CRYSTAL PROJECT REVIEW - An Open World Final Fantasy V!!

[@davidvinc]

Come and join me over on the Twitch for streaming fun! www.twitch.tv/davidvincstreams

[@chriskoschik391]

Tonight, I have the choice between a 12 pack of beer and buying this game. I choose both.

[@Chelaxim]

An indie RPG inspired by a SNES JRPG that ISN'T Earthbound?!?!

[@davidvinc]

No kidding!! LOL

[@Copebroo]

How are they going to use our nostalgia against this now?!

[@acidwizard6528]

Don't forget that the other half are inspired by Chrono Trigger

[@Chelaxim]

@@Copebroo Quirky Lufia II inspired RPG about depression.

[@Terranigma23]

Just look at Sea of Stars, Chained Echoes, Quartet. 😁

[@louisdellalucca8969]

Hopefully this comes to Switch. It seems like the only Indies they get nowadays are Rogue Likes, souls likes, and story driven experiences like visual novels.

[@ataridc]

I like those genres, but yeah it's a bit over flooded at the moment.

[@louisdellalucca8969]

@@ataridc don’t get me wrong, I enjoy an occasional Rogue Like. Neon Abyss and Streets of Rogue are my favs, but it’s like, for every 10 indies, half of them are rogue likes

[@sdtrawick]

This was tweeted on September 10th, 2023: "Crystal Project is going to be on Nintendo Switch! This is pretty much a dream come true for me!"

[@ToolShopGuy]

It's coming to Switch 01/12/24!!!

[@xvalentin0x399]

Its on switch now and on sale for like $12.50 ish

[@Genethagenius]

Whoa!!! This sounds really, really good! (And while “FF5” has become a favorite of mine! Really sucks we missed out on the original release!).

[@stephenwatson6277]

Thanks for this review, as on older gamer I struggle making myself try out new games. So I really appreciate someone with very similar tastes in games as me is able to help expand my gaming library. Thanks David keep up with the videos!

[@jeffersonjjohnson]

This looks great. Hopefully it ends up on GoG before long. I'm with you on the hack storytelling in indie games. I would really like to see a return to high quality monster sprites on the battle screen for these games. That was half the reward for me getting to a boss back in the early days.

[@Endarire]

Items can be used in battles if you're a Chemist or have the command equipped. No megalixirs though. Auto battle is somewhat included. From the menu, choose an ability then push the appropriate button (it was the menu button for me) to set that as your auto ability that character uses on their first turn of each fight if able.

[@SoulsSliders]

This one looks good. I feel grateful and sad to have lived through the greatest decade for rpg's, the 90's. I remember Square's golden era where every game they released had that white cover, whether it was Final Fantasy or Brave Fencer Musashi. They need to revisit new IP's like they did before. I wouldn't mind a remaster of some of them. I am currently replaying Thousand Arms :)

[@natef735]

This comment! Just everything about this comment!

[@perezkoala]

FFV is so underrated, and will definitely play this one.

[@tdblackboxx6866]

limited mp... a separate resource meter that starts at 0 each fight and increases as you fight?... sounds like the OG Wild ARMs with its force bar. I got this game on my wishlist. My backlog is a bit overcrowded atm, but i will definitely check it out some day. Thanks for the review/recommendation.

[@Villithtwo]

there is a global world map. they also added "fast travel" which allows you to set up to 3 home points

[@akabancopop]

If you think this is good, you would LOVE Crosscode. Absolutely flawless game design. You can feel how much the developers loved the game as you're exploring it.

[@thebarbaryghostsf]

Thanks for the tip!

[@MinecraftMartin]

Flawless is a big word. Crosscode definitely isn't flawless, and that's ok though. It's fun. I got bored by about half way through the game from the repetitive rinse and repeat you go through each time you reach a new area. Might give it another chance.

