Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- The Prophecy of the Throne
- January 27, 2021
- Chime Corporation
- 24h median play time
Enjoy a new Re:ZERO storyline, fully supervised by the series author Tappei Nagatsuki! Switch version reviewed.
"Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- The Prophecy of the Throne" is a strategy visual novel game. Players enter the world of Re:ZERO and must solve a series of mysteries to prevent the kingdom's destruction. The game features familiar characters from the series and new ones, with multiple endings based on player choices. It combines adventure and battle elements with a compelling storyline for fans of the anime and newcomers alike.
Reviews
- The game features impressive voice acting and beautiful artwork that captures the essence of the Re:ZERO anime.
- Fans of the series will appreciate the new characters and the unique storyline that expands on the existing lore.
- The blend of visual novel elements with interactive gameplay keeps the experience engaging for players.
- The gameplay is often criticized for being too linear, with choices that have minimal impact on the overall story.
- Many players feel the game is overpriced for the amount of content it offers, especially given its short length and repetitive elements.
- Newcomers to the Re:ZERO series may find themselves confused due to the lack of exposition and reliance on prior knowledge of the anime.
- story330 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World: The Prophecy of the Throne" is a unique visual novel that explores an alternate narrative set in the familiar Re:Zero universe, primarily through the perspective of Subaru. While the storytelling is engaging and features well-developed characters, many reviewers noted that it heavily relies on prior knowledge of the anime, making it confusing for newcomers. The game offers a linear experience with limited impactful choices, leading some to feel that it lacks the depth and excitement of the original series, though it still provides enjoyable moments for dedicated fans.
“The story, which introduces a new and intriguing plotline, seamlessly weaves together familiar characters and introduces new faces.”
“One of the best things about 'Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World - The Prophecy of the Throne' is the game's unique storytelling.”
“The game's unique storytelling, well-developed characters, and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the series and those who are new to it.”
“The game omits pretty much all of the exposition of characters and setting that occupies the first few episodes of the anime and as a result, anyone going into this game without being familiar with the Re:Zero story will be very, very, very confused by it all.”
“The game has a nice flowchart that shows the progress of the story and at the start fooled me into thinking there might be branching paths and choices that would matter but unfortunately it is very linear while giving the illusion of choice.”
“This made it extremely hard for me to slog through the whole thing, 90% is just filler and the 'original story' is mostly a recycled arc from the anime as well.”
- gameplay100 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay is primarily a blend of visual novel elements with occasional interactive segments, which some players find engaging while others consider lackluster and basic. While the narrative and character development are praised, many reviews highlight that the gameplay mechanics feel underdeveloped and often serve as a distraction from the story rather than enhancing it. Overall, the game is seen as more of a visual novel with limited gameplay, which may not meet the expectations of those seeking a more robust interactive experience.
“The game successfully captures the essence of the beloved anime series and expands upon it with a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay.”
“The game's branching paths and decision-making mechanics add a layer of player agency, allowing fans to shape the narrative in meaningful ways.”
“The gameplay itself is a mix of visual novel elements and turn-based combat, which is easy to pick up but offers a good amount of depth.”
“The game has a nice flowchart that shows the progress of the story and at the start fooled me into thinking there might be branching paths and choices that would matter, but unfortunately it is very linear while giving the illusion of choice. While you can slightly change the small gameplay sections and see some brief extra scenes, it is not worth taking into consideration when buying the game.”
“Speaking of the gameplay sections, while varied enough, they're all pretty lackluster and almost felt more like chores rather than something I should be enjoying. For better or worse, there weren't that many of them, but most of the time I just wanted to get them over with to experience more of the story.”
“Too expensive for what it is. The story is not bad but predictable, there's barely any gameplay, the story is extremely linear even if sometimes the game tries to pretend as if you have multiple choices, but you don't. The story is also very short, there are no extra modes or anything; this whole thing could have easily been an OVA or a novel.”
- graphics37 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are a mixed bag, with beautifully rendered 2D character designs and animations that excite fans of the anime, earning high praise for their artistic quality. However, the 3D visuals, particularly in the overworld, are criticized for being low-budget and lacking detail, detracting from the overall experience. While the artwork is original and well-executed, some players feel that the absence of key visual elements in important scenes diminishes the impact of the storytelling.
“Visually, the game is a treat for fans of the anime, with beautifully rendered characters and scenes that stay true to the series' aesthetic.”
“The game's graphics and sound are also impressive, with beautiful character designs and music that complements the game's atmosphere.”
