While the Utawarerumono series has carved a niche for itself with its strategic gameplay, the release of Utawarerumono Zan in 2018 marked a shift towards a more action-driven experience. Now, after a six-year hiatus, Shiravune has reintroduced this title to the American PC market. Although it presents some challenges, it remains a solid entry in the franchise, albeit one that may not be the first choice for newcomers.
Misleading Title and Story Adaptation
The title Utawarerumono Zan may lead some to believe it is a spin-off of the original game. In reality, it adapts the narrative from the sequel, Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception. Players expecting to reunite with familiar characters like Karula or Eruru should prepare for a different cast. The story centers around Haku, a mysterious figure discovered by the animal-eared Kuon during a snowstorm. Haku quickly becomes embroiled in a nationwide conspiracy filled with political intrigue and musou-style battles. His character is a blend of strategic brilliance and a laid-back demeanor, making for engaging interactions with his colorful companions. However, the narrative suffers from heavy truncation, glossing over many enjoyable moments in favor of merely setting up the plot and battle stages. This leads to a disjointed structure, where some chapters feature battles while others consist solely of visual novel-style exposition. The summarized storytelling raises questions about whether players might be better off starting with Mask of Deception.
Engaging Combat Mechanics
On a brighter note, the battles in Zan are genuinely enjoyable. Each stage requires players to assemble a squad of up to four characters, each with unique stats and abilities. For instance, Kuon excels in healing, Nosuri delivers quick combos, and Rulutieh provides defensive support. Crafting well-balanced teams that can cover each other’s weaknesses is crucial. Combat features a variety of combos, blending weak and heavy attacks, though the absence of a comprehensive movelist can complicate the learning curve. Players must experiment to uncover each character’s capabilities, which include moves that require holding down buttons. The ability to switch between characters fluidly adds an exciting layer to combat, especially when executing combo attacks through Raids.
Mission Structure and Upgrade System
Combat is brisk, perhaps too much so, as certain maps can be completed rather quickly. Missions vary from gathering items to defeating enemies or reaching specific locations, but they often lean towards simplicity rather than the intricate tactical challenges found in other musou-style games. Additionally, story missions appear to lack side missions, which could have introduced more variability. Fortunately, players can unlock Free Missions throughout the game, which often contain secret objectives that reward them with music tracks and materials for character upgrades.
The upgrade system is notably distinctive; players invest in-game currency to engage in a gacha-style mechanic that provides various scrolls to enhance character stats. Unlike traditional systems, players do not roll for duplicates but rather for improvements on scrolls they’ve already acquired. While this approach simplifies character upgrades, it somewhat diminishes strategic depth.
Visual Appeal and Overall Experience
The visual presentation of Zan stands out as one of its greatest strengths. While not groundbreaking, the graphics effectively capture AQUAPLUS‘s iconic art style, showcasing Ainu-inspired outfits and a fantasy-Japan aesthetic that is both striking and memorable. Even the most straightforward levels provide a pleasant backdrop for gameplay. The soundtrack complements the experience, offering a rich array of music tracks to unlock.
In summary, while Zan may not serve as the quintessential entry point into the Utawarerumono narrative, it remains a competent action title that offers a fresh perspective on the series’ lore and characters. Longtime fans are likely to appreciate this adaptation, while newcomers may find value in exploring the world, possibly with the aid of a wiki or by starting with Mask of Deception.