[@johnreniel]

an absolute hidden gem, it has become one of my favorite rpgs ever, props to the developer for listening to the community and adding more stuff and patches to the game. Great review, love your videos man

[@HybridAngelZero]

I completely missed this one, it looks rad! Definitely gonna check out. I hope it gets a console port sometime, this would be perfect for Switch

[@gamerprince-tl5hg]

They need to port this to Switch

[@UnfairBandicoot]

It's on Switch now!

[@alkristopher]

In case you were wondering, Eiyuden Chronicle Rising is good (not great). The simplicity is its selling point for me (and the light townbuilding mechanic)--that, and they PERFECTED fast travel. Combat is fairly simple, but so far I've not come across any major challenge. There's an absolute boatload of sidequests, and just as many cutscenes, although you can easily skip dialogue if you want. Not sure if it's worth $15, so maybe watch out for a sale later if you're on the fence.

[@Iamtheamazingmrg]

I started it a couple of days ago and I agree. Its fun. Nothing amazing, and nothing deep, but there's a lot to like about it, and its gorgeous.

[@JDHutchison]

This has been on my wishlist for a bit. Never been able to pull the trigger (as with the 100 other games on my wishlist). With this review, I am now going to get it right away.

[@danieldagenais8269]

Same

[@bandrew1442]

A retro inspired turn based rpg with a job class system? I need this game now lol

[@ekdavey]

Did you name your party member Ken after your husband? That's so sweet

[@davidvinc]

LOL, I did! :)

[@JoeCole_social]

Wow this looks awesome! thanks for sharing. I really hope this comes out for the Switch.

[@davidoneill8158]

I’ve never heard anything about this game, but I’m definitely buying it after work.

[@jmitchellbeard]

Seriously hoping this gets ported to the Switch!

[@Cedric_9]

Did this start out as an RPG Maker game? I recognize a lot of the sprites from RPG maker 2k/2k3. If so I'm surprised they made it into this game, since it doesn't appear to be on the rpg maker engine.

[@blargher5390]

I don't know if it was ever planned as an RPG Maker game, but the game was made by a single person so they used a lot of publicly available assets. Most of the sprites and music fit in well enough that it's pretty seamless thankfully, although a few monster sprites do stand out a bit.

[@Cuprite1024]

The character sprites are from the Time Fantasy asset pack, which is used super often with RPG Maker, so that may be why it looks like that. I don't think the tiles are from the same pack tho, and I don’t immediately recognize them from 2k3 (I don't think they could even legally use those outside of RM anyway). Whether it started as one or not, I can't say, but that'd honestly make me *more* interested than I already am (I love RPG Maker as a whole. Lol). That being said, 3D maps are possible in MV thanks to plugins, but I don't think that's what's happening here.

[@KTF0]

Always wanted to play an open world FF. The map looks ginormous.

[@thebarbaryghostsf]

I'm about 6 hours into this game and it's everything I was hoping for! I am so glad it came up in my Steam queue today! I'm 44, and this kind of game is like comfort food for me. The focus on non-hand holding and open world exploration is my favorite thing about it. I love how the dev has made it accessible to gamers of all skill levels and preferences too! I can't believe how long I've been playing this and I just now entered the Trial Area lol.

[@kevinstreetgaming]

Looks pretty cool!

[@nanoglitch6693]

Looks interesting. Climbing up that cliff gave me Alundra flashbacks.

[@smokeldogg]

.erauqs si dlrow eht

[@CassiusZedaker-pr7kc]

I bought this the other day and I'm already stuck in the beginning area. I can get to the Trial Meadows, but I can't find the other two crystals I need to pass it. :(

[@AegixDrakan]

...Huh, the dev made very nice use of the Time Fantasy Sprites. I've only seen and used those in RPGmaker games, but this looks like someone made it in Unity. Honestly, looks pretty neat.

[@nanoglitch6693]

Yeah, that's one of the minor downsides for me is I've already seen these same graphics in 100 other projects lol.

