Bloomtown: A Different Story

Bloomtown: A Different Story is an astonishingly charming little RPG developed by Lazy Bear Games and Different Sense Games. Taking no small amount of clear inspiration from ATLUS’ Persona games, with some Stardew Valley and Earthbound influence thrown in there for good measure, Bloomtown nonetheless is a lot more than the sum of its parts, and comes together in a fun and highly engaging package that RPG fans are sure to love.

There is a lot to love about Bloomtown: A Different Story. Thanks to the game's fantastic writing and characters, I quickly fell in love with the town and its residents. Its soundtrack is brilliant, and the pixel art style really catches your eye. It's just a shame that some parts of its questing and combat hinder it from truly rising to greatness.

Bloomtown: A Different Story is a little rough around the edges, but for fans of the genre this different kind of RPG inspired by Persona will take over their lives.

Bloomtown: A Different Story was a great playthrough and I’m really glad I got the chance to play it. Some of the pitfalls in its design are very apparent and while some of the puzzle design and moment-to-moment combat wasn’t stellar, I think it’s overall a very worthwhile experience.

Bloomtown: A Different Story is a deceptively charming JRPG with fresh ideas halfway executed. A few tweaks short of greatness, it's an enjoyable summer holiday nonetheless.

Bloomtown: A Different Story may wear its inspirations out in the open but it still manages to pull itself together to be its own game thanks to some impressive character writing and solid gameplay.

Overall, Bloomtown: A Different Story is like a carefree summer vacation. It’s a fun ride with its quirky characters, cozy blended with spooky vibes, and some thoughtful moments that have the foundation for a great game. The gorgeous visuals paint the world beautifully and its demons are original and striking to see in battle. However, this game lacks the depth and voice to stand out in its genre, especially with how closely it uses Persona as an inspiration.

An indie title taking heavy inspiration from the Persona franchise and Stranger Things sounds amazing on paper. Does Bloomtown: A Different story have what it takes to become the newest RPG sensation?

Bloomtown: A Different Story is a textbook case of a promising start brimming with such wow factor, inevitably undone as soon as you get past the introductory phase. An introductory phase that does a great job at not just setting up the world and its stakes, but making you voluntarily want to remain in said world for more than its obligatory main quest demands. Indeed, the life-sim leanings and simple pleasures of moving out and around the titular setting -- scheduling allotted time to certain activities -- may just be its stand-out element. A fitting accompaniment to the otherwise supernatura...