“+ brilliantly designed 2D character visuals – fantastic, well-animated 2D character visuals.”
“The graphics are mostly just 2D CGI models babbling to each other with background changing, or you just have to read and use your imagination about what is happening while the screen is only showing a clouded sky.”
“Although Re: Zero – The Prophecy of the Throne is well-translated, brilliantly voiced, somewhat faithful to the source material, and introduces many interesting and likable characters — the overworld of this game is plagued with low-budget sound effects and low-effort 3D visuals.”
“+ 3D visuals – the overworld of Re: Zero – The Prophecy of the Throne was probably the most disappointing aspect of this game.”
- music36 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players praise the soundtrack as beautiful and atmospheric, highlighting specific tracks like "A Quiet Sanctuary," others criticize it for being unmemorable and lacking the quality of the original anime series. Overall, the music is noted to complement the visuals and voice acting, but it falls short of expectations for fans of the franchise.
“The soundtrack is soooooo good, as well as the art, voice acting, and well everything in general, but those first three really stood out to me.”
“The game's graphics and sound are also impressive, with beautiful character designs and music that complements the game's atmosphere.”
“I personally love the soundtrack that plays every time we visit the church the most (title is 'A Quiet Sanctuary').”
“The soundtrack left my ears with a mark that made them not want to receive any other sound waves.”
“Compared to the anime, the movies, the OVAs, and even the Lost Memories mobile game — the music of this game cannot compare.”
“They may as well have googled 'cheap background music'.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game suffers from poorly optimized controls, which detracts from the overall experience. However, the voice acting, particularly from the English dub cast, is praised for its quality and strong performances.
“The English dub anime cast reprise their roles and give a great performance.”
“Great voice acting performances – I loved Seki Tomokazu's performance as Al.”
“The English dub anime cast reprise their roles and give a great performance.”
“The controls are not optimized.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by great voice acting and charming character interactions, particularly with Emilia and the new characters, who contribute to funny slice-of-life narratives. While some aspects, like the overworld animation, are criticized for their low effort and comparison to outdated graphics, the overall comedic elements are well-received and enhance the experience.
“Voice acting was great and characters—Emilia-camp especially—had some cute and funny interactions.”
“There is a swimming reward story and some funny slice of life narratives included.”
“The characters, although sometimes feeling off, are mostly on point and the humor is there; even the new characters are likable and interact well with our normal characters.”
- character development6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game excels in character development, particularly through its intricate storytelling and the evolution of both major and minor characters, such as Aldebaran, Reinhardt, Priscilla, and Rom, who gain more depth in their roles compared to their initial appearances. This strong focus on character arcs, combined with impressive graphics and sound, contributes to its reputation as one of the best isekai titles available.
“It's one of the best isekais out there in terms of story building and character development.”
“+ More world lore and minor character development – mysterious characters such as Aldebaran, Reinhardt, Priscilla, and Rom play a stronger role in this story than they originally do during their debut arcs.”
“The game's graphics and sound are also impressive, with beautiful character designs and music that complements the game's atmosphere.”
“More world lore and minor character development – mysterious characters such as Aldebaran, Reinhardt, Priscilla, and Rom play a stronger role in this story than they originally do during their debut arcs.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the new characters, feeling they seamlessly integrate with the existing cast from the show. The game's peaceful soundtrack evokes heartwarming memories, enhancing the overall emotional experience and leaving players with a sense of fulfillment.
“New characters are awesome and feel exactly like the others from the show, and I really got an emotional connection with them.”
“It sounds so peaceful, and every time I listen to it outside the game, it always reminds me of new characters in this game, which makes me feel heartwarming and emotional at the same time.”
“Wholesome Rem is all I need in my life.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its impressive graphics and sound, featuring beautiful character designs and music that enhance the overall experience.
“The game's graphics and sound are also impressive, with beautiful character designs and music that complements the game's atmosphere.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for having almost zero replay value, with multiple users expressing a strong consensus on this point.
“Almost zero replay value – I said it.”
“Almost zero replay value – I said it.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players express that grinding in the game is so demanding that it feels like requiring a second life to manage the time and effort needed to progress.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
Critic Reviews
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- The Prophecy of the Throne
A compromise of a game that tries to please many but ends up pleasing none.
64%Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- The Prophecy of the Throne Review
The length and complexity of this game’s title is matched only by its narrative.
70%Re:Zero — Prophecy of the Throne Taps Into the Strengths of Two Genres
Enjoy a new Re:ZERO storyline, fully supervised by the series author Tappei Nagatsuki! Switch version reviewed.
80%