Tsugunai: Atonement Review

Tsugunai: Atonement is the standard for a good old-fashioned, turn-based RPG. You play as a Raven, another name for mercenary, named Reise. You start out exploring an old, decaying castle trying to find an artifact called the Treasure Orb of Danu. However, after you get it, you awake the God of Light and he is not too pleased. He punishes you by changing you into a spirit and the only way for you to be restored to your body you must possess certain person and solve the root of their misfortune. Now, onto the review:

Graphics: 7/10

While the graphics aren't the best, they do the job. The simplicity of the graphics is a contrast to the game's story, which is somewhat complex. The animation, however, is very smooth and fluid.

Story: 10/10

The most important thing about any game, the story. The story is the make or break factor for a game. Thankfully, in this case, the story is thoroughly put together. The story lags ever so slightly at some points, but it's never anything that takes away from the playing experience. The ability to "possess" people is an innovative twist. You will possess the village folk, a monk, a fellow Raven, and even a dog. A dog for goodness sake. The chance for variety is obvious from the start. Some of the people you possess are constantly fighting, while some of them don't fight at all.

Music: 10/10

Oh, the music on this is inspiring. Being a fan of Celtic music, this game was prefect for me. The music fits the environment ever so perfectly.

Gameplay: 9/10

I genuinely wish more RPGs would incorporate a fighting system like the one in this game. There have been so many times in the other "big budget" games where I wanted to block an incoming attack. This game is one of the very few games that actually let you do that. The fighting also includes a rune collecting aspect. You get amulets with a distinctive shape. The runes come in specific shapes and by placing the rune in the amulet, you gain magic spells. If you completely fill the outlined shape, you get a summon spell.

Overall: 9/10 (Averaged)

Rent or Buy: Definitely a buy for fans of old-school, turn-based RPGs.

Review submitted by Tony with 3FG, Phoenix Gamer contributor