Time and Eternity: Part 1

[renegadeclan]

 
Today I started playing Time and Eternity. Okay, I started a little yesterday, but today I actually sat down to really play. I am only to the Assassin Guild's Base, but I think that's far enough to form an adequate review.

First off, Time and Eternity is a JRPG published by Bandai Namco Entertainment and developed by Imageepoch. This is the first game I've ever played by this developer, but so far I would be willing to give another game of theirs a shot. Not to say, I am going to go out right now and buy another one of their games, but maybe on a miserable rainy day when I just want something different.

Let me tell you, this game is different. From the way the HUD is displayed, to the blatant tropes each character represents without a hint of regret, to the way the menus work, to the way the game makes fun of the hand wavey logic of other games in it's genre.

The Hero of the story, is a useless knight that either is a complete pervert or a closet pervert with a loving heart. It really depends on how you choose to play. Interestingly enough, the Hero isn't really the main character of the story itself and I kinda like that.

The main characters are Toki and Towa, two girls that share the same body and go on a time traveling adventure. No spoilers there. It's on the game's packaging. The explanation for why, though hand wavey sometimes, is interesting in and of itself. I really like the girls, their personal deliemmas, how different they are, and how in synch with each other they are. It's like sharing a body with your best friend. No need to look for one, Toki has one built in! Their use of time magic in battle is interesting and maybe a little confusing, but how it all fits with the plot is pretty decent for this adventure into tropes. 

Several times I caught myself chuckling at and with the characters. They are really funny

One thing that I am undecided about is how you manage your relationship between Tora and Towa. On one hand, it makes sense because you were in the middle of getting married to them before stuff happened, but on the other I am just tired of how all of the girls are treated like objects. I strongly agree with Reiji about The Hero. The way the game handles the actual affection system is really great and I am trying really hard to make the affection remain even between both girls. I don't want to choose one over the other, it seems like the ultimate step into douchebaggery. Play the game and tell me I am wrong. I dare you.


The battles are fun, but easy once you understand what you are doing. They are pretty unique too and bring back a lot of nostalgia about watching an enemy's attack pattern a couple times before crushing them into dust. I can't imagine why anyone would veer need to play on easy mode. Maybe things get a lot harder later on? I don't know.

The graphics are beautifully hand drawn. Each character is very distinctive and beautiful, even the enemies! One thing about that though is it creates this weird effect when moving Toki or Towa on the field. It's hard to explain. The characters also have very repetitive movements that can be very unnecessary or too still. It's something I'm willing to overlook though because it's just so darn pretty.

The music isn't anything to write home about, but it's not distracting, while managing to be pretty and easy to focus while listening to. It does it's job well enough.

The voice acting on the other hand is very well done! In fact, the girls and are so well voiced, that the fact The Hero is voice by such an awful voice actor is made all that more apparent. Did I mention I really don't like him very much? The only thing that salvages the poor choice in player character, is the fact we get to hear the Japanese version, not just the english one.

That makes me happy.

But let's be honest, I buy games wondering if it's going to be worth the $5- $50 I spent on them. This game was only $15 at Gamestop preowned in great condition, so I'm not that upset. Personally, I wouldn't have forked over more than $12, but It's a good addition to any JRPG lovers library. It's a niche game that knows how to take itself lightly and do something different. It's refreshing and I'll probably play it a few months after I finish it.


Let's rebel by reading about strong women role models.

Until Next Time,
Nal
 
 

 
Time and Eternity:
A refreshing, niche JRPG that is worth at least picking up and trying.

Overall Score:   7/10
Gameplay:   7/10
Graphics:   8/10
Sound:   7/10
Lasting Appeal:   6/10


Bonus Question: 2 points (Everyone like to earn stuff. Redeem your points for fun stuff!)
What game should I play and review next?