This Means Insanity Lies is a retro-inspired title that mixes JRPG parts with a Shakespearean narrative. It might sound like an odd pairing, however whether or not you’re a budding thespian with anime aspirations or a Sailor Moon aficionado who dabbles within the classics of William Shakespeare, this distinctive combo has you lined. And yep, it completely works. Hey, to thine personal self be true.
This journey has quite a bit going for it. Let’s begin with the story. It’s fairly bonkers, nevertheless it’s additionally charming, humorous, and really tongue-in-cheek. You play the function of Imogen, a scholar at Stratford-Upon-Avon Excessive. She wields a magical scepter that grants her magical powers, together with the power to teleport between dimensions. She additionally occurs to be a part of the varsity’s drama society. Between rehearsals for his or her subsequent efficiency, her crew of wannabe actors kinds a superhero-esque group. They go into motion by suiting up in basic anime fashion; therefore the sooner Sailor Moon reference.
There’s a good quantity of dialogue, nevertheless it’s fast-paced and humorous. There’s additionally much less ye olde English than you may count on, although it’s definitely current. The very best half is, for those who don’t perceive a lick of Shakespeare, a fast faucet of a button immediately interprets it for you. Not solely does this assist out anybody battling these tough phrases, it’s additionally translated in such a intelligent means that I discovered myself flicking forwards and backwards each time simply to see what they might say in trendy English. It’s a singular mechanic that’s cleverly used.
The graphical fashion is one other large professional; it’s proper up my alley. If you happen to, like me, benefit from the 16-bit styling of titles like Secret of Mana, you’ll end up equally enamored. It’s not fairly as gorgeous as that 1993 title, nevertheless it’s pretty to behold as you traverse varied realms. The music is simply as pleasant, with catchy, fast-paced tunes that mix an upbeat anime fashion with older twinklings harking back to Shakespeare’s period. It’s very effectively executed.
The turn-based gameplay is one other deal with for gamers of basic titles. Your group assaults or defends by utilizing weapons, magic, or gadgets, then the enemy section begins. The enjoyable lies in testing totally different offensive strikes to see what works, with loads of on-screen stats accessible to help. It’s also possible to relaxation your character to replenish any depleted strikes. The very best half is a particular team-up capacity that mixes your teammates in distinctive strikes that ship extra injury. They’re additionally simply enjoyable to look at.
There are many choices to maintain gamers fulfilled within the accessibility division, too. It can save you the sport at any level, with a number of save spots accessible. This provides you the chance to revisit a earlier save state and check out a distinct path. The in-game menu additionally lets you change your occasion’s gadgets and weapons, and even allow them to have a brief dialog. It’s also possible to regulate the problem setting at any time. One notable absence, although, is a map. It’s not all the time essential, however I often discovered myself wandering in circles throughout some scenes.
If this sounds wonderful, effectively, it kinda is. And it comes at a price range value, too. In fact, at $9.99, there’s a compromise on recreation size. This isn’t the kind of JRPG that can preserve you going for weeks or months; it’s extra prone to be over inside just a few nights or over a weekend. That stated, it’s an pleasant time whereas it lasts.
Total, This Might Insanity Lies uniquely blends JRPG parts with the world of William Shakespeare. It has the whole lot going for it, from a humorous story to an exquisite 16-bit styling that smacks of basic ‘90s titles. It will not be the hardest or longest title, however for those who’re a fan of anime, Shakespeare, or JRPGs on the whole, you’ll discover enjoyment right here.