• Easy mode will not only weaken the enemies,  But also introduce safe spots where you can instantly heal your party.
• In depth help section with new parts added as you unlock them.
• Optional opening tutorials.
• Game is mirrored on both the Gamepad and TV.
• Left stick and D Pad controls.
• Can fast forward conversations.
• Save when/where ever you like.
• Three save slots.
• Clear UI using icons for ease of use.
• Can zoom in and out of the map and also the game screen.
• The whole game is a retro inspired feast.  With strong links to Zelda, Final Fantasy and Chronic Trigger games.
• Gameplay is a RPG with full party management and levelling.
• Decent story of Man vs clones.
• Random battles all though in some dungeons you do get a yellow then red glow around the screen as a battle approaches.
• Battles are turn based and you can use magic attacks, items and more. it takes the now widely popular Final Fantasy approach to fighting.
• Earn experience from missions and kills.  Level up to increase stats and unlock new moves.
• Collect AGP (Alphadia Genesis Points) to buy rare items at specialist shops.
• AGP are hidden in the world and emit a light.  Sometimes you need to zoom in in order to see them.
• Secret passages and rooms to find.  Again zooming in can help find the cracks and holes.
• Find chests with loot.
• Party management allows you to change formations,  manage gear,  setup move sets and much more.
• Equip section has a button that auto equips all your strongest gear.
• Side quests can be found and completed for bonus experience and loot.
• Buy/sell items at shops using gold found.
• Fast loading.
• Travelling from area to area is done by roaming the map. Taking a leaf out of ZELDA NES,  You are a big sprite traversing the land.  Random battles can still happen.
• You can bring up the world map at any point.
• Mission market to show where you need to go.
• Hours of content.
• many different areas to explore from forests to deserts and snow.

Cons:

• Cannot rename or personalise the team.
• No touchscreen support.
• Zoom doesn’t lock meaning if you zoom in then move,  The camera defaults back.
• All attack animations look the same.
• Directions for your objective get shoe horned into the story.  it just breaks the mood.
• World map is just a overlay and with that not very detailed.
• No map was found for when you are in cities or villages.
• Very text heavy.
• Stop,  Start gameplay.

In summary, The game is a lot of fun and takes a lot of inspiration from the RPG greats.  You get an easily accessible RPG where you have all the control of a top game,  Coupled with a easy interface and minimum interaction needed.  It’s all just streamlined really well is what I am saying. It fits the game pad really well and for me was the better way to experience it. this game will be loved by fans and new players will really appreciate the approach taken to what is usually a heavy experience. This is a excellent RPG game and we’ll worth a look.