Developer – Kbojisoft

Publisher – Kbojisoft , Wings

Platforms –  PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

Atlas Wept takes players on a journey to a distant planet, immersing them in the unfolding mysteries of the world through the eyes of two separate groups of children. Desi and Charlie embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind people’s vanishing memories, while How and Lucy delve deep underground to unveil the secrets of Gigi, the robotic dog, and their country’s mysterious force field. As the narrative unfolds across 12 chapters, players alternate between the two groups, piecing together the enigmatic storyline.

At first glance, Atlas Wept may draw comparisons to classic SNRPGs like Earthbound, but as the game progresses, disappointment sets in due to its linear nature. The inability to explore houses, shops, or upgrade equipment, coupled with a lack of variety in items, may leave players yearning for a more open-world experience.

One of the game’s notable features is the character upgrade system, involving memory chips and stamps. While these systems encourage exploration, the overarching issue lies in the sluggish battle system. Encounters, even standard ones, can stretch up to five minutes, and multiple enemies can turn a simple battle into a tedious 10-minute affair. The battle mechanics, reminiscent of Undertale but significantly slower, leave players waiting for turn prompts, hindering the overall exploration experience.

The standout feature of Atlas Wept , as mentioned is its innovative combat system, seamlessly blending traditional turn-based mechanics with the exhilarating dodge mechanics reminiscent of bullet hell games. This fusion creates a dynamic and challenging combat experience, demanding both strategic planning and quick reflexes. The integration of bullet hell elements elevates the depth and complexity of the combat, setting it apart from conventional RPGs.

The active turn-based (ATB) system allows control of up to four characters, but the slow pace may discourage players from venturing off the beaten path. The battle system relies on a timer mechanic for attacks and magic, with successful timing enabling combo attacks and additional damage. Stun meters add an extra layer, requiring players to strategize around stunning enemies for optimal damage output.

While the game’s aesthetic draws heavily from the retro RPG style, Atlas Wept transcends the boundaries of a typical RPG, becoming a profound exploration of empathy, understanding, and the transformative power of connections. It challenges players to think, feel, and care, and in doing so, it achieves a level of emotional engagement that is rare in the gaming world.

The game introduces a unique resource system, replacing traditional MP with inspiration points. While innovative, it doesn’t compensate for the battles’ slow pace. Dodging enemy attacks introduces a mini-game element, contributing to the overall complexity of the system.

Atlas Wept offers four difficulty modes, affecting the speed of enemy attacks. Unfortunately, the real challenge lies in the excessive HP of enemies, turning every encounter into a prolonged affair. The game’s potential is overshadowed by the need for a rebalanced combat system and reduced encounter rates.

Atlas Wept showcases promise with its intriguing narrative and character upgrade systems. However, the sluggish battle system and unbalanced enemy HP create a frustrating experience, making it challenging for players to fully enjoy the game’s potential. While the developer’s dedication is commendable, improvements are crucial to elevate Atlas Wept to its envisioned heights.