Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen

Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is yet another port of Utawarerumono for Japanese fans, but it's the first time in nearly 20 years that the first chapter of this iconic hybrid visual novel trilogy is playable in English. A unique world and unforgettable characters are at the heart of this game, but they're complemented by gorgeous artwork, addictive battles, and incredible music. It drags in the middle act, but once that final act ends and the credits roll, you'll barely remember the rough edges of this otherwise fantastic experience.

So this one deserves a high rating. Because if it had a lot of stuff stacked against it and I still wound up really being sucked in at the end, I think more people should give this off-beat combination a try. For all its flaws, there’s a beauty and warmth within that could be just as charming to you.

Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen finally brings the original game to the West with an amazing storyline hampered by simple tactical combat.

We've seen 2 Utawarerumono games in recent years and a cool spin-off so here's the long-awaited original SRPG / visual novel.

Shiravune have followed up on 2020's Steam releases for Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception/Truth, completing the trilogy on PC.

What brings you to a game and keeps you playing? Is it the gameplay that captivates you? Is it seeing how your actions influence, and maybe even save, a whole world? Could it come down to falling in love with a story and the people you’re working alongside? Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen places people in something of a precarious position. It’s a game where some elements, for example the story, are very good. But, at the same time, the tactical affairs can trap you in tedious, tumultuous battles.

Though western RPGamers were able to enjoy Utawareumono's Mask of Deception and Mask of Truth duology, up until now the original game seemed stuck in Japan. However, a remake has at last allowed English-speakers to find out how it stacks up.

As a newcomer to both visual novels and the Utawarerumono series, it tells a compelling story that introduces you to a fantastic world. The story is entertaining throughout, and the battles are fun enough if a little basic.

You better have to choose if it’s worth spending your spare cash, because it might not be the game for you and it might be for others.