[@AegixDrakan]

You know, this makes me sad that my own open world RPG dungeon crawler type game is never see going to see release. It's too big, and I'm just making it on the side for fun. XD

[@Sheeps856]

Yeah, the single dev state of the game means it's using a lot of premades for art and music, but in this case, there's actually enough charm in the game that it's not just coming off like Yet Another RPG Maker Heartbreaker.

[@Cuprite1024]

Agreed. The use of popular royalty-free assets has never bothered me, personally. In fact, I find it really cool when I can just immediately recognize them. Lol. Helps that I associate them with RM, since I love RM as a whole (Same applies to seeing the Ækashics battler art). :)

[@Cuprite1024]

@@AegixDrakan Mood. The only game I've ever released to the public is an hour-long demo of a Pokémon fangame, and that was within the last week or two for a game jam. It feels good to finally have something out there, but it took *so* long to do so cause I have a tendency to get way too overambitious for my own good. Lmao.

[@kutark]

I wish more JRPGs would stop homogenizing progression so much. It ruins the game when you can easily predict exactly how much more powerful your next weapon or piece of armor will be, approx how many more hours of play before you get it, etc etc. Tales of Arise was one of the worst offenders of this for me.

[@yureion]

"have rogue backstab then ditch their aggro" ahhh.... final fantasy 11 i miss being the thief puller/aggro establisher for tanks lol.

[@veghesther3204]

However UNLESS this game gets a PS4 PS5 Switch version I won't ever play it.

[@tommiefunk2099]

Liked. Commented. Subscribed. For the algorithm!

[@jaedesouza4589]

The game is so sick . Legit get lost for hours and then I found out it’s non linear and I enjoyed it even more.

[@nustde00]

*examines David Vinc* *sees 2 vests* *knows the gravity of the situation*

[@jaimereupert4247]

It's a shame it's only available on PC. I'd love to be able to play it on my Android phone. 😥

[@mcm426]

Hopefully this will run on my laptop. I really need a new gaming pc 😩

[@brya9681]

you convinced me to buy this game, Ginn dive into it after I beat trails fc

[@whiteiswong]

Retro style done right! Look forward to this on Switch soon!

[@Petersmith57921]

I feel like I'm cheating on u by flirting with another guy on tweet lol

[@Petersmith57921]

Another cute game u always find interesting stuff

[@rabbyd542]

Looks like a fun game. Too bad I only have console.

[@Petersmith57921]

Fine I'm back iv resubscribed to u

[@sutor0]

Just finished this in the last week. Loved it! Was totally thinking David would really like this game. Glad you got to play it. Scratches all my nes/snes rpg itches.

[@davidoneill8158]

I’m about to buy it after work. How long did it take for you to beat?

[@sutor0]

Like 60hrs give or take. I was playing on hard mode which made it a lot more challenging.

[@R3GARnator]

Glad to see you finding that indie goodness.

[@Petersmith57921]

I can't stay mad at u than face I'd miss u too much

[@tomderry7295]

I think I will pass on this one. It looks ok, but probably not for me. Thanks for the review!

[@davidvinc]

Thanks for watching!

[@Rockin501s]

Hiya! Great review and thanks! Regarding job/class changes being restricted to only save checkpoints.....I'm gonna welcome it with open arms. You pointed out various elements and mechanics pulled from other games. CP's restrictions plays like DnD... *coughcoughBG3coughcough* .. where casters can only prepare spells when you camp. I love the challenge of not knowing what's ahead and "hoping for the best"; Plus, in my experience those 1st encounters have garnered some of my favorite memories because of the outcome. Yah...24 jobs is a lot to manage. I'd expect the option to allow job changes in the menu too. Especially with the nostalgia it brings back from some of my favorite games. I haven't played it yet...however....Bravo for Andrew and RiverRunGames for breaking the mold in that aspect! I hope it doesn't change.

