Resonance of Fate

Gamer.no (9 out of 10)

Alle som seier japanske rollespel har stagnert og ikkje byr på noko nytt, har fått passet sitt påskrive ganske grundig. La Resonance of Fate sparke rumpa di, eller tei for all tid.

Quebec Gamers (8.6 out of 10)

Resonane of Fate ne sera jamais le gros RPG populaire qui sera nommé dans les choix des jeux de l'année, car ce n'est pas un jeu pour tout le monde. Mais, si vous savez apprécier un RPG unique et différent, je vous le conseille fortement! Personnellement, ce fut mon jeu de l'année en 2010, j'ai passé du bon temps avec!

MS Xbox World (8.5 out of 10)

If after the first few hours play you're not hooked, then you have no right calling yourself an RPG fan. Stern words and possibly a bit extreme, but somewhat true, as Tri-Ace haven't simply followed a tried and trusted formula, and have created something spectacular and rewarding instead. Guns are always cool in video games, but not seen so much in RPGs, and with this one making them the focus, stands out in the crowd for all the right reasons. With such a long adventure to battle through, some hair pulling challenges, and enough scope for countless hours levelling up; the game is well worth the price of entry for gamers serious about their games. If you're looking for a light adventure which holds your hand, then you might find this game a little too complex and tough for your tastes, but anyone else looking for some tactical encounters, weird characters, goofy music and some totally outrageous sexual innuendo, this is the game to focus on.

XboxAchievements (85 out of 100)

With a genre that rarely sees any sort of risks or innovation, Resonance of Fate offers both in spades and comes through with high marks at every turn. The battle system could use a bit of a softening in the early chapters, as well as the game's overall difficulty, but once mastered it becomes a lot of fun.

GameSpot (8.5 out of 10)

There is a lot of content in Resonance of Fate. It can take more than 60 hours to play through the entire adventure, and if you do every side quest along the way, you can push that number much higher. But it doesn't matter how long a game is if you aren't consistently engaged along the way. Thankfully, the exciting combat and quirky story make this game incredibly difficult to put down once you get sucked in, and there is always a new challenge waiting for you around the corner. Resonance of Fate is a challenging and deeply satisfying adventure that will keep you hooked until the very end.

PC Action (Germany) (2 out of 7)

Segas neues Rollenspiel ist erfreulich innovativ. Die Kämpfe werden mit aufrüstbaren Knarren bestritten und sind wie ein John-Woo-Film inszeniert. Zwar werden Feinschliff und Perfektionismus eines Final Fantasy nicht erreicht, das RPG rockt dennoch.

Vandal Online (8.3 out of 10)

Consigue crear una historia y un mundo interesante -aunque no para todos los públicos por su forma de narrarla-, que se combina bien con un sistema de juego original y muy divertido, mezclando varias ideas y sintetizándolas para lograr un excelente sistema de combate. Quizás no tenga el nombre de otros y llegue en el momento equivocado, y puede que por ello pase sin pena ni gloria, pero esperamos que sus buenas ideas no lo hagan.

Xboxdynasty (XD) (8.2 out of 10)

Unterm Strich bleibt Resonance of Fate eine etwas zwiespältige Angelegenheit. Auf der einen Seite steht massig verschenktes Potential: Warum haben Klamotten keine Auswirkungen auf meine Helden? Warum beherrsche ich von Beginn an das komplette Kampfsystem – und lerne in den restlichen 15 Kapiteln praktisch nichts mehr dazu?! Warum können die Menüs nicht etwas zugänglicher sein? Und vor allem: Warum zur Hölle entwickeln diese Wahnsinnigen von Tri-Ace ein so komplexes und geniales Kampfsystem, schaffen es aber nicht, dem Spieler mit einer vernünftigen Einführungsmission zur Hand zu gehen? Klar, solche Scherereien wie der zähe Story-Anfang, holperige Spieleinstieg oder das öde Textfenster-Tutorial sind typisch für japanische Rollenspiele. Aber genau mit solchen verstaubten Konventionen wollten die Entwickler doch brechen!

