The adventures of the most famous prince of today’s manganime scene, Arslan, play out with the rest of his allies in a new Musou produced by that video game creation machine Omega Force. A Hack’n Slash incorporates elements into its formula to appeal to fans of the genre.
We already have with us all the new work developed by the prolific Japanese studio Omega Force, the same one that each year presents us with a large number of productions. The common denominator of 95% of these works? As you already know: Musou. A genre that continues to fascinate Japanese users (it’s one of the most sought-after with a big difference in this field) and that with Arslan The Warriors of Legend said group of fervent followers will be able to take a bath in massive battles.
Because we’re not going to walk on branches. This adaptation of Yoshiki Tanaka’s great work (especially from the manganime version), which began 30 years ago, is a hack’n slash Musou from head to toe. One of the truly pure works that Omega Force has all the talent in the world to make one time after another.
Story
Along 26 main levels (plus two serving as tutorials) of which the main game mode consists, the classic Story Mode that always (or 99% of the time) are implemented in Omega Force’s works, we have to destroy entire armies of opponents.
In fact, already in the first mission, we were able to finish off over a thousand rival soldiers, we’re not lying to you, a truly high figure, even for a title of this nature. A complete statement of intent that develops into the rest of the levels, although in each of them it’s possible to carry out different missions given to us on the fly and, of course, manage the various protagonists.
What is this story about? Well, for those who haven’t had the chance to sample the original work, which we highly recommend, it’s all about Prince Arslan and his lost kingdom Pars, conquered by his rival Lusitania. A maneuver as tragic (many characters fall in the process, including Arslan’s father) as it is full of betrayals and unexpected guerion twists, the elaborate story is precisely one of its strong points.
Gameplay
As this is a video game linked to a certain series, in this case the number of characters (around 15 in total) with whom you can roll brown in each battle is smaller than usual in titles of this study, such as the Dynasty Warriors series, perhaps the best known.
Despite this, Prince Arslan and his faithful friend Daryun, the spy Narsus, the knight Kubard, and other protagonists are fully playable throughout this Free Mode or Scenario game mode, being able to control themselves according to the level we’re in.
That is to say, on this occasion it is not possible to alternate control of several protagonists, as is the case in many productions of this genre created by the Japanese studio. A lesser evil in any case, and one that is excused as the game tries to be as faithful as possible to the original work, with the restrictions in this sense that this fact implies.
This plot is told both by a Japanese commentator (with English subtitles) and, above all, through a multitude of video scenes in which the protagonists react to what’s going on, scenes that have been well recreated and interpreted aloud by the original actors themselves, a detail that purists will remember.
Combat
Once we’re involved in the job, what do we have to do in each phase? Liquidate as many enemies as possible, be able to use a good range of weapons, attacks and, also, fight on the back of a certain mount. Hundreds of rivals crowd the sets waiting for us to eliminate them, an activity that must be performed during each level, although this is added to the specific objectives we must materialize within a certain timeframe (almost always) and adds freshness and dynamism to each game.
Putting an end to the generals and captains who point us in our direction, rescuing our allies, breaking through barriers or reaching escape points are just some of the tasks we’re given during battles.
What’s more, as usual in these Musou titles, such confrontations can be enjoyed both alone and in pairs. In fact, the cooperative mode, which makes another appearance in a title of these characteristics, a modality with which many of you are perfectly familiar, provides the greatest doses of action and fun. And for those of you wondering, yes, it is possible to play both online and on a split screen, with both possibilities.
In-Game Items
Light innovations and new features that we liked have been added to this traditional and evocative gaming proposition. One of these is the possibility of using different cards that we can collect to improve the skills and attributes of the protagonists.
There are over 200 of these, spread across all phases, and their characteristics and benefits are highly varied, depending on their particular attributes and range (S, A, etc.). Finally, it’s possible to synthesize several of them to create new, much more powerful cards, a truly striking option with which to experiment.
Weapons
Then we have the question of weapons, being able to pick up halberds to swords, bows, spears and other really varied bladed weapons. And the good thing about the whole affair is that they all have their own characteristics, not only natural, but linked to four elemental attributes: fire, miasma, wind and water.
Depending on these four conditions, we can inflict extra damage on rivals as well as slowing down their actions and movements or even poisoning them, which considerably increases the game’s possibilities and brings more grace to the whole gameplay.
Recipes
Similarly, it’s also possible to use the recipes and dishes that Elam prepares, from bread of various kinds to tomato soup and other specialties. And by taking them, we see some of our characters’ attributes enhanced, from their strength to their health.
Mardan Rush
But perhaps the most important new feature that this work presents over others like it, and one that is most noticeable in adventure and mid-battle, is the integration of the so-called Mardan Rush.
These flashy actions are activated when we meet certain requirements and objectives and, once activated, allow us to attack massively with our infantry, cavalry, or archery units, wreaking havoc on rival resistance and recreating visually spectacular scenes. Whenever you have the opportunity to carry out one of these actions, run to make it happen!
Because of these playable implementations plus the sum of the usual qualities that are usually part of quality Musou productions we’ve already told you about (cooperative mode, large number of levels and options, etc.), we think we’re looking at a really fun and complete title.
Graphics
Visually, it doesn’t reach the same level as the sound finish, but it doesn’t stop. Once again, the main characteristic note of this section has to do with the immense number of characters that come to appear simultaneously in the image.
Dozens of them are seen without the action suffering, at least in the version we tried corresponding to PS4, although it’s true that the toll to be paid for this is the notorious appearance of elements during battles. A usual flaw in this type of production which, yes, has little impact on the gameplay.
We particularly liked the reconstruction of the protagonists. Thanks to an elaborate Cel Shading effect, it’s possible to appreciate in detail the cartoon-like modeling of the characters which, in the case of the main protagonists, achieves a good level of detail and presents marvelous animations.
Finally, the set reconstitution is less brilliant, and although there are no significant flaws, on some occasions these play areas are somewhat bleeding and empty, although, on the contrary, their size is very large on a large number of levels. In short, without editing and with its flaws, the technical finish conforms perfectly. And it’s also seasoned by striking special effects that are well-finished.
Sound
Another of the most elaborate elements this adventure boasts has to do with how faithful it is to the original work. And undoubtedly one of the key elements is the exceptional dubbing, which has been taken care of to the max.
As we’ve already anticipated, the characters’ voices have been interpreted by the same actors who brought the animated series to life, dialogues that have been respected and maintained in the version that reached our borders, a fact we appreciate.
These conversations are very frequent and often occur during the same battles, which adds to their intensity and can be heard through the PS4 controller’s speaker in this version. It’s a shame that the dialogues haven’t been translated into our language, although it’s true that once you’re dealing with English, you won’t have much trouble following the story, especially those familiar with the original series.
On the other hand, the soundtrack gives us songs that are comfortably combined and adapted both with war scenes and during quieter moments. And as for the effects, these are heard just as well and are as varied as those that are usually part of the titles that Omega Force recreates.
