I've never been very interested in tactical RPGs, with only a few rare exceptions like Triangle Strategy. So when I picked up Unicorn Overlord, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Man, was I blown away. This game absolutely grabbed me from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the final credits rolled.
The art style, in true Vanillaware fashion, is easily one of the biggest strengths of the game. It is honestly stunning! Every single frame looks like a living painting, from the detailed character designs to the gorgeous, vibrant backgrounds. It's the kind of game where you just want to stop and stare at the screen sometimes.
I also really love fully voiced games, and this one didn't disappoint in the least. I played with the Japanese voice acting, and it was top-tier. The cast did a phenomenal job bringing the story to life, and it genuinely made me care so much more for the characters and their journeys.
On top of that, the music was great for the most part. It fits the fantasy vibe perfectly, and there are some really noteworthy, epic tracks in there that heavily enhanced the tension and excitement of the battles.
Speaking of the battles, the combat system is automatic, decided completely by your team composition, gear, and skill selection. At first, I thought that not having direct control over the characters during combat was going to be a dealbreaker for me. I was completely wrong! Tweaking your squads and watching your strategy play out perfectly is incredibly addictive. I ended up becoming deeply fond of this gameplay style.
Vanillaware games hardly ever miss, and this one is definitely no exception. It's an absolutely fantastic game that I'd recommend to anyone, even if you don't think you're a fan of the genre!
