Unicorn Overlord (2024)

Our analysis

A brilliant tactical RPG from Vanillaware that effortlessly blends intricate unit-composition systems, gambit-style tactics, and a sprawling world into addictive, deeply rewarding gameplay. The visuals and music are stunning, and the constant flow of new classes and characters keeps experimentation thrilling for dozens of hours. The story is its only real weakness, leaning on too many surface-level war tropes, but the charming cast and astonishing attention to detail more than compensate.

Our analysis

A ten-year passion project from Vanillaware that blends Ogre Battle, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Fire Emblem into something deep yet approachable. The tactical combat with its programmable unit algorithms is described as perfect, side content feels as meaningful as the main quests across 60+ richly written characters, and the HD-2D art and score are gorgeous. Minor gripes include fiddly unit selection in crowded battles and divisive flowery localization, but it's an amazing, premium-priced standout.

Our analysis

Vanillaware and Atlas's strategy RPG earns an honorable place among genre royalty, carried by deep, constantly evolving tactical combat that rewards experimentation with unit composition and positioning. The gorgeous 2D art and satisfying gameplay loop of liberating territory keep you hooked. The main letdown is a predictable, overly wordy story populated by one-note characters.