Battle Chasers: Nightwar

Anime-inspired fantasy RPG

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a premium RPG that honors the classics of the console RPG genre. The game features in-depth dungeon exploration, turn-based battles, and a narrative-rich world infused with strong anime influences. Players can form a party with characters from the popular “Battle Chasers” comic series, each bringing unique abilities and perks to the table.

The game showcases beautiful, randomly generated dungeons teeming with traps, puzzles, and treasures. Similar to Darkest Dungeon in its tactical combat and rich storytelling, Battle Chasers: Nightwar distinguishes itself with a more vibrant comic-book art style and a distinct narrative tone.

An RPG adaptation of a comic favorite 

Originally a best-selling comic series from the late '90s with a dedicated fanbase, Battle Chasers: Nightwar brings its richly crafted world and beloved characters to life in an RPG setting. This adaptation pays homage to the original’s aesthetic and story while expanding its universe, allowing both long-time fans and newcomers alike to experience the magic of Battle Chasers in a new, interactive format.

A cornerstone of the gameplay is its dynamic party-building mechanic, where players select three heroes from a roster of six to form their adventuring team. Each hero comes with distinct dungeon skills and gear. Whether you favor the sword-wielding prowess of Garrison, the mystical powers of Knolan, or the brute strength of Calibretto, the game offers a variety of choices that cater to different playstyles and tactics.

Complementing the exploration is a robust crafting system, where players can use the unique ingredient-overloading feature to forge powerful, customized items. The game’s dungeons are another standout feature, offering action-packed, randomly generated environments brimming with traps, puzzles, and hidden secrets. No two dungeon runs are ever the same, ensuring that each adventure is as unpredictable and thrilling as the last.

Save the world

With an obvious influence from popular JRPG titles like Final Fantasy, Battle Chasers: Nightwar immediately feels familiar. The turn-based attack system, a stock plot involving a big bad, 2D static cutscenes, and a magic system are all directly lifted from some of the greats of the genre. An extra layer of depth, however, lifts the game from being a simple copy. 

The game's battle system includes overcharge mechanics, which adds some much-needed strategy to the combat. Visually, the anime-style video sections are gorgeous. While it doesn't do anything particularly new, the art style and gameplay are enough to keep players engaged throughout the many hours of content. Plus, the extended side quest options lift the game beyond a simple JRPG clone.

While an overall solid entry, the game does have a few flaws. A generic plot and lack of tension can leave the characters feeling flat and lifeless, and while this is a problem for most RPGs, it feels especially true here. Bugs and crashes are also common and often require a reload from an autosave, but patches have improved the experience. Despite these concerns, RPG fans will love this game.

Good enough

To sum up, Battle Chasers: Nightwar successfully translates the charm and depth of its acclaimed comic origins into a compelling RPG experience. The dynamic party-building mechanics, robust crafting system, stunning anime-style visuals, and unpredictable dungeon explorations all contribute to the immersive quality of the game. However, while it offers an engaging adventure, its reliance on typical JRPG tropes and average narrative may limit its appeal to a broader audience.