Unicorn Overlord

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 69 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Unicorn Overlord Game Cover
Unicorn Overlord combines real time strategy with auto battling to create an incredibly unique game, and it also looks absolutely incredible.
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Unicorn Overlord is a single-player Role Playing game with compelling graphics, developed by the creators of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Odin Sphere, and Dragon's Crown. The game offers a unique epic fantasy experience combining tactical RPG with overworld exploration and innovative battle system. Players can traverse a vibrant world, assemble units, and perform heroic deeds to grow renown throughout the five nations, while cultivating a grand army with over 60 unique characters.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 69 reviews
story12 positive mentions
  • Incredible amount of content with deep customization options for characters and units, allowing for endless strategic possibilities.
  • Gorgeous visuals and high-quality voice acting enhance the overall experience, making it a delight to play.
  • Engaging gameplay that combines tactical RPG elements with RTS mechanics, providing a satisfying and rewarding combat system.
  • The story is often criticized as generic and formulaic, lacking depth and originality.
  • Some players find the battle system's auto-battling mechanics limiting, preferring more direct control over their units.
  • There are complaints about the lack of post-game content and limited options for replayability, such as the absence of a new game plus feature.
  • story34 mentions

    The story in the game is generally described as generic and formulaic, often relying on cliches typical of the genre, such as an evil general threatening the world. While some players found the narrative serviceable and enjoyable enough to support the gameplay, many criticized it for lacking depth and originality, with characters that feel overly familiar and predictable. Despite these shortcomings, the engaging gameplay and character interactions often overshadow the narrative flaws, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

    • “Immersive story, strategic nuance, a ton of characters with support conversations and tie-ins to the world of the game to make them feel real.”
    • “The story is awesome and a lot of fun, with decisions along the way actually playing into the game itself.”
    • “The game not only provides a deep strategic experience with its innovative combat mechanics and expansive world exploration but also excels in storytelling, offering a compelling tale of liberation and the quest for justice, making it a standout addition to the genre.”
    • “The story is very generic fantasy fare; an evil general conquers the world and your hero is the only one who can save it.”
    • “Edit: after playing for about 60 hours I gotta say it's still a great game gameplay-wise but the story is so incredibly trite and bad it's painful. It starts out okay but all of the characters are positive or kawaii or hallmark cardish to the nth degree; just think of any JRPG or anime caricature and you have it. It's almost painful. Again, I love the gameplay and systems enough that the gameplay shines through and makes up for it, but I can't help but think the studio missed a chance to make something truly amazing.”
    • “While the formulaic story will win no awards, the satisfaction derived from its absorbing mechanics sees unicorn overlord march confidently to victory.”
  • graphics25 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting the stunning 2D artwork and dynamic visuals characteristic of Vanillaware. Players appreciate the beautiful art style, which enhances the overall experience alongside the engaging gameplay and solid voice acting. The combination of impressive graphics and a rich soundtrack contributes to a captivating atmosphere that keeps players invested throughout their playtime.

    • “The graphics are beautiful.”
    • “The visuals are great; Vanillaware is famous for their great animated 2D artwork, and they delivered here.”
    • “Peak Vanillaware graphics.”
    • “Dazzling Vanillaware visuals with a strategy twist.”
  • gameplay23 mentions

    The gameplay is highly praised for its depth and strategic mechanics, blending JRPG and RTS elements effectively, with a variety of engaging side content and quality-of-life features that enhance the experience. Players appreciate the rewarding combat system, exploration opportunities, and customization options, although some criticize the generic storyline and character tropes. Overall, the gameplay stands out as a highlight, making it a compelling addition to the tactical RPG genre.

