NEStalgia

64%
Game Brain Score Based on 445 reviews
  • story
  • grinding
  • gameplay
NEStalgia Game Cover
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NEStalgia is a historical multiplayer role-playing game that combines the best elements of classic console RPGs with modern game mechanics. Players can engage in turn-based battles, complete quests, and explore an expansive 8-bit world, either solo or in a group. The game truly shines in massively multiplayer environments with 50 or more online players, offering a charming and nostalgic experience for fans of the genre.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

64%
Audience ScoreBased on 445 reviews
story26 positive mentions
grinding55 negative mentions
  • Nostalgic gameplay reminiscent of classic RPGs like Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy.
  • Engaging turn-based combat with a variety of classes and skill trees for customization.
  • Fun multiplayer experience, especially when playing with friends.
  • Official servers are down, leading to a lack of active community and gameplay options.
  • Game is considered unfinished and abandoned, with no updates or support from developers.
  • Account linking issues and bugs can prevent players from accessing the game they purchased.
  • story98 mentions

    The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic RPGs like Dragon Quest, while others criticize it for being unfinished and lacking resolution. Many players find the narrative decent but not a strong point, often overshadowed by grinding mechanics and difficulty spikes that detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the story has potential and can be engaging, it often feels incomplete and is not the primary draw for most players.

    • “This game, in my opinion, is terrific; it has a good story, and it's fun to play alone or with friends.”
    • “The storyline is unique and follows the same feel of classic SNES and NES games.”
    • “Signs like in modern MMOs, the story is interesting and you keep saying to yourself 'I need to advance a bit further' when you realize there are hours since you last said it to yourself and you are still playing.”
    • “As it stands, the game is unfinished, the story is left with no resolution, and it has been like that from release.”
    • “The story doesn't finish, and you grind gear.”
    • “I wouldn't call story this game's strong point.”
  • grinding55 mentions

    Grinding is a prominent aspect of the game, with many players finding it both tedious and necessary, especially in solo play. While some enjoy the grind as part of the MMORPG experience, others feel it can become excessive and detracts from the overall enjoyment, particularly due to slow combat and repetitive tasks. Despite the grind, the engaging combat and strategic elements can provide a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time.

    • “Now I don't mind some grinding; I can walk back and forth, get into battle, and mash some hotkeys while I watch something, but the sheer amount of it is pretty ridiculous.”
    • “Here, grinding is the game, and just like being in detention, you are expected to sit and do it and don't complain.”
    • “The combat system is slow, having to navigate menus repeatedly while grinding, and some classes just plain suck.”
  • gameplay54 mentions

    The gameplay is a nostalgic blend of classic JRPG mechanics reminiscent of early titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, enhanced with modern MMO elements such as skill trees and a pet system. While many players appreciate the simplicity and retro aesthetic, some find certain mechanics, like battle speed and group dynamics, frustrating and underdeveloped. Overall, the game offers enjoyable, strategic gameplay with room for improvement in its systems.

    • “A key mechanic of the game is recruiting the enemies you defeat, each with different strengths and weaknesses, which adds a fresh layer of strategy to the classic genre.”
    • “Solid throwback mechanics with a nice level of modern MMO complexity layered in.”
    • “The core gameplay is spot on and the deep skill trees are interesting.”
    • “The world and gameplay are painfully vapid.”
    • “Some play mechanics (battle speed, no ability to select pet targets, etc.) are frustrating.”
    • “The gameplay is pretty typical of old JRPGs.”
  • graphics43 mentions

    The graphics of the game are predominantly 8-bit, evoking nostalgia for classic NES titles, which many players appreciate for their simplicity and charm. While some find the pixelated visuals charming and fitting for a modern MMORPG, others criticize them as choppy or lacking depth. Overall, the aesthetic resonates well with fans of retro gaming, enhancing the overall experience for those who enjoy a nostalgic vibe.

