Alliance Alive HD Remastered Review || An Overlooked Gem?

[@ThePhantomVulpes]

I played this game on the 3DS and had to get it again on the Switch. I, personally, adore this game in almost every part. I think the leveling system is a little too complex, with positions and stances being just too much for me personally, and I think the talent progression is a little slow, but I think those are the biggest gripes outside of it being a 3DS port and the graphics not looking super great at all times on the Switch. But I love the soundtrack, I think it's phenomenal. And I remember running in the overworld and finding an enemy and the music didn't change. The battle was over quickly and it was nothing to even scoff at. But then, when you run into a tougher enemy, that's when the music changes. And you can feel that impact. And I love that.

[@kennthy]

Studio Atelier Hey, can I ask a question? I also have both the 3ds and Switch and I'm planning to buy the game. Which version did you enjoy the most?

[@ThePhantomVulpes]

@@kennthy The one on Switch is in HD, so for sure that one. I mean, it's the same game I'm pretty sure and it's playable on both a TV and in handheld, so there's really no reason to buy it on 3DS if you own a Switch. Or the price tag, I guess, but this game is 26 hours on average playthoughs and 36 hours if you're doing more stuff along the way (howlongtobeat.com) so I'd say the price tag is fine here

[@HansAlRachid]

This kind of looks and sounds like a SaGa game with a greater focus on character interaction and story. Neat! I'll have to keep an eye out for it during sales.

[@TheGamingShelf]

That Ni no Kuni 2 shade lol. Great review! I had my eye on this, but it got lost in the midst of other games. Might have to go back and pick it up!

[@JRPGCentral]

Some people are gonna take umbrage with it, but I gotta speak the truth. lol Thanks man! I definitely recommend it. The 3DS version is a great option, too!

[@danielscott70x7]

It’s soooo good, Taylor!

[@markdiaz8895]

Hey missed ya! I love this game, thought I was the only one who did lol. Glad to see you're back man!

[@apparentlysomeone2103]

That battle system is the same reason so many hated saga frontier but the reason i was so hooked on it. I love classic turn based jrpg, but some times its really fun to have hook that takes a minute to work out. Because when you have that moment of understanding you feel super satisfied.

[@patrickdilla]

The thing that hooked me is how the characters are written plus their interaction. I even loved this game more than Octopath Traveler like 10x more. This is to give credit to Murayama, the creator of Suikoden who have mastered character development and multi-branched interaction possibilities from his experiences from the first 3 Suikoden games. It has a lot of potential and seemed lacked budget that is why they need to trim down a lot of aspects of the game but the re-playability is really high and the exploration is really well-crafted. I wished they made a sequel but Murayama already started his own company and just excited to play his upcoming game that succeeded in Kickstarter, Eiyuden Chronicle. I hope you feature that game too when it comes out on 2023.

[@michellekristolia3758]

Great review! I got to know this game because of Yoshitaka Murayama aka the founder of Suikoden! I want to play it so bad right now xD

[@Food4Dogs]

I love this game. Neat review.

[@JRPGCentral]

Thank you Britta! I do too. :)

[@yggdrasil7942]

Having just played 'I am Setsuna' and 'Oninaki', I could quite honestly say this game beats them both, hands down.

[@joeb2588]

Did you find the controls easy to learn? I heard one reviewer talking about combat controls being tough to learn. I'd like to get it while it's on sale...but I don't like when the controls are a mess.

[@yggdrasil7942]

@@joeb2588I found it easy. Like a duck to water.

[@joeb2588]

@@yggdrasil7942 great, thanks.!

[@xarver8105]

This is an absolutely great game. The weapon/awakening system is fun. The story is awesome and charming. The characters are endearing and make you want to play the game to see what happens next.

[@Kenko_4]

Great review! I played through about 75% of the story on the 3DS and recently got it for the Switch so I hope to eventually play through it. I'm a bit bummed that they didn't address the battle/overworld music issue as that was one of the things that bothered me on the 3DS. I agree that it's a hidden gem for JRPGs. And lol about the Tubby Snow Bunny :)

[@creggieb]

Dude I'm so happy you ended up enjoying this. HUZZAH!