3D Juegos (8.1 out of 10)

Con un sistema de combate innovador y una estética que intenta alejarse de los convencionalismos nipones, Resonance of Fate es la representación del J-RPG rebelde y moderno, que pretende buscar esa senda que poco a poco va desapareciendo en el género del rol japonés: la senda de la originalidad. Si buscas algo diferente y no te intimida una dificultad -tal vez- demasiado elevada, lo nuevo de tri-Ace a buen seguro saciará tu sed rolera.

9lives (81 out of 100)

Resonance of Fate weet het stagnerende JRPG genre nieuw leven in te blazen dankzij het unieke gevechtssysteem waarin realtime en turnbased combat op een knappe manier door elkaar gemixed worden. Op visueel gebied is de game misschien niet zo sterk en door de steile leercurve is Resonance of Fate niet voor iedereen weggelegd, maar de sterke en strategische gameplay maakt deze kleine minpuntjes meer dan goed. Een aanrader voor JRPG fanaten die niet bang zijn om de handen vuil te maken.

Softpedia (8 out of 10)

Resonance of Fate is more than a game, it’s an attempt to rewrite RPG games, to break the traditional pattern and take this genre to the extreme. This is not a game for the average gamer, the complexity and the difficulty of the game is only recommend to true RPG fans. The hours you spend in-game more than make up for the value of the Resonance of Fate, and with 10 difficulty levels, I say go and buy a copy right now!

RPG Site (8 out of 10)

At the end of the day, Resonance of Fate is an RPG designed not only for hardcore JRPG fans, but for hardcore gamers, period. It's mechanics are entirely its own, it can be extremely confusing unless you invest serious time into learning its subtleties, and it requires heavy grinding and character customisation if you ever hope to see the ending. If these are the kind of elements that you appreciate in your gaming experience, Resonance of Fate is not a game that will disappoint. If they are not, stay well clear - this is a game that will appreciate you only as much as you do it.

games xtreme (8 out of 10)

RoF will reward those people who dig deep enough into their reserves to continue after they lose battle after battle. It will delight people looking for something a bit different from Final Fantasy or Star Ocean, it will certainly push the unique button in terms of the battle system's approach to gun based combat and does a good enough job of being a fun game until it becomes frustrating near the start. Bottom line, if you're not into these but you want to try it, rent it. Buy it if you're a Tri-Ace fan and want to see what they're up to.

4Players.de (80 out of 100)

Resonance of Fate braucht eine Weile, um seine Qualitäten zu entfalten. Es sieht nicht gut aus, der Einstieg gestaltet sich reichlich zäh, die Story plätschert zunächst belanglos vor sich hin und der Schwierigkeitsgrad zieht schnell und gnadenlos an. Gerade Letzteres kann allerdings auch ungemein motivierend sein - vor allem, wenn man zuvor gelangweilt durch ein Final Fantasy XIII gepflügt ist. Hat man alle Facetten des ungewöhnlichen Kampfsystems verinnerlicht, machen die taktischen Schusswechsel richtig Laune: Man legt Laufwege und Zugfolgen fest, nutzt die Spielumgebung zu seinem Vorteil, wechselt Waffen und Munitionsarten, lotet Schwachstellen aus, macht sich diverse Spezialangriffe zunutze und zerstört feindliche Waffen sowie Schutzschilde. Mit der Zeit wird auch die Hintergrundgeschichte interessanter, man experimentiert mit Zusätzen für seine Waffen herum, puzzelt auf originelle Weise neue Schauplätze frei und belegt ganze Areale mit hilfreichen Spezialeffekten.

GameTrailers (8 out of 10)

It's clear that lots of thought and attention went into every facet of Resonance of Fate. It's a very challenging experience that rewards players with the desire and endurance to reach the end. That being said, the difficulty and complex battle system will definitely turn off those who aren't accustomed to a game that pushes back so often. If you're looking for an RPG that breaks the norm, Resonance of Fate deserves a look.