    • “The vibe you get from the NES style graphics with a modern MMORPG is simply amazing.”
    • “Even if it's old Nintendo 8-bit graphics, it is a lot like playing Dragon Warrior, one of my favorites back then on Nintendo but as an MMO.”
    • “The graphics and playstyle are exactly what you would expect from the better end of NES 8-bit RPGs like Dragon Warrior 3 or Final Fantasy 1.”
    • “Graphics: well not much to say here, pixel graphics... if you like that sort of thing.”
    • “+ terrible graphics that pleasantly remind us of a bygone era.”
    • “- terrible graphics that remind you of nothing because you weren't gaming in the 80s.”
  • music32 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its nostalgic charm and memorable soundtrack reminiscent of classic RPGs, while others criticize it as forgettable and poorly composed. Many players appreciate the sound effects and how they enhance the overall experience, but there are concerns about the developer's inactivity and the reliance on a soundtrack DLC. Overall, the music is seen as a significant aspect that can evoke nostalgia for fans of old-school gaming.

    • “Amazing soundtrack!”
    • “The music and sound effects are a real plus and do a great job of pushing that nostalgic feeling.”
    • “The music is charming and the bits I explored were well done.”
    • “But this music is just a bunch of jumbled sounds; nothing feels good when you hear it, and it's all forgettable.”
    • “The last posted update was in September of 2016, and that was only to push a soundtrack DLC.”
    • “The developer has been inactive on Steam and social media since the soundtrack update over nine months ago, and only came back to respond to my review.”
  • replayability10 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse character selection, multiple build options within classes, and engaging end-game content that encourages varied playthroughs. Players appreciate the ability to create numerous characters and the potential for future expansions to enhance this aspect further. Overall, the combination of shared stashes and a supportive community contributes to a rich replay experience.

    • “The replayability of this game is great with shared stashes and companions, and it comes with a further juicy end-game grind for those sets. Limited by daily tasks, but that's okay - it keeps it varied.”
    • “The majority of the community is good, character selection is great, and there is definitely replayability in this game as you can have a ton of slots for new characters to go through the story with different people or monsters if you choose.”
    • “Just within a class, there are builds that you can do which adds lots of replayability.”
    • “If the expansion ever, ever comes out, finally, it is possible that more playable classes will be available.”
    • “The replayability is also very high.”
    • “Majority of community is good, character selection is great and still more to be added, there is definitely replayability in this game as you can have a ton of slots for new characters to go through story with and with different people or monsters if you choose.”
  • stability8 mentions

    The game's stability is severely criticized, with users reporting frequent freezes, lag spikes, and bugs that render it unplayable, even after reinstalling. Issues persist regardless of server size, and specific settings can lead to further corruption and freezing. Overall, the game is described as "buggy, laggy, and awful."

    • “The game is currently bugged for me as I can see the servers and who is online, but my game freezes when I press connect to server, even after uninstalling and reinstalling.”
    • “Even with 10 people on a server, or by yourself on a private server, you will suffer immense lag spikes and random freezes during encounters, rendering it unplayable.”
    • “The bug is that if you disable either battle or overworld flashes, the game corrupts and freezes.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The game features a nostalgic homage to classic SNES RPGs, infused with tongue-in-cheek humor that resonates well with players. While some users noted lag issues during peak times, the humorous elements remain a highlight, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “This game is basically, like it says, a callback to old SNES RPGs, like Dragon Quest, with a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor which I can't help but love.”
    • “I'd recommend it; it does seem to have lag issues, especially when the server is busier (which is funny because I'm noticing a difference between 2 people online and 11; it isn't like it is bogged down by massive amounts of people).”
  • optimization4 mentions

    Recent updates have resolved previous stuttering issues, leading to a smoother gameplay experience, particularly in multiplayer mode. However, some users express confusion over performance discrepancies, noting that classic retro games run without such problems on older hardware.

  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is primarily facilitated through a Windows-only Steam executable that allows players to launch the game without any ads from Byond, enhancing the user experience.

  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized as slightly inhospitable, contributing to a sense of unease and tension throughout the experience.

    • “It creates a slightly inhospitable atmosphere.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

1893hMedian play time
1893hAverage play time
1893-1893hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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