[@JRPGCentral]

Me too! Haha

[@archangelmichael1978]

AA really is an incredible game. Atlus said, "What was good about Legend of Legacy and what was bad? Now, let's craft a great story around this with some lovable characters." Atlus hit a home run. The mechanics are complex, but no so much that you're frustrated. The story is robust, but not so much that you get lost. The pacing is good and well balanced. It's not too grindy, but completionists will have to grind a bit. Every character has a part in the game and you're practically forced (in a good way) to develop each character to an extent. The story is really really REALLY good. By end game, even the NPCs have a role in the grand scheme of things... The Alliance, hence the name of the game... finally all makes sense and ties together. Everything is so customizable and multiple endings make for excellent replay value. Heck, the game is so much fun that you WANT to play the NG+/EX again after beating the game. And, the ending is very satisfying as well. Minor Spoiler: I think Azura's eyes should have turned blue when she took off her blindfold at the end. (you'll understand if you ever beat the game) tl;dr This is a MUST HAVE game. Fans of Bravely Default or old school Final Fantasy will absolutely fall in love with Alliance Alive.

[@richardcahill1234]

Daemon is pronounced Demon. It's just an archaic spelling of demon, not a different word.

[@Rajin90]

ae is usually another way of spelling ä. And Dämon is German for demon.

[@vaguerenter]

Saw this in the middle of a Romancing Saga playthrough, and the combat looks -very- similar. I also like the lack of a standard battle theme. Might have to pick this up.

[@Malkav]

Found a copy of this for PS4 brand new for 9.97 today.

[@OTBASH]

I still have this game for my 3ds. I played until I got to some crystal land place then got bored and stopped playing for years. I aim to get back into it and finish it now that I dusted off my 3ds.

[@ollirog5479]

nice review , i played the demo on the 3ds but maybe this is a buy for the switch :-) good to see you again here btw

[@FiggsNeughton]

Anybody else see a correlation between daemon rulers and bikes, beast henchmen and joggers, and the oppressed humans as, well, humans? Really interesting setup for a story.

[@KamigawaGames]

Its on sale till may 10, for $30 its a great fun jrpg.

[@IronbloodedRPGBadger]

The reason why the battle systems in both The Alliance Alive and The Legend of Legacy were so unconventional was that they were derived from the SaGa games, specifically the Romancing SaGa games. Plus, the development teams behind Alliance Alive and Legend of Legacy consist of some key veteran SaGa developers, minus SaGa creator Akitoshi Kawazu. Basically, they both play more like a SaGa RPG than a Final Fantasy RPG or any normal RPG, definitely more so for The Legend of Legacy in terms of game mechanics IMO. Give Romancing SaGa 2 or 3 a try (Square Enix remastered them both a while back) and you'll see what I mean.

[@JRPGCentral]

I’ve always wanted to play the SaGa games, but never have. I’ve gotta fix that soon..

[@Majo_Ellen]

The review killed me when we got to the balls... xD I was listening to this while walking to work, and had to doubletake like "WHAT?!"

[@gamerprince-tl5hg]

Ngl I wasn't too interested in this game because the battle system put me off but everything else seems pretty great and the review put me in the mood to play this game. I now have my eye on this game and will play it one day. The battle and level system still seems strange though

[@kylieeliz]

Oh man, I've seen another review and they were more lukewarm, but you're kinda selling me on it. Maybe I'll pick it up if it goes on sale or when I finish Octopath

[@chroniquephilousophique9983]

Octopath is soooo great! Easily my best switch experience so far

[@Usercool]

The game looks very nice, the graphics seem to be crisper than the older release. But like you remarked in the review: the game debut was a bit hard to get through but once the game gets going... To me, it's a great trend that lesser known handheld games (since they're more of a niche in the West than in the East) are getting ported more frequently to big consoles so people will get to know and enjoy these games. Great to have you back!

[@andyk9735]

"the graphics seem to be crisper than the older release". Brah, you do understand what a remaster is yeah? :')

[@Usercool]

@@andyk9735 Why yes, I do. However, there are all to many examples of half-assed so-called 'remasters' where the game textures only got reworked in certain places while retaining the original textures in others places. This can lead to a visual mish-mash that's not pleasant to look at. I'm glad they took their time with this game to do a proper job. Aight?

[@andyk9735]

@@Usercool whilst I do agree that in some instances what you say is correct, the majority of the time crisper visuals are the underpinning of remasters, which was why your comment gave me a momentary chuckle. My response was only intended to be taken as a light hearted ribbing. Have a good one bro :)

[@Usercool]

@@andyk9735 No offense taken or intended ;-) The internet is a tricky place to correctly convey feelings. Let's all agree to enjoy good remasters together!

[@nibelungvalesti]

So, SaGa style of leveling and skill gain, cool.

