Lost Sphear, developed by Tokyo RPG Factory and published by Square Enix, is a role-playing game that attempts to capture the essence of classic JRPGs. However, despite its nostalgic charm, the game falls short in several areas.
The story of Lost Sphear revolves around a young boy named Kanata, who discovers that his hometown and many other places have mysteriously disappeared. Alongside a group of friends, Kanata embarks on a journey to restore the lost memories and bring back what was taken.
One of the first things that stand out in Lost Sphear is its beautiful art style. The game boasts a colorful and detailed world that harkens back to the golden age of JRPGs. The environments are a joy to explore, and each area is meticulously crafted to immerse the player in its unique atmosphere.
However, the game's narrative fails to match the beauty of its visuals. The story starts promisingly enough but quickly becomes convoluted and predictable. Character development is lacking, with most of the cast feeling one-dimensional and forgettable. The dialogue often falls into clichés and feels uninspired, which further diminishes the emotional impact of the story.
Combat in Lost Sphear is turn-based and reminiscent of classic RPGs. While it can be enjoyable at times, the mechanics lack depth and become repetitive after a while. The game introduces the "Vulcosuits" system, which allows characters to equip different suits for enhanced abilities. However, this feature feels underutilized and fails to add significant strategic depth to the battles.
One area where Lost Sphear excels is its sound design. The soundtrack, composed by Tomoki Miyoshi, is a highlight of the game. The music perfectly complements the atmosphere of each location and effectively evokes a sense of nostalgia. Voice acting is also well done, adding personality to the characters despite their lackluster development.
In terms of gameplay length, Lost Sphear offers around 30 to 40 hours of content, which is decent for a JRPG. However, the lack of meaningful side quests or additional content makes the experience feel somewhat shallow.
In conclusion, Lost Sphear is a visually stunning game that falls short in its narrative and gameplay mechanics. While it captures the nostalgia of classic JRPGs, it fails to deliver a memorable and engaging experience. If you're a die-hard fan of the genre, you might find some enjoyment in Lost Sphear, but for most players, it's a forgettable journey.
