Towards The Pantheon
- May 16, 2018
- Connor O.R.T. Linning
Get on SteamIn "Towards the Pantheon," play as Freyja, a warrior tasked with defeating the source of a power-hungry group's strength. This turn-based 2D RPG features unique elements, abandoning traditional RPG tropes in favor of distinctive mechanics like riding hamsters and collecting dead memories. Your journey will take you through various environments, from villages to a survival horror-inspired mansion, as you fight enemies and form friendships.
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Reviews
- The game features memorable characters and a charming story that explores themes of friendship and overcoming obstacles.
- The pixel art and soundtrack are beautifully crafted, evoking nostalgia for classic RPGs while providing a unique aesthetic.
- Gameplay is engaging with a diverse combat system, allowing for strategic resource management and exploration without excessive grinding.
- The plot is considered basic and lacks depth, with some players feeling that character development and side quests are underexplored.
- The game has minor technical issues, including glitches and crashes that can disrupt gameplay, though they are generally not game-breaking.
- Some players found the transition from lighthearted to darker themes jarring, feeling that the tonal shift could have been better executed.
- story49 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as basic and somewhat generic, with a main plot that feels underdeveloped and lacks depth in villain characterization and side arcs. However, the character interactions, particularly during campfire scenes, are highlighted as enjoyable moments that add charm to the narrative. While the main storyline is relatively short, players appreciate the engaging character dynamics and the presence of numerous side quests that enhance the overall experience.
“The story really does have enough ups and downs to keep you engaged and interested.”
“To put it simply, 'Towards the Pantheon' contains nearly everything you expect from a good RPG: memorable characters, an engaging story, turn-based battles, plenty of secrets to discover, eye-catching visuals, and an exceptional soundtrack.”
“This game is a story about friendship and overcoming obstacles - both the literal obstacles that you must combat, and the figurative obstacles in the minds of the characters.”
“The overall plot is fairly standard, but the numerous smaller moments of interaction between the main cast are fun.”
“The art seemed too cartoony and simplistic, the battle system felt extremely limited and dull, character growth and development felt minimally interesting, and the story felt generic with too many characters thrown in and a vague end goal set from the get-go.”
“For most modern games and JRPGs in particular, the characters and story are so generic and disillusion has long set in that I wouldn't bother to try another attempt upon a death, loss, or game crash.”
- music26 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely positive feedback, with many praising its diversity, emotional impact, and ability to enhance the gaming experience. Players noted the effective transitions between exploration and combat music, as well as memorable tracks that evoke nostalgia for classic RPGs. However, some criticism was directed at specific pieces, particularly the town music, which did not resonate as well with all players.
“An enjoyable JRPG experience that had great music, memorable characters, and an interesting plot.”
“The music was diverse and fit well with all the different settings - each area had its own distinct feel.”
“The pixel style graphics are beautiful and the soundtrack is absolutely amazing.”
“Music is just there.”
“Before that you have to bear through stupidly happy music while exploring, fat cat people, who are only interested in catnip, and other weird stuff that doesn't even come close to the theme of the prequel.”
“Biggest complaints so far: the town music.”
- graphics17 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Towards the Pantheon" feature a charming, old-school pixel art style that evokes nostalgia while maintaining a unique aesthetic. Character portraits and campfire scenes are particularly well-crafted, enhancing the game's emotional depth. While some players noted a lack of impactful feedback during puzzle-solving, the overall visuals and varied facial expressions effectively bring the characters to life, contributing to an engaging RPG experience.
“The graphics look old school, but obviously not like an RPG Maker game; it has its own unique graphics. Everything looks beautiful, the scenes are good, and the facial expressions you see while your character is talking are varied. It gives life to the main character, which is the staple of the classic RPG game—a silent hero that doesn't speak a single word, but the facial expressions speak for themselves quite well.”
“The art style and world itself is very charming.”
“The pixel style graphics are beautiful and the soundtrack is absolutely amazing.”
“Completing puzzles doesn't have the kind of graphical or sound feedback that would make me feel really good about pushing a block into place or figuring out the correct path to a secret.”
“The graphics look old school, but obviously not like an RPG Maker game; it has its own unique graphics. However, the overall presentation feels dated and lacks the polish expected from modern titles.”