[@Aequitas887]

exactly what the game reminded me of

[@demoniob4019]

i loved this game, just wish it had more stuff to do endgame, like a dungeon post final boss, or maybe some sort of new game+

[@jos234]

I’m downloading this on my iPad, I actually miss these types of graphics

[@archangelmichael1978]

HAHA! I totally forgot about the mechanic of switching your overworld character to get different dialogues. Another example of racism in AA. There is a social justice aspect to this game, but it's not weird or overbearing, like most SJW crap. It is funny though how some NPC will say "Die in a fire, monkey scum." and switch to Viv and the NPC suddenly says, "I worship the ground that you walk upon. How may I serve you, milady?" Conversely, Viv can talk to an NPC who says, "I hate Daemons and I hate you too. Never talk to me again." Switch to a human and they're like, "Us resistance comrades have to stick together. Count me in!" Even some sexism too. There's one place that's a "girls only" type of club. Another one of those slightly hidden features that makes this game so awesome and enjoyable.

[@joeb2588]

Did you find combat easy to learn? I love turn based rpgs, their my favorite. However, one of the reviewers I watched said the co.bat controls and combat itself was confusing...I played about 10 Kemco Rpg's. I like them. It didn't seem to far off from those.

[@baatarbeifong7869]

I wish there were some kind of encyclopedia that was readily available in one's menu screen like with Legend of Legacy so that I could know how complete my inventory and monster encounter list are and also, not have to go to a library guild. I really am curious to know if that Illuvatar spear is available in the 3DS version~

[@Cuprite1024]

Literally the only thing I don't like about this game is the lack of voice acting in the HD version, since the pre-rendered cutscenes were just *MADE* for voice acting. Other than that, I love this game. I own both versions, tho I've only played the 3DS version so far. :P

[@xx_pit_xx8492]

Well I dident heard about this game, but you definetly spelled it to me. Expecialy knowing that is centered on the characters (is one of the things that I search more in rpgs). What I don't know if it would be better on 3ds or switch. There's some addition on the remastered version?

[@JRPGCentral]

To my knowledge the improvements are purely visual. So if you can get it on 3DS it would still be a great way to play it!

[@xx_pit_xx8492]

@@JRPGCentral okay that is good (for the price more than anything). Thanks for the response.

[@ScuzoidMelee]

I am so confused. How is this not a spiritual successor to Bravely Default? I checked wiki just to verify this wasn't made be the same company. Even weird stuff like the "sort of a guild thing where you build towers to buy new stuff." is very reminiscent of a similar system in Bravely Default (something about a moon in one of the two?) Finally, Radiant Historia was the BoTW title of the DS for me. I never rewatch, reread, or replay movies/books/games, but maybe I will one day with Radiant Historia. I never played Perfect Chronology though. Maybe I should just give that one a go.

[@dominic20]

If we're being generous we could call it an homage to Bravely Default. If we're being mean, we might call it a ripoff. Either way, its a small company with less money trying to recreate was Square Enix did.

[@NicoFlame9]

Awesome

[@harkejuice]

The combat system is basically the SaGa Frontier (1, 2, 3) system. Which is why I even bothered to look at this series starting with the first game (which wasn't as good as this). I beat this game on the 3ds and can't be bothered to re-play it, but it was very good and kept me interested throughout. I did wish the tower thing was a bit more interesting its a shame. I feel that it had some greater strategic elements planned but overall I didn't get much out of it. I found the game to be overall way too easy at times and then the optional bosses mopped the floor with me. A problem I feel Braverly Default suffers from too (to the point they let you skip combat entirely, oof).

[@MrVariant]

3:54 not enjoying for first 5 hours, that's sad. Modern day gaming that's inexcusable given how right now including this there are 1400 switch games on sale (700 xbone, PS4 over 500, not counting every single 40 set lol) and there was a ton of stuff in stores like Amazon (buy 2 get 1 free) and such before Black Friday even hit.

[@annienunyabiz6627]

The 'level' system is nearly identical to the SaGa series for anyone that's played those games.

[@ricardobelmont5984]

I'll have to grab it. My rpg group kept bringing it up yesterday.

[@Tamipriest]

its been 22 years ... >.> jokes aside , good review

[@jonathansoko1085]

The switch is half a decade old and nintendo shows no signs of remotely caring to update it lmao... wait i correct myself, they unlocked bluetooth headphone support in an update, 5 years in lmfao

[@gamer197730]

Is there voiceover?

[@JetBlack2024]

I wish it had more effort put in. It’s good but their were games that came out before and right after that were just so much better. Keep seeing it on sale on switch but darn I don’t even think it’s worth more than $15 dollars for what you get.