    • “The gameplay/art/music are all more than enough to carry this game to the top of the Switch's catalog for me.”
    • “Unicorn Overlord has some of the best and most enjoyable strategy gameplay out there.”
    • “It’s a smorgasbord of visual delights, intricate systems, and addictive gameplay loops that all come together to create a delightfully thrilling and deep tactical RPG.”
    • “The one major complaint in terms of gameplay I have is with the maps; there was only one that didn't boil down to 'conquer the objective(s)'.”
    • “In the end, enjoyment comes down to whether you like the gameplay loop or not.”
    • “While the formulaic story will win no awards, the satisfaction derived from its absorbing mechanics sees Unicorn Overlord march confidently to victory.”
  • music8 mentions

    The music in the game is consistently praised for its high quality and engaging composition, complementing the stunning visuals and voice acting. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a significant factor in enhancing the overall experience, contributing to the game's appeal and replayability. Overall, the combination of beautiful music, art, and gameplay mechanics positions this title as a standout in its genre.

    • “The music and artwork are incredible as well with high quality voice acting, perfectly designed menus/maps and a ton of quality of life options and gameplay.”
    • “This game keeps me coming back weeks later with the promise of unique and engaging strategy planning, gorgeous graphics, a wonderful musical score, and solid voice acting throughout.”
    • “The art style, soundtrack, voice acting, and game mechanics were all amazing across my 60 hour playthrough.”
  • character development3 mentions

    Character development in the game is marked by a vast array of unit and equipment options, which can be overwhelming for players. While some character designs may be off-putting due to their exaggerated aesthetics, the overall narrative feels familiar and lacks depth, compounded by the absence of voice acting in key scenes. The complexity of the systems and menus may deter some players from fully engaging with character progression.

    • “The sheer amount of unit and equipment options can be overwhelming, but the depth of character development is impressive.”
    • “If the character designs aren’t a dealbreaker for you, the variety and customization options really enhance the character development experience.”
    • “While the complex systems and menus may discourage some players, the character development offers a rich narrative that keeps you engaged.”
    • “The sheer amount of unit and equipment options can be overwhelming; some character designs are just ridiculously over-the-top.”
    • “If the character designs aren’t a dealbreaker for you — and we’d understand if they are — can they at least figure out how shirt fabric works?”
    • “The complex systems and menus to learn could discourage some players; the story is something you've heard before, and voice acting is missing from some character development scenes.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The game's optimization is praised for its smooth battles and flawless performance, enhancing the deep and engaging tactical combat experience alongside beautiful 2D visuals and a well-written cast of characters.

    • “The battles run smoothly.”
    • “Deep and engaging tactical combat, beautiful 2D visuals, well-written cast of characters, flawless performance.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is criticized for its tone-deaf writing, which attempts to evoke empathy for characters involved in serious moral conflicts, such as murder and betrayal, but ultimately falls flat. The reviewer suggests that the dialogue feels out of place and better suited for lighter, more wholesome narratives, indicating a disconnect between the game's serious themes and its execution.

    • “This game explores the depths of human emotion amidst the chaos of war, showcasing the struggle between morality and survival.”
    • “The character interactions are deeply moving, often forcing players to confront their own beliefs about right and wrong in a world torn apart by conflict.”
    • “The narrative evokes a powerful sense of empathy, making players feel the weight of their choices and the impact on those around them.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, running smoothly on the Switch in both docked and undocked modes, contributing to an excellent gameplay experience.

    • “Gameplay itself is excellent; the game runs great on the Switch, whether docked or undocked.”
    • “The stability of the game is impressive, providing a smooth experience throughout.”
    • “I haven't encountered any crashes or significant bugs, which makes for a very stable gaming experience.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    The game offers exceptional replayability due to its masterful systems design, unpredictable stage layouts, and impressive battle animations. Players can enjoy nearly infinite customization options for their armies, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough.

    • “A masterclass in systems design with varied stage design that is never predictable, offering nearly infinite possibilities for customizing your army and excellent replay value.”
    • “The game keeps you coming back for more with its dynamic gameplay and endless strategies to explore.”
    • “Each playthrough feels fresh and unique, making it hard to put down and always inviting you to try different approaches.”
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Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

86% average critic score

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