EpicMegaman64

While HarmoKnight gives off a solid impression early on, it's hard not to notice how little there really is to the game. Nothing is quite compelling enough to return to. Specifically, as a rhythm platformer, neither the platforming nor the music particularly stands out. That said, the tunes are generally rather pleasant, even if they do fail to make a lasting impact, and you may manage to have some fun with HarmoKnight. The simple fact is: there's a better rhythm platformer in BIT.TRIP RUNNER for the 3DS's own BIT.TRIP SAGA.

Unchained Blades throws you into the role of Fang, the slightly ignorant Dragon Emperor, who approaches the Goddess and Creator Clunea. The Goddess grants the wish of any who meets her. Fang orders her to tell him the name of the most powerful being in the world, making it clear that it is not a wish. Clunea then punishes him by tossing him to the earth in his fledgling, humanoid form. Fang then swears that he will beat the Goddess in battle for her actions. When you start the game, you will be introduced to the controls and the first Labyrinth of the game, the Temple of Trials. This Labyrinth acts as a small version of Titans that serve as the main exploration points of the game. These Titans are massive, and will require many returns to town to be fully explored. The main systems of the game aren't that different from other RPG's. Your towns have inns for reviving fallen teammates and healing your party. The guild lets you pick side quests. The shop lets you buy items and equipment. Finally, there is a shop to mix items into stronger items. Dungeon exploration is also very familiar. Your map is laid out in each tile you move onto. The battle system is pretty familiar, as well, though you do have some new features. You have your standard attack, and Skills that use MP. You can flee, block or use items. As an enemy reaches a low health margins a circle may appear around them, allowing you to use the Unchain ability to make an enemy a Follower. Followers can be assigned to your characters to aid them in battle by following up an attack or defending your character. And, believe me; you’ll need the followers, as the battle get very difficult as soon as you enter the first Titan. Speaking of characters, each one is very different and unique. There is Fang, a Golem Prince, a young Mandrake girl, a Medusa girl, a Reaper swordsman and his sister, and a Phoenix Princess, and a Spirit Fox Ranger. Each character has their own personality, appearance, and reason to seek out the Goddess, causing a nice contrast in their story developments. Their battle styles are all different as well, creating many possible combinations. The story is not a huge focus of the game. It serves as more **** for the game. The rest of the story is mainly character development and revelations of ideals and reasons for their audience with the Goddess. This keeps the story from slowing down the game’s speed and overall flow, as well as avoiding lack of interest in the dialog. The music in the game is superb. When exploring towns and Titans, the music maintains a proper atmosphere, while, at the same time, ingraining itself in your head. The battle themes perfectly define the change in pace. I especially enjoy the somewhat eerie feel of the music for the Temple of Trials and the epic boss theme. Overall, Unchained Blades is a truly epic game calling back to old school RPG’s. Although exploring Titans the whole game can sometimes feel endless, especially with the repetitive art style, the battle system, characters, story, and music all make this a very memorable experience that I won’t forget.