[@Music-qz5tb]

JRPG Central

[@ircha]

Did you quit youtube?

[@BURGATRON]

Just finished. For me, this game is just average at best. The dialogue is the best part. Interaction and chemistry between the characters is very fun. The artwork and music are pleasant. But it really fails in plot and gameplay. Battles were so repetitive that after the halfway point, I fastforwarded them at 4x the speed. The position levels were never really explained so you don't know how to strategize based on arts. There's also plenty of running between guilds and towns to get equipment and spells. The plot is the worst part of the game. This game has some of the most bland and lifeless villains ever. (SPOILERS AHEAD) The main antagonist, Kuwalsa, creates 'ether gears' to separate the nations of man. Then literally spends a thousand years using these ether gears to build a ship "that can destroy anything" in order to create a new order. Then the very first attack it launches just gets swatted by his general. lol. Why does he do this? What does he see wrong with the current state of things? What changes will he enact in his 'new order'? Nothing is explained. He's just basically fed up. His minions are no better. Esmeralda is his general who caused the death of the protagonist's mother. During your confrontation, she sends three low level goons your way and she calls it a life... It is very hard to believe this is the same writer who created Suikoden 2! To conclude, this game has potential but it always just felt incomplete and unpolished. Maybe the budget was an issue. Maybe the creators phoned it in because they had other plans. Anyway, I don't recommend this game if you're looking for a rich story. If you're craving for a turn based JRPG with fun interactions and don't mind the flawed mechanics, then this game might be worth a shot.

[@elplayclown257]

So it's like saga frontier with no leveling system

[@anab0lic]

another reviewer said the combat is too easy. which renders all of the strategic choices irrelevant... that's a pretty big negative if true

[@JRPGCentral]

It starts off easy, but it definitely doesn't stay that way imo. There's one battle in particular halfway through the game that is notoriously brutal. lol

[@Jack_80]

that's why i mainly only play atlus rpgs anymore. they're the only ones that consistantly offer a challenge. i never understood why these other companies can't just simply add in a harder mode or 2 for those who want it.

[@fffranks]

dang this vid made me really want to play the game but there's no keyboard-mouse support LOL it requires a controller

[@Sinn0100]

Thank you for saving my fiancee and I thirty bucks too sixty bucks. Allow me to add some context too this. We are both huge gamers. We have two of every console including the enhanced models connected to two 4K UHD screens in our master bedroom. We both are professionals that are stuck waiting out this stupid COVID 19 virus. We were about to pull the trigger on this thing for her PSPRO. I would have likely followed suit after finishing Doom Eternal on my Xbox One X and Octopath Traveler on my Switch. Once you mentioned the leveling system or lack thereof...nope. I do not know why some Japanese developers do this to an otherwise awesome experience. We are not going to play this and hope for the best that our characters get strong enough through regular play. Further, this absolutely kills the joy of combat for me. What is the freaking point....sorry, you warned us and prevented us from wasting money. I can't believe the creator of Suikoden thought this system was acceptable. Thank you for your honest review!

[@BillyLavoie]

There's actually 12 characters @5:10 not 11

[@danielscott70x7]

Bit the bullet and picked up the HD Remaster on Switch 9 days ago. I’m currently 20 hours in and I CANT. STOP. PLAYING. Has quickly become one of my favorite JRPGs ever.

[@cydzerlight1383]

try cold steel

[@danielscott70x7]

Cydzer Light cold steel is Sooooo good!

[@fredtobin4671]

I don't care if they are chibis but y no feet?lol

[@locked89]

Alliance Alive HD Remastered Review || An Overlooked Gem? NO. This game has so many huge flaws it is not worth a shot, considering how many significant jrpg are out there.

[@joeb2588]

Did you play it? I was going to get it. What didn't you not like about it?

[@locked89]

@@joeb2588 The level up system is embarrassing: in other words there is no exp at all in the game, and your characters level up and learn skills at a 90%-random chance. Then there is too much personalization since no character has unique moves. The story had some potential but it's mostly wasted. Some nice OST. Overall a bit bland.

[@gureguru4694]

soo expensive for the amount of game u get,

[@Pichuscute]

Dunno how you didn't adore that OST, ngl

[@john-marccartagenas6706]

"I wish there was more racism"

[@ketxxx1]

Even in this short review the video footage had me feeling the game is very empty with the huge open areas it has but hardly any people or things to give it life and make it look interesting.