Azure Saga: Pathfinder is a turn-based game that married sci-fi and fantasy elements; With the Fantasy elements involving the creatures and magic that appears in-game. It starts from the Sci-Fi end where the hero Synch finds himself stranded in Exonia along with his droid, Noide. There, they meet High Priestess Clery who they ask for help in order to get off the planet. Unfortunately, they find themselves tangled in more problems which center around the mythical planet – Azure.
After playing the game a bit and still am, Azure Saga: Pathfinder is definitely a breath of fresh air compared to many other games that are usually using graphics as their selling point rather than their story-telling. Azure Saga: Pathfinder marries both the story-telling elements of a fantasy-based game and the modern plays of a sci-fi game, bringing both elements together into a turn-based game. For those looking into it, here’s my Azure Saga: Pathfinder Review to help you decide whether or not you should buy the game.
Platform Reviewed: PC
Platforms Available: PC
Developer: MassHive Media
Publisher: MassHive Media
Release Date: March 14, 2018
MSRP: $9.74
This review is based on a review code provided by MassHive Media.
Graphics: Awesome
Azure Saga: Pathfinder’s graphics are awesome. Not in the sense where you can see all the guts and blood fly after killing an enemy, but rather, it resurrects the old style of fantasy games which has a more novel-like approach. The art may not be grim and realistic as to what most people are used to seeing, but it does have a gentle and whimsical approach as if looking into an oil painting. This makes the game more appealing to players of younger ages.
While playing the game, it kind of reminded me of the old fantasy games such as Ateiler Iris and Threads of Fate. Both games may be medieval, but it does give off that old fantasy vibe that a lot of old-school gamers are looking for.
Storyline: Above Average
The storyline of Azure Saga: Pathfinder’s quite interesting. Even while retaining the old style of Fantasy games where the story’s quite linear, it does have some elements that give it a twist; This is especially seen with Synch and Noide who begin making their way around Exonia. What originally was meant to be a plan to leave the planet soon got them entangled in political plays and other problems. Surprisingly though, it did have a good number of well-made unexpected turns. But for someone who has constantly played games like this, the plot can still get predictable, especially when figuring out who the villain is.
Gameplay: Above Average
When I started playing the game it reminded me of the days I used to play Ateiler Iris. However, it also had that Xenogears feel where there are also multiple game mechanics taking place. In this case, there’s Multi-Attack which it takes on all the skills of their allies and unleashes it against the enemy. They also have Fury which is the “limit break” or the “Overdrive” of the game where they unleash a devastating move.
Running through the place also somewhat reminded me of the dungeons that I went through in Tales of Destiny 2 on the Playstation One; the exception being Azure Saga Pathfinder having a lot of effort being put into the graphics. Despite the game being cube-like in structure in particular areas, it still manages to give off a realistic feel.
Over-All: It’s a good game
Azure Saga: Pathfinder is a good game, especially for those who enjoy both fantasy and sci-fi elements. Also, if you’re looking for a game that won’t kick up one’s blood pressure but still contains some form of challenge, then this definitely something you should play. If you’re a person who likes games based on aesthetics, then you’ll probably appreciate the artistry of this title especially since it has a novel-like storytelling setting.