Meristation (8 out of 10)

Resonance of Fate es uno de los mejores juegos de rol de esta generación, y una de las incursiones más originales dentro del género en los últimos años. Es un título tan único, tan cerrado en sí mismo, que tiene personalidad propia y se convierte en algo especial. Desde su excelente ambientación hasta el carisma de sus personajes hasta el original sistema de mapa del mundo, desde ese universo y ese argumento del que vamos formando parte a partir de matices que van cobrando sentido hasta el complejo sistema de combate, desde el bello acabado técnico hasta la gran cantidad de misiones y exploración a nuestra disposición. Resonance of Fate es un gran título que no es apto para todos, por su complejidad de sistema, su dificultad, y por lo frustrante que puede llegar a ser por momentos. Un soplo de aire fresco para los amantes del género, que cumple con creces las expectativas pese a que podría haber aspirado a un público más amplio.

Eurogamer.it (8 out of 10)

Nonostante i dubbi nati dal nostro hands-on, quindi, Resonance of Fate si è rivelato un validissimo GdR, tra i migliori esponenti della categoria nell'attuale generazione di console. Se fate parte dei numerosi appassionati delusi da Final Fantasy XIII, non disperate. L'alternativa è a portata di mano, e se riuscirete a superare l'inizio un po' troppo lento, verrete ripagati con gli interessi.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (8 out of 10)

Nevertheless, this is a hugely interesting game, as fascinating as it is frequently frustrating, as engaging as it is eccentric and, for those who are hooked by its quirky charms, it will provide one of the most inspired approaches to the JRPG seen in a decade.

GamePro (US) ( )

But for all of its breathtaking visuals and wonderfully deep tinkering, Resonance of Fate's combat system almost threatens to ruin an otherwise enjoyable RPG experience with schizophrenic gunplay mechanics that are nearly too demanding for their own good. Sure, if you can grind through numerous random battles without losing your patience, the experience can be rewarding when you finally succeed. But for the rest of you, I'd recommend something else if you're not ready to devote some serious study time to the hardcore, incredibly unforgiving trek through this steampunk city.

Eurogamer.es (8 out of 10)

Tiene ese obstáculo de accesibilidad que lo hace difícil de digerir para el público general, su historia está llena de situaciones incomprensibles pero al mismo tiempo brillantes, se sitúa en un mundo atemporal que es viejo y moderno al mismo tiempo. Como juego toma elementos clásicos del género pero también innova, especialmente en el sistema de combates. Es profundo y al mismo tiempo enigmático desde un punto de vista positivo, pero también tiene sus defectos -porque los juegos de culto también los tienen- y en este caso es el sistema de misiones. Aún con todo, el último juego de Tri-Ace encantará a los seguidores de los juegos de rol japoneses y es sin ninguna duda uno de los grandes de esta generación dentro del género. En el fondo, Resonance of Fate es como un buen vino, de esos que esconden todo su sabor en mil y un matices pero que solamente aquellos sommeliers que hayan catado muchos serían capaces de apreciar.

Spazio Games (8 out of 10)

Resonance of Fate è un buon J-rpg, il lavoro migliore dello studio tri-Ace in questa generazione. Senza dubbio è un titolo riservato esclusivamente ai giocatori più esperti e appassionati del genere mentre i meno avvezzi si troveranno completamente spiazzati dalla difficoltà e profondità del sistema di combattimento il quale, sin da subito, mette a disposizione del giocatore tutto il proprio potenziale senza guidarlo nell’apprendimento. Peccato per la scarsa qualità della narrazione, frammentaria e composta da personaggi stereotipati, poco approfonditi nella loro caratterizzazione psicologica. Speriamo che in futuro il team di sviluppo presti maggiore attenzione al ruolo della trama poiché le sue produzioni soffrono tutte del medesimo problema. Un titolo destinato ai veri hardcore gamer, un buon diversivo per chi cerca i classici elementi del genere, ma non vuole rinunciare a idee nuove e interessanti.

