Tales Across Time
- April 18, 2016
- Critical Games
Get on Steam"Tales Across Time" is a story-driven RPG that follows three characters from different centuries in the same location. Each narrative offers a unique experience, from a haunted ruin to a romantic rescue mission. The game features a turn-based battle system with resource management and one-on-one encounters, and invites players to discover engaging characters in a transformed environment. * coming soon! * Three interconnected tales in one location, spanning centuries * Unique turn-based battles and resource management
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Engaging and well-crafted story that spans multiple timelines with interesting characters.
- Unique combat system focused on resource management, providing depth without the need for grinding or leveling up.
- Beautiful pixel art and a nostalgic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- The game is quite short, with some players feeling it lacks depth and could be seen as a proof of concept rather than a full game.
- Some storylines feel rushed or incomplete, leading to a lack of satisfying climaxes.
- The combat can become tedious, especially in the final boss battle, and some mechanics may feel unbalanced.
- story43 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game features a story-driven experience that spans multiple eras, presenting a collection of interconnected tales with engaging characters and a unique narrative style. While the overarching plot is intriguing, some stories lack depth and build-up, leading to a somewhat shallow experience overall. Despite its simplicity and short length, the game is enjoyable for those seeking a narrative-focused RPG, though the gameplay mechanics serve primarily as a means to advance the story rather than as a core element.
“The story itself is very interesting, as it consists of three separate tales that are across different time eras but are all intertwined.”
“This game has a very creative and engaging storyline.”
“The game provides a very enjoyable narrative spanning across different eras and interesting, if cliched, protagonists for each story: the actual gameplay is very simple but works well enough to never get dull.”
“Overall, the story was kind of shallow but still somewhat interesting.”
“It's more like a short story collection than a novel in terms of the stories.”
“Well, the first two stories didn't really have build-ups either... the third story sort of has a payoff, but it mostly feels forced.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity, featuring a 16-bit aesthetic and mechanics reminiscent of 8-bit RPGs, with a focus on narrative rather than strategic depth. Players engage in straightforward combat with an AP system and limited attack options, making it accessible but occasionally tedious, particularly during the drawn-out final boss fight. Overall, while the gameplay lacks complexity, it effectively supports the game's storytelling and remains enjoyable throughout.
“The gameplay is pretty simple, but it fits well for this game.”
“The combat mechanics have been simplified to make them easy to pick up and there is no stat or inventory management, but that doesn't mean it's always easy.”
“The game provides a very enjoyable narrative spanning across different eras and interesting, if cliched, protagonists for each story: the actual gameplay is very simple but works well enough to never get dull.”
“It is not big on gameplay/strategy, so do not expect too much in this matter.”
“The only thing that made me frown a bit was the last boss of the game: the fight itself isn't hard as the mechanics are quite easy, but it feels a bit of a chore due to its length and the fact you're simply asked to balance AP usage, healing, and skills.”
“Combat is basic and serves mostly as a narrative device linking story segments, rather than a gameplay hook.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a nostalgic 16-bit aesthetic, reminiscent of classic titles like Secret of Mana, while maintaining a polished presentation for an RPG Maker title. Although the resolution is low, the art style and overall visuals are well-executed, complemented by a fitting soundtrack that enhances the experience. Players appreciate the charming pixel graphics and the game's attention to detail, making it a hidden gem despite its simplified mechanics.
“I recommend the game to everyone who likes pixel graphics with a really good soundtrack.”
“For an RPG Maker game, the graphics are top-notch and the soundtrack is cool and fitting.”
“The aesthetic is more 16-bit, though the game mechanics are almost the same as the 8-bit adventure games, albeit somewhat simplified since you don't actually level up and the only way to get better 'stats' is by finding crystals that raise your HP and AP pools.”
“I've enjoyed the overall presentation and battle system so far, but it feels less consequential than their previous game, which is strange considering that was so slight graphically and mechanically.”
“Although the graphics are not high resolution (8-bit), the game itself is wonderfully made and I enjoyed it very much.”
- music8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many reviewers highlighting its quality and variety, often comparing it favorably to soundtracks from classic SNES and PS1 RPGs. It complements the pixel graphics and enhances the overall experience, making it a standout feature of the game.
“I recommend the game to everyone who likes pixel graphics with a really good soundtrack.”
“Music was probably the best part about the game.”
“Evocative music that reminded me of some of the best SNES/PS1 era RPGs.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its lack of grinding, experience points, and leveling systems, allowing players to focus on storytelling and achievements instead. While some players found certain battles tedious, the absence of grinding is seen as a positive aspect for those who prefer a more narrative-driven experience.
“There's no grinding, experience, levels, or equipment to manage.”
“Without levels, there is no grinding.”
“No grinding necessary, as stated in the description.”
“I gave up on the last battle as it was tedious and difficult.”
“I'd recommend it if you like stories and achievements over grinding and strategizing.”
“It's got all the great RPG elements, but the grinding and leveling up are a drawback.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a pervasive sense of anxiety and mystery, effectively creating an environment filled with unknown dangers that heightens the overall tension of the narrative.
“The story builds an anxious atmosphere of unknown danger and mystery.”
“The haunting soundtrack perfectly complements the eerie visuals, immersing you in a world filled with suspense.”
“Every shadow and flicker of light adds to the tension, creating an atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its excellent price/performance ratio, indicating that it runs efficiently and delivers good value for the investment.
“The game offers a great price/performance ratio.”
“The optimization of the game ensures smooth gameplay even on lower-end systems.”
“I appreciate how the developers have fine-tuned the settings for maximum efficiency.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while the character design, particularly the facial features, may appear unusual to some players, it does not significantly detract from the overall character development experience.
“The character design, especially the faces, looked a little bit weird to me.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth.”
“I found the characters to be one-dimensional and unrelatable.”
