Ikenfell

At last, I absolutely must talk about the music in this fine game. The best thing I can say about the music is that it is incredibly thematic. It does an incredible job of taking elements of nostalgia that would bring you back to retro gaming to compliment the art. Along with this nostalgia, we’re given a taste of the modern-day soundtrack with lyrical bangers for each character that not only captures the character’s individual style but are incredible tunes in their own right. Occasionally, even if I really enjoy the music for a particular game, if I hear a song too much I’ll grow tired of it...

Take a world of magic, but make it inclusive.

That being said, Ikenfell doesn't need an extra push to make its narrative more touching and well-timed, especially atop its unique mechanics and gorgeous art. Throughout the game, players are shown how everyone's relationships change each other. It meditates on the idea that these relationships serve to strengthen and ground them all as the ever-changing seasons of life bring about uncertain situations. What message could be more apt amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has affected much of 2020.

Ikenfell is a charming little turn-based tactical RPG that hooks you in quickly with a well-written story and strong cast of characters and keeps you locked in for its duration with a surprisingly complex combat system. There are accessibility options here to suit all levels of player, a good idea considering how tough some of the battles can be along the way, and, overall, this is a heart-warming and unique entry to its genre that comes highly recommended.

Ikenfell has a unique battle system and story that can make for some of the best moments in an RPG this year, but unfortunately it doesn’t always use these to its advantage and has multiple boring boss fights with the plot meandering in the first half. Still, its highs are so high that it is well worth seeing through to the end.

Ikenfell

Ikenfell is a game for those who love magic and whimsy. However, if it could conjure up a better combat system that would be fantastic.

Ikenfell has interesting ideas in both its story and combat, but it stumbles in execution.