AceGamez (79 out of 100)

In fact, it’s actually quite a good game, and if it was the first of its kind or even a member of a rarer breed, it might be considered something of a masterpiece. The problem is that despite a unique and fun combat mechanic, some incredibly shiny FMV sequences and the inclusion of everyone’s favourite go-to-voice, Nolan North, it’s all been seen and done before. Higher marks are awarded here for the attempt by tri-Ace to do a lot of things differently, whilst the score is simultaneously nibbled away at by an over-reliance on cliché and me-too-isms. That said, genre fans will appreciate the new, faster-paced slant on turn-based combat whilst those who usually steer clear might well find themselves enamoured by the John Woo-beating gun-fu on display. In all honesty, there are an awful lot of eastern RPGs that are much worse than Resonance of Fate, but not very many that are that much better. Take from that what you will.

RPGFan (78 out of 100)

Overall, Resonance of Fate is a good game that took many risks in order to bring some new ideas to the JRPG market, while maintaining some traditional gameplay mechanics. Some of these ideas are good in theory, but in practice end up leading to some boring and repetitive battles. Regardless, it's a game worth trying during the RPG release dry season, and has the potential for many hours of gameplay. Depending on how many side quests you complete, the game can last anywhere from 30 to 60 hours, and with a battle arena in which to test your abilities, a difficult endgame dungeon, and second playthrough options, you can get much more than that. Give it a try if you want something different from the norm, but know that the game takes some getting used to.

Multiplayer.it (7.8 out of 10)

Certo, si tratta di un agglomerato di buone idee ben congegnato, un meccanismo perfetto - a proposito di steampunk - pur composto da ingranaggi piuttosto stravaganti. Permangono in certi casi dei grossi problemi di bilanciamento dati da un battle system che non concede (negli scontri più impegnativi) il minimo errore al giocatore, mentre sia l'elemento cinematografico e spettacolare che il ritmo narrativo incalzante, classici supporti che aiutano il giocatore a penetrare meglio nella lunga avventura del JRPG, non sono qui possenti come in altri prodotti similari. E' dunque una questione di predisposizione: se vi trovate a vostro agio nell'imparare tutte in una volta le strategie del complesso sistema di combattimento o le sottili leggi che regolano la gestione della mappa di gioco, allora questo titolo tri-Ace ha da offrire veramente qualcosa in più rispetto ad un normale RPG nipponico, altrimenti la frustrazione potrebbe prevalere.

Cheat Code Central (3.9 out of 5)

Resonance of Fate is, in many ways, an absolutely incredible feat. It's my hope that developers copy this battle system wholesale and tri-Ace further explores the many avenues presented here. It is unfortunate, however, that the rest of the experience is so utterly ho-hum. The story is bearable, if not completely forgettable; the world itself isn't that interesting, and though the combat shines like a radiant jewel, you won't be doing much else during the adventure. Resonance of Fate has greatness in it, but there's still much work to be done.

Everyeye.it (7.7 out of 10)

Resonance Of Fate si rivela una sorpresa inaspettata in una generazione di titoli sempre troppo guidati e di semplice fruizione: un omaggio agli appassionati JRPG di vecchia scuola che unisce in maniera intelligente il classicismo all’innovazione. Il suo più grande pregio, tuttavia, si rivela anche il suo peggior difetto: l’appeal della produzione è infatti decisamente limitato ad una ristretta nicchia di giocatori, risultando, per gli altri, davvero molto frustrante in quanto inadatto ad un divertimento disimpegnato per passare un’oretta. Un JRPG senza compromessi, insomma, che farà felici gli affamati di combattimenti ed esplorazione lasciando però l’amaro in bocca per un comparto tecnico che, nonostante artisticamente ispirato, non riesce a stare totalmente al passo con la corrente generazione.

XGN (7.5 out of 10)

Ben jij op zoek naar een RPG die weer eens iets anders biedt dan bijvoorbeeld Final Fantasy XIII? En ben je niet vies van een lastige en uitgebreide gameplay? Dan is Resonance of Fate de game voor jou.