[@dedyariansa7618]

Ah Yess... Open World Final Fantasy... I Remember there's a games that kinda branch from FF2 of that It's Final Fantasy Legends,or to be Precisely SaGa Series (Romancing Saga)

[@chrisv.4279]

Checked this because of the title, since FFV is my favorite of that series, and now I'm definitely interested. But... A single home point you return to and can change jobs at, with jobs that start with the FF original six but unlock more later, and a backstab for aggro control? It sounds like someone MAY have played FFXI at some point!

[@RetroPerspective]

Some lesser known/indie games are extremely well written (Ara Fell, Sins Of The Demon, Last Dream), others have terrible plots that fall apart in an hour and don't make any sense (Chronus Arc, Machine Knight.) This game expands on FF5's system in a way I've been waiting to see for years. Perhaps the lack of a deep story helps immersion by allowing the player to construct their own narratives. That can be good or terrible, but the developers seem to know what they're doing.

[@Copebroo]

This looks awesome! Kind of reminds me of Elden ring if it had cute graphics and turn base gameplay lol

[@OmniMirror]

Great review! I just wishlisted it on Steam and might pick it up soon. I currently own 3-D Dot Game Heroes but have never gotten around to playing it.

[@gregtuff4020]

Picked this up based on your recommendation and it's pretty fun! Got stuck for a bit but eventually found my way.

[@TheSpartanMoose2453]

Been looking at this one for a little while now, but been holding off while I finish Xenoblade 2. That being said, it's been hard to not buy it and dive in. This review is not helping with that.

[@ShyamWolf]

I do own it and as of the release of this vid I believe it upped the homes to 3, there are shrines dotted around you can buy stones to warp to I know of 2, and I'm not even close to done with the game. There is a class that can use items in battle, it's just not as well as you could out of battle.

[@fenniken5381]

I hope this comes to consoles.

[@nanowithbeans2511]

I bought the game recently, and all I really hopeis that playing as other races is available in a future update. Adds that variety in the game.

[@MB-gl2bl]

This is the first time I’m even hearing of this game. I’ll be checking it out as it looks like the best of everything!

[@CBs-Home-Vids]

Have you tried Ikenfell? That more than any indie rpg gave me really hard nostalgia for retro jrpgs from the 90s. It really hit all the buttons right for me, as an 80s kid and 90s teen, I recommend it. But at the same time had a really fun and unique battle system.

[@ParasaurolophusZ]

I think it says a lot about the high quality that you had to really try to find some drawbacks. Sounds like a fun game!

[@jamessnedeker4799]

As someone who apparently enjoys game hacks, have you ever tried any of the Final Fantasy randomizers? I don't know about V but IV and VI have open world randomizer variants (Free Enterprise and Worlds Collide respectively). Anyway, this one looks fun and hopefully I'll give it a shot someday.

[@zalgradis6269]

“Use your swallowtail attack!” Just as predicted

[@dorkasaurusbecks]

The world is square. HA! I see what you did there

[@davidvinc]

I couldn't resist

[@starwars90001]

I know those sprites are from RPGT maker so that makes this game even more amazing to me, and I love open world plus FF5 so this is a must buy.

[@TheMetalHeadbangger]

will chek it out!

[@JohnsonJJohnson33]

I love it when you get excited for a game! Makes me excited too!

[@heyWhatWho]

Love this

[@AaronW0885]

How's the difficulty? The systems look amazing. But I always worry with a lot of rpgs that it ends up being too easy to brute force your way through. And then neat strategies or things like an awesome aggro system end up neglected

[@davidvinc]

There are three difficulty levels that you can choose from

[@jorgulon]

Why would you ignore the indie scene?

[@davidvinc]

Oh I've gotten much more into it over the past year or so.

[@thewingedavenger1007]

Great review! This looks awesome. It's the first game I'm gonna get as soon as I buy a Steam Deck!

[@davidvinc]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@stoeckli11]

Would love this game to be released on consoles! It looks amazing

[@KiNETiKpoWerZ]

Definitely looks interesting

[@Thehotdogman]

I was waiting waiting to hear what you thought of this one. Some purple (possibly from an earlier build) complained of difficulty spikes but you didn't seem to make mention of them so maybe those are ironed out by now. Good to hear you had a good time with it!