“The art style and world itself is charming, but it doesn't quite reach the level of detail and immersion that I was hoping for.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as basic and on the easier side, with a solid battle system that is accessible for players who prefer minimal reading. While some mechanics, like the campfire system, are praised for adding charm and functionality, others note that the gameplay could benefit from further polishing. Overall, the combination of enjoyable music and a compelling story enhances the gameplay experience.
“One of the greatest things about this game, music and charm aside, is the gameplay itself.”
“Wonderful music, solid gameplay, enjoyable story.”
“The campfire mechanic is genius and always gives me a nice break from my dying streaks.”
“Gameplay is on the easier side; the only time I died was early on in my first playthrough, before gaining any other companions.”
“- in need of serious polishing gameplay-wise”
“It's very nice if you're not looking to do a lot of reading, from what I've seen, and the game's battle mechanics don't need much explaining.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its unexpectedly heartfelt and cute story, featuring likable characters, including NPCs, that evoke a range of emotions. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, it effectively elicits laughter and tears, making for an enjoyable emotional experience.
“While this game has flaws, as most do, they're so far and in-between that they're easily overlooked for one of the cutest, unexpectedly heartfelt, sometimes creepy and enjoyable stories I have ever encountered.”
“I laughed, I cried, I felt feelings!”
“The characters are likable (shockingly, this includes NPCs) but the plot is not earth-shattering: don't expect a classic saga, even if the game sometimes succeeds at pressing emotional buttons.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a tense and immersive quality, evoking fear despite the absence of real threats. The art and lighting enhance this experience, particularly in darker areas, with one zone being notably memorable for its dark and brutal ambiance.
“A while back, I replayed 'Toward the Pantheon: Escaping Eternity' for my free highlights series (which is still on hiatus) and thought that while it didn’t have any real threats, it had a tense atmosphere that made me scared just being in that place.”
“The art flourishes when you get to darker areas, and the plays of lighting on the atmosphere work extremely well.”
“There's a particular zone about two-thirds of the way through the game that I find unforgettable, with a delectably dark and brutal atmosphere.”
“A while back I replayed 'Toward the Pantheon: Escaping Eternity' for my free highlights series (which is still on hiatus) and thought that while it didn’t have any real threats, it had a tense atmosphere that made me scared just being in that place.”
“There's a particular zone about 2/3rds of the way through the game that I find unforgettable, with a delectably dark and brutal atmosphere.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the abundance of sidequests and exploration opportunities, noting that while grinding is not necessary, it can enhance the experience and provide a sense of reward with each level up. The combat is described as simple yet satisfying, and the option to avoid battles allows for a more enjoyable exploration of the game world.
“Grinding feels tedious and repetitive, making the game drag on longer than necessary.”
“The amount of grinding required to progress is overwhelming and detracts from the overall experience.”
“I found the grinding to be a chore, taking away from the enjoyment of the game's story and exploration.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game features rich character development, particularly in the deep friendships formed among party members, which are explored throughout the 10-hour journey. Players are introduced to a diverse cast, including a mischievous kitty, an insecure cyborg, and a mysterious ex-human, each contributing to the strong bonds that enhance the overall narrative experience. However, some reviewers feel that the game's length is insufficient to fully explore all aspects of the story and character growth.
“Along the way, you pick up three other kooky characters (a mischievous kitty called Bam, an insecure cyborg called Mishima, and a mysterious floaty ex-human called Phenez), and you travel and learn about each other and build a strong bond. I could honestly rant and rave about how amazing the character development is all day!”
“It was 10 hours in length, which I don't think was long enough for all of the story or character development that the game contains, especially with how deep the party member friendships are shown to be after meeting early in-game.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, with only a few minor glitches reported, such as a sprite getting stuck and an incorrect exit location. However, a significant issue arises during the final battle, where a glitch prevents players from progressing, leaving some without a proper conclusion to the game.
“I enjoyed the plot and the style, but the only downside is that my game glitches at the final battle and won't let me continue past the fight, so I have no conclusion.”
“There were a couple of minor glitches (one sprite got stuck on screen, following me onto every new map until I restarted the game. One exit led to the wrong place in one of the forests, not that place), but nothing major at all.”
