Anuchard
- April 20, 2022
- stellarNull
If you can overlook some flaws, Anuchard is a short and engaging, albeit simple, action RPG adventure.
Anuchard is a single-player fantasy role-playing game, where players enter a dangerous Dungeon to defeat the five treacherous Guardians of the lost kingdom of Anuchard. Generations have passed since the Anuchardian paradise fell, and only the Chosen One, the Bellwielder, can take up the Audros Bell and restore peace to the island above. With a good story and immersive world-building, Anuchard offers a captivating experience for players.
Reviews
- The game features beautiful pixel art and charming character designs, creating an engaging visual experience.
- The gameplay loop is satisfying, with a mix of dungeon exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving that keeps players interested.
- The story and characters are intriguing, with a unique setting and humorous dialogue that adds depth to the experience.
- The combat can feel repetitive and lacks variety, which may lead to a stale gameplay experience over time.
- There are significant issues with the save system, including only one save point and the potential to miss important side quests and achievements.
- Translation and localization issues detract from the overall immersion and quality of the writing.
- story26 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as intriguing and unique, with a blend of traditional JRPG dialogue and Western narrative styles, though opinions on its depth and emotional impact vary. While some players appreciate the lore and character development, others find the pacing and writing lacking, suggesting that the story may not be the main draw for everyone. Overall, it offers a mix of interesting elements and dark implications, but players are advised to engage with side quests for a richer experience.
“The art style, the story, and worldbuilding are so unique and creative.”
“The story and setting are deep and intriguing, and the way that information is slowly revealed as you progress keeps you interested.”
“They offer so much more depth and the emotional stories they contain lend so much warmth to the story.”
“Don't play it for the story though, you'll probably be disappointed.”
“I wasn't emotionally attached to the characters or story, but it was amusing to some extent.”
“The story is kinda weird-paced but was bearable for me (although I have felt a range of emotions at the endings).”
- gameplay17 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a blend of dialogue and dungeon exploration, featuring light combat and orb-based puzzles, but many players feel it lacks variety and depth, leading to a repetitive experience. While the mechanics are generally fun and charming, reminiscent of PS1-era games, some find them clunky and simplistic, suggesting that the game could benefit from additional elements to enhance engagement. Overall, the gameplay is seen as addictive yet flawed, with a solid foundation but room for improvement.
“✔️ Nice action RPG gameplay with minimalist but fun mechanics.”
“[b]Intriguing action/adventure/RPG with a solid gameplay loop but a few flaws.[/b]”
“[*] The gameplay loop is addictive and satisfying.”
“The game could use some combat variety and a run button; gameplay gets old fast.”
“If you're looking for a focus on deep gameplay, I'd look elsewhere as the game is about a 50/50 split between dialogue and dungeon exploration, which contains light combat and orb-based puzzles.”
“The game both tries to be a bit precision-based for some battle mechanics and puzzles, but at the same time can feel a bit too clunky to pull some actions precisely, which can lead to annoying situations.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beautiful and unique art style, evoking a charming, retro feel reminiscent of PS1-era visuals. While some players appreciate the creativity and aesthetic appeal, a few note that certain dungeon designs can be confusing due to visual depth issues. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
“The art style is beautiful, and while the music isn't anything amazing, it gets the job done in my opinion.”
“The art style, the story, and worldbuilding are so unique and creative.”
“A wonderful game from start to finish, with an amazing soundtrack and super charming art style.”
“There are a few dungeons, particularly in the third setting, where the art style makes it difficult to understand when one surface is higher than another surface, so it looks like you should be able to walk somewhere but you can't.”
“It's very cute, definitely feels like a PS1 era game both graphically and mechanically.”
“I don't really like the retro aesthetics but I love the action and the puzzle!”
- music14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the contextual changes and standout tracks, while others find it average or inconsistent. Overall, many agree that the soundtrack complements the beautiful art style and enhances the gaming experience, with some even describing it as phenomenal.
“A wonderful game from start to finish, with an amazing soundtrack and super charming art style.”
“The world is interesting, art is fantastic, and music is phenomenal.”
“Don't make me start about the art and music: fantastic!”
“The music... well, there's some for one they implemented contextual changes on the music which is great, and second, in my opinion, there are good tracks as well as... not so good.”
“Music: average”
“This music?”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players particularly enjoying the comedic charm of the bellwielders and the quirky character names and dialogue. Despite some clunky gameplay elements, the humor helps to make the experience more enjoyable and bearable, adding a lighthearted touch to the overall atmosphere.
“My favorite part of the game by far are the bellwielders; they are actually funny and make everything better.”
“I mean, every bad thing was bearable with these funny dotty guys.”
“The writing, the art, the music, the combat, and the puzzle are really well executed, not to mention each of the characters has funny names and a unique way of talking.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a laid-back and chill vibe, which contrasts with the in-game stress, making the experience enjoyable. The rich lore enhances this relaxed ambiance, contributing to an overall sense of immersion despite the simplistic combat mechanics.
“The combat is simplistic and it's pretty easy, but the lore and chill atmosphere really made it worth it to me.”
“It's got a nice laid-back atmosphere where, although in fiction you are under huge stress, it doesn't feel like anything is too pressing.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The character development is praised for its unique and creative pixel art designs, which effectively convey personality despite the absence of facial features. Reviewers appreciate the distinct color palettes and the overall fun aesthetic that enhances the characters' appeal.
“The character designs and palettes are quite unique, and it's interesting how well the characters worked without faces.”
“Very cool pixel art with fun and creative character designs.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with them on any meaningful level.”
“I was disappointed by the lack of growth in the characters; they seem to remain static throughout the game.”
“The backstories provided for the characters are underwhelming and fail to add any real substance to their personalities.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a mixed emotional response, with some players feeling a lack of attachment to the characters and story, while others appreciate the depth and warmth provided by the emotional narratives.
“They offer so much more depth, and the emotional stories they contain lend so much warmth to the narrative.”
Critic Reviews
Anuchard (Switch) Review
A colorful action RPG that deals in simplicity and repetition.
70%Anuchard
If you can overlook some flaws, Anuchard is a short and engaging, albeit simple, action RPG adventure.
77%Anuchard Review – Ring-a-ding-ding
If you’re after a bell-bashing good time with all the style, boss battles, and even cooking, then this game is going to sing the tune you’ll want to hear. Anuchard is a hearty indie game with much to give to those who are looking for an appropriate mix of dungeon donging and puzzle-solving chaos. It might not be a genre cornerstone with some notable shortfalls, but it will still keep you ring-a-ding-dinging as you solve puzzles and traverse its dungeons.
70%