NEStalgia

64%
Game Brain Score Based on 221 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.

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Reviews

64%
Audience ScoreBased on 221 reviews
story13 positive mentions
grinding27 negative mentions
  • Nostalgic gameplay reminiscent of classic RPGs like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.
  • Engaging multiplayer experience with friends, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
  • Charming graphics and sound that evoke a sense of nostalgia for old-school gaming.
  • Game is grindy, requiring significant time investment to progress.
  • Official servers are mostly inactive, leading to a small player base and limited multiplayer options.
  • Account creation and linking issues can be frustrating, preventing some players from accessing the game.
  • story49 mentions

    The game's story is a nostalgic blend of classic RPG elements reminiscent of Dragon Quest, featuring cute graphics and an engaging, albeit unfinished, narrative. While some players appreciate the charm and potential of the storyline, many criticize its lack of resolution and pacing issues, leading to a grind-heavy experience that detracts from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the story is seen as decent but not the game's strongest aspect, with players often finding more satisfaction in the multiplayer experience and character customization.

    • “The storyline is cute and interesting at the same time; the gameplay is already good, and if you can get friends to play with you on an unofficial server, the gameplay is even better.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • grinding27 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while many players find it enjoyable and reminiscent of classic titles like WoW and Dragon Quest, others feel it can become tedious, especially when playing solo. The combat is engaging, but the repetitive nature of grinding can detract from the overall experience, with some players noting that it feels excessively slow and monotonous at times. Overall, grinding is an integral part of the game, appealing to those who appreciate the genre, but potentially off-putting for players seeking a more dynamic experience.

    • “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 not complain.”
    • “Otherwise, you're in for a terrible plot, boring combat system, and some long marathons of grinding.”
  • gameplay27 mentions

    The gameplay is a nostalgic blend of classic RPG mechanics reminiscent of early titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, enhanced with modern 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 that appeals to fans of old-school RPGs, though it could benefit from further refinement.

    • “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 gameplay is amazing, and because it has very low graphics, I can even play this on my netbook!”
    • “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.”
  • graphics21 mentions

    The graphics of the game are predominantly described as nostalgic 8-bit style, reminiscent of classic NES titles, which appeals to fans of retro aesthetics. While some players appreciate the simplicity and charm of the pixel art, others find the graphics choppy and lacking in modern polish. Overall, the visuals evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it a hit for those who enjoy old-school RPGs.

    • “The graphics and playstyle is exactly what you would expect from the better end of NES 8-bit RPGs like Dragon Warrior 3 or FF1.”
    • “The vibe you get from the NES style graphics with a modern MMORPG is simply amazing.”
    • “For once, an MMORPG that plays like an old school RPG with simple and nostalgic graphics.”
    • “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.”
    • “Choppy graphics... which seems odd given the simplicity of them.”
  • music16 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players praise the nostalgic and memorable soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, others criticize it as forgettable and poorly executed. Despite the positive sentiments from fans of classic RPGs, concerns about the developer's inactivity and the reliance on a soundtrack DLC have also been noted. Overall, the music is seen as a highlight for those who appreciate retro aesthetics, but it may not resonate with all players.

    • “Amazing soundtrack!”
    • “The music and sound effects are a real plus and do a great job of pushing that nostalgic feeling.”
    • “Classic nostalgia and some sick aesthetic with good music to boot.”
    • “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.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    The game offers high replayability due to its diverse character selection, multiple builds within classes, and the potential for future expansions that may introduce new playable classes. Players can enjoy varied gameplay through shared stashes, companions, and an engaging end-game grind, while the ability to create numerous characters enhances the overall experience.

    • “The replayability of this game is great with shared stashes and companions (some of these guys' hours played... damn) 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).”
    • “Majority of the 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 the story with and 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 comes out, it is possible that more playable classes will be available.”
    • “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.”
    • “The replayability is also very high.”
  • stability4 mentions

    The game's stability is heavily criticized, with users reporting frequent freezes and lag spikes that render it unplayable, even in low-player environments. Issues persist despite attempts to reinstall, and specific settings can lead to further corruption and freezing. Overall, the game is described as buggy and unstable.

    • “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.”
  • humor2 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 have noted lag issues during peak times, the humorous observations about server performance add to the overall charm.

    • “This game is basically, as 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).”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Recent updates have resolved previous stuttering issues, particularly enhancing the multiplayer experience. However, some users express confusion over performance discrepancies, noting that classic retro games run smoothly on much older hardware compared to the current game.

  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization strategy involves a Windows-only executable that allows players to launch the game without any ads from Byond, providing a more streamlined experience.

  • atmosphere1 mentions

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

    • “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 1 analyzed playthroughs

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