[@blargher5390]

I recently finished the game, and while there are certainly still some spikes in difficulty with the main progression bosses most of them were pretty easily solved by switching up a couple of classes/subclasses and using buffs/debuffs intelligently. Towards the end you are expected to be near or at the maximum level of 60 though. There are a few optional bosses that are far more powerful than your party at the time you can first encounter them, but most of them have a key weakness that can be exploited with specific skills of some early game classes. They are also easily by coming back to them later in the game. The optional endgame bosses on the other hand really require a fully optimized loadout if you want to survive their attacks at all. Unfortunately a lot of them throw out primarily multi-target attacks so the threat system ends up as a non-factor. There is always the nuclear option of course, some party compositions can beat even the hardest bosses before they can act.

[@guyinapandasuit2691]

I just platinumed Elden Ring last weekend. Took me 130hours. And now I'm in desperate need of something totally different to cleanse my pallet. And THIS game looks to be just what I need. I'm interested in the job system. I blame you for my love of job systems haha. Ever since I started watching your videos (around the time I played Octopath, when It launched) I've heard you mention jobs. Now I pay way more attention to them and I'd argue a good job system is my FAVORITE aspect of JRPGS aside from the stories they often tell. Also, side note, I live in Vegas. I run a smoke shop right next to a Retro game shop called "Game Repair" If you ever travel to my side of town, I hope you remember this comment. I'm a huge fan and would freak if you walked into my store haha

[@davidvinc]

I've never heard of Game Repair - is it the one on Tenaya Way? I'm clear across town from that in Henderson :(

[@guyinapandasuit2691]

@@davidvinc yes that's the one! Lol damn, Hendo is a bit of a drive. Well if you ever decide to make the trip across town, I know the owner of that shop is really cool and they have some decent selection of older stuff. Not a HUGE selection, but they definitely have some gems in there. If you are curious about their selection but don't wanna make the drive, I could reach out to you through discord and check the store out for ya

[@sxechaos]

This game looks fantastic

[@blueythedragonknight3949]

Ah the feeling of going where and when you want to is so freeing, One of the many reasons i like games like Fallout and Elder scrolls. I'm also a sucker for a good job system and i can assume that the six you start with are not the only ones. I wonder if there is a Blue Mage type job available.

[@davidvinc]

There is! I showcased it in the video

[@kelubthorn2797]

Scholar is the blue mage of this game. They learn enemy abilities by seeing them. You can see him unlocking the class at 5:16

[@acidwizard6528]

The blue mage job is shown in the video. It's called Scholar. Check out @5:20 the next character's dialog describes the class characteristics.

[@blueythedragonknight3949]

Ooops, I must've not seen it at first. I look forward to using it though.

[@Crocogator]

Glad to know you're enjoying it

[@davidvinc]

I love it!

[@MrMovees87]

I played this game quite a bit, and it’s very much a love/hate relationship. I LOVED the job system and combat, and the exploring was really fun too… at least first. For me, just to clarify, I found the platforming to get quite tedious after a while, especially with how many very precise jumps you needed for progression. The lack of much fast travel really sucked too, but there’s since been upgrades to it to make it a bit smoother. There was also a *huge* balancing patch recently, which was sorely needed IMO, and the lack of using items in battle sans the Chemist job class *really* didn’t sit right with me. I do still like the game a lot, to be sure, and I hope it continues to be worked on and updated moving forward.

[@R1ck_Ryder]

I think this is how they should have made the pixel remasters

[@straightupanarg6226]

This might actually be the best turn based RPG ever. Also, ProJared has been doing a playthrough, looks _awesome._

[@dickyyuspandi6752]

Hi David. Can i request for Eiyuden Chronicle Rising review from you? I already played about 1 hour and i kinda not impressed. Maybe it will change if i watch your review video.

[@mikesclassicsdotcom]

This needs to be on Switch!!!!!!