GameWatcher / Strategy Informer (7.2 out of 10)

It’s a solid effort from tri-Ace in the end, and a marked improvement on their other titles this generation, but the solid gameplay is let down by its sometimes overwhelming difficulty and a bland story and world-design.

videogamer.com (7 out of 10)

From the word go, everything in Resonance of Fate is available to the player; side quests, weapon customisation, grinding for experience and items, a battle arena, and NPCs to chat with about the weather. All of this is thrown into a stylish, believable game world, driven by an interesting - if slightly badly delivered – narrative. The battle system is perhaps the game’s strongest asset, with stylish gun-slinging action that wouldn’t look all that out of place in something like Devil May Cry. RPG fans who lean towards story and character development may want to stick with Final Fantasy, but for those willing to try something different, Resonance of Fate could be just the ticket. It’s a welcome fusion of the traditional and the new, and a step in the right direction for the JRPG.

IGN (7 out of 10)

Resonance of Fate is for the hardcore JRPG fan. It can be difficult and confusing, and requires a lot of grinding and heavy lifting to make it through to the close. The visuals and storytelling don't do it any favors, either. I found the battle system to be the saving grace. It's unique and requires a lot of strategy and commitment, even while offering a turn-based system at the core. Resonance of Fate won't go down as a classic RPG, but it will give those looking for something different a nice adventure.

Official Xbox Magazine (UK) (7 out of 10)

All that mandatory repetition roots Resonance of Fate deep in a particularly hardcore niche. But there undoubtedly will be those who are drawn by its peculiar design, and they will eventually grow to love it - despite its obvious cruelty.

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (7 out of 10)

Resonance of Fate could have been truly great. It possesses an intriguing plot that gradually unveils itself, complete with complex adversaries whose goals are far more sympathetic than the usual "I'm conquering everything, MUA HA HA HA!!!" tripe, plus there’s an innovative combat system that affords players plenty of customization options. But, man, a couple of those late-game filler missions detract from that otherwise excellent plot and made it tough for me to maintain my interest just as the challenges grew tough enough to demand it, and the way you can't access menus inside dungeons just seems like a cheap way to add an extra touch of difficulty. Combine that with the tendency battles have to eat up time while you rely on hero runs and the game winds up merely being a solid offering, one that requires a lot of dedication if you want to ever reach the end.

Level 7 (7 out of 10)

Resonance of Fate innebär inte direkt en revolution för genren, men har ett imponernade stridssytem som kräver aktiv handling och strategiskt tänkande, snarare än att trycka sig igenom menyer. Spelets största utmaning och samtidigt behållning är just striderna och den relativt höga svårighetsgraden. Handling och dialog utmärker sig däremot inte och tillsammans med relativt tråkiga uppdrag, känns det som att vissa delar av spelet inte fått lika stor uppmärksamhet. Man tar några steg framåt, men samtidigt ett kliv rätt bakåt.

Gamer.nl (7 out of 10)

Resonance of Fate doet bijna alles op zijn eigen manier en dat vergt de nodige gewenning. Ben je eenmaal over de hoge drempel heen, dan staat je een verslavend en origineel grindfeest te wachten dat het niet moet hebben van het verhaal of de omgevingen.

Game Informer Magazine (6.75 out of 10)

Overall, Resonance of Fate may appeal to the JRPG connoisseur who is looking for an interesting and challenging new take on combat. Others most likely will be thrown off by the silliness, steep learning curve, required grinding, and other pains – especially when there are so many recent well-rounded RPGs out there.

1UP (C+)

Resonance of Fate features some pretty substantial (and fussy) systems made for endless fiddling and tinkering -- which is why it's a shame that the learning curve is so ludicrously steep. As long as you're comfortable with devoting up to 20 hours learning the game's rules, there's a lot of enjoyment to be had for your average RPG fan. But honestly, those 20 hours could be spent more productively elsewhere.