Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force

When compared to the original, Advent Dark Force looks better, runs better, plays better, and is absolutely the way that Fairy Fencer F was meant to be played.

Considering all that it has to offer, Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is probably the best JRPG currently available on the PS4 (although stiff competition is incoming). A loveable cast, fun gameplay, and an addictive reward system aid the often meandering story, although it can’t help but show its last-gen roots. Despite their reputation, Compile Heart continue to deliver solid games. I just hope they catch up to the demands of the current generation before too long.

The original Fairy Fencer F is an often overlooked and underrated JRPG. This remake for the modern age does a great job of ironing out a lot of wrinkles but is it a worthwhile adventure for existing fans and newcomers alike?

Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force offers a remedied storyline with new paths to explore and a faster paced combat system than what was in the original title and while it may not fix all the issues in the game, it is notable improvement and one worth trying out for fans of Compile Heart’s style of games.

Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a bit more than a simple remaster of the original Fairy Fencer F for the PlayStation 4 system; developer Compile Heart has revamped the battle system and added more content to the game, almost giving it “Game of the Year” or “Enhanced Edition” treatment. It’s great for those who missed out on Fairy Fencer F the first time around, and the hardcore fans who want more out of the game. However, even with this new coat of paint, they can’t mask the fact that Advent Dark Force is still at its core everything Fairy Fencer F. All of those problems, including the ho...

But I guess that’s the rub of doing a review. If I stopped after my first playthrough, I wouldn’t be recommending it. With two under my belt, I recognize I could have had a great time with Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force had I just done the opposite of what all the characters told me to do. It’s quite the Jekyll and Hyde situation, one I can easily recommend to Compile Heart fans, but only endorse for non-fans on the stipulation they don’t listen to Tiara and Eryn.

Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is in kind of a weird spot. The characters and gameplay are fun but at times they can be hard to invest in due to the over-scoped plot. Normally I would say go for it and just don’t get too invested; but this is a JRPG we’re talking about here, not some beat ’em up or other quickly-concluded escapade. However, the ideas present in the world are unique and there’s a guy with a Canadian accent, which is rare enough to cherish whenever it pops up.

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Compile Heart has gone on and given players yet another look into Fairy Fencer F with Advent Dark Force. While it isn’t a direct sequel, this upgraded version boasts tons of new features, from upgraded visuals to bigger, better fights. Despite its serviceable story and compelling customization features, Fairy Fencer F Advent Dark Force still falls flat in several areas.