CRYMACHINA stands out with its visually stunning aesthetics and engaging gameplay, although it may not appeal to everyone due to its heavy emphasis on dialogue and intricate combat mechanics.
Visually, CRYMACHINA excels with its beautiful character portraits, stylish designs blending sci-fi and futurism, and a standout soundtrack that perfectly complements its themes. The game’s intro cutscene is particularly impressive, setting a high bar for immersion right from the start. However, in-game graphics during actual gameplay on the Nintendo Switch can sometimes feel less impressive compared to the cutscenes, highlighting the platform’s limitations but not detracting significantly from the overall experience.
The combat system in CRYMACHINA offers depth and complexity, which can initially overwhelm players with its multiple mechanics per character, including turrets, main weapons, launch attacks, combos, and defensive moves. Despite the initial learning curve, the combat remains engaging throughout, especially during challenging boss fights that require strategy and skill to overcome. The ability to summon Enoa for assistance adds another layer of tactical depth to combat encounters.
Beyond combat, CRYMACHINA features robust RPG elements such as character upgrades, exploration of ‘Subnetworks’ for resources, and meaningful character interactions through the Communication feature in the Imitation Garden. These interactions provide insights into the characters’ personalities and motivations, enriching the overall narrative experience.
While the game introduces a wealth of mechanics and information early on, it enhances its world-building with a sense of grandeur and escapism, particularly in the futuristic setting of ‘Eden’. The game strikes a balance between exploration, combat, and character development, catering well to JRPG enthusiasts looking for a rich narrative experience intertwined with challenging gameplay.
Ultimately, CRYMACHINA is recommended for players who appreciate JRPGs with intricate combat systems, deep character interactions, and distinctive artistic direction. Despite some initial complexity and graphical differences between cutscenes and gameplay, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to delve into its intricacies.