GrimGrimoire: OnceMore is a remastered version of the 2007 real-time strategy/RPG game GrimGrimoire, developed by Vanillaware. Originally released for the PlayStation 2, the game has now made its way to the PlayStation 4 by way of NIS America with improved graphics, updated sound, and new features. Vanillaware’s visual style tends to age very well, so let’s dive in and see how the game holds up in 2023.
The game takes place in a magical academy called the Tower of Silver Star, where the main character, Lillet Blan, is studying to become a wizard. Unfortunately, something goes wrong, and Lillet finds herself trapped in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again. With the help of her classmates and professors, Lillet must figure out what’s going on and how to break the loop.
The gameplay of GrimGrimoire: OnceMore is a mix of traditional real-time strategy and tower defense. You’ll need to build structures and train units to defend your base from enemy attacks while also launching your attacks on the enemy. Each unit has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to you to figure out the best strategy for each mission. The game features a total of five factions, each with its unique units, buildings, and spells.
One of the standout features of GrimGrimoire: OnceMore is its unique art style – an area where Vanillaware has always delivered, and this is no exception. The game is filled with beautifully drawn 2D sprites that are full of detail and personality. The remastered graphics look great on the PlayStation 4 thanks to an updated resolution, and the new features, such as the ability to fast-forward through dialogue, make the game more streamlined and enjoyable to play. The game also features an updated soundtrack, which fits the game’s atmosphere perfectly.
Where GrimGrimoire: OnceMore also shines is in its story. The characters are well-written and fleshed out, and the mystery surrounding the time loop keeps you engaged throughout the game. The voice acting is also top-notch, with each character having their unique voice and personality. The game features a total of 20 missions, and each mission comes with its unique cutscenes and dialogue.
However, there are some downsides to the game as well. The controls can be a bit clunky, especially when it comes to selecting units and structures. The game also lacks a good tutorial mode, which can make it difficult for newcomers to pick up as the explanations provided. The difficulty level of the game can also be quite challenging, especially for those who are not used to real-time strategy games in this style. From that angle, it’s a shame that this wasn’t addressed more in this new version of the game, as this was already a problem in the original release.
Overall, GrimGrimoire: OnceMore is a very enjoyable real-time strategy game for consoles with a unique art style and an engaging story. The remastered version adds some nice features and updates the graphics, making it a great option for fans of the original and newcomers alike as long as you get through its initially challenging difficulty level. While it may not be a game for everyone, those who enjoy real-time strategy games with a strong narrative and unique art style will find GrimGrimoire: OnceMore to be a great addition to their collection and it’s lovely to see it reemerge on the PlayStation 4.
Score: 7.8/10
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