I wasn't sure it would work. Not on a Demon. - Garrison

Sum-Up

In-depth analysis further down.

🟩 Pros

• Gorgeous reiteration of the old-school comic books called Battle Chaser.
• Interesting characters and fun dialogues.
• A simple, yet tactful combat that requires patience and persistence.
• Despite the criticism I have for the Windows version, the Linux version
saved this game for me.
• Supports partial ultra-wide monitors. On the open world works great,
but combat is forced to show black bars.

🟥 Cons

• Grindy for the most part and that is because of the high difficulty in boss fights.
• Windows version is buggy, causing stutter that although playable, can be annoying.
• Repetitive when it comes to different types of mobs, with slight variations.
• New Game + ramps up the difficulty even more, removing your items,
and level and adding no additional value to the story.

🟨 Bugs & Issues‎‎

🔲 Never had any.
☑️ Hanging, Freezing, or
Crashing.
🔲 Graphics Glitch.
🔲 Gameplay Defect.
🔲 In-game Purchase.
🔲 Audio Problem.
🔲 Text Problem.
🔲 Save Glitch.

🔧 Specs

• CPU: i7-12700K
• RAM: 32GB DDR4
• GPU: 1060 6GB
• SD: SSD
• RES: 1440p</td>

⚙ Settings & FPS

Settings: Ultra - High
FPS: 60+

🌌 Content & Replay Value

A normal playthrough requires roughly about 30 hours to complete. If you wish to do a new game plus, you can sink about 75+. I personally finished my NG+ in about 82 hours with all achievements unlocked. The game is a lot shorter if you skip through fights, although each fight keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's worth replaying in NG+ if you want to get the whole achievements from NG+ and maybe unlock other things like bestiary, which is rather difficult to accomplish in a single run.</td>

💵 Is it worth buying?

Yes, absolutely. Despite the flaws that I've had with the game stuttering on the Windows version, the story and the gameplay were actually fun. It's a rare gem among other JRPG's and a great entry for those who want to try out JRPG's in general, but be wary of the difficulty gap. [/td]

🎮 Steam Deck Compatibility

Most of my playthrough has been done through the Steam Deck and if it wasn't for this, I'd probably fill the cons slots a lot more. The game runs perfectly fine on Linux, BUT you need to be aware that some videos will play upside down, or at least they did for me. To fix this issue you have to install and use Proton GE as main way to launch it. This will fix 100% your videos from being upside down or any other bugs. [/td]

🧾 Verdict: Good

Rating Chart Here: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2761784706]

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a great JRPG, that had fun and interesting characters that made me wish I knew or read the comic books. Although difficult and rough around the edges, it's a game that I heart-warmingly recommend it to anybody interested in trying out a good JRPG.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is an RPG inspired by the console genre-greats, featuring deep dungeon diving, turn-based combat presented in classic JRPG format, and a rich story driven by exploration of the world. Traditional turn-based combat with a unique overcharge mana system and incredible Battle Bursts.

⚔ Gameplay:

Rate: ★★★★☆

The is split into 2 traversal systems, the one on a 2D map, where you can choose where to go, following a set path that doesn't permit you to get over it and explore other areas and choose which fights you wish to have and a 3D plain, where normally you'll find in dungeons and special areas. Here, like the 2D plane, you'll be picking your fights the way you like, and compared to the map exploration you'll have enemies aggro you if you come too close to them.

The combat is turn-based, where you have the capability of using a set of skills that either requires mana, overcharge, which is used as mana when you use abilities or skills on an enemy without depleting your mana, and burst skills, which are powerful ultimate skills that either heal or damage the enemy.

The game is rather simple by nature. You are tasked to discover a new area on the map. This map has a couple of special locations. which are guarded by randomly pawned monsters and a dungeon, which you're required to undergo to move on with your campaign.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2868497885

🏞 Visuals:

Rate: ★★★★☆

Visually this game looks great and follows the art style seen in the comic books, with unique-looking characters and some that remind me of some famous animes, like Garrison seems to take inspiration from Berserker and Calibretto seems to offer inspiration to another anime series called Fullmetal Achemist, specifically Alphonse Elric.

Animations in the game are really beautiful and a lot of craft and love has been placed in them.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2868497333

🔊 Sound:

Rate: ★★★★☆

Music and sound in the game are quality; with each skill and ability, you can feel the impact and power of each ability. I can also make a remark that the voice acting is very well done and I really wish the entire discussions were voice acted as it does break the immersion when at times discussions happen between characters at the inn or during missions which are simply silent and feel like visual novels all the sudden.

📖 Story:

Rate: ★★★★☆

The story for this game is quite interesting. The characters are simply well narrated and written, with different personalities and interactions that make the whole journey feel even more interesting. Although at times it does feel rather difficult to keep up with the plot due to the immense amount of grind, I can say that it had interesting parts worth exploring.

I personally felt a great attachment to the entire team and I was looking forward to seeing the game through from beginning to the end.

I wish there was something different in the NG+ as an extra continuation for the story, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case and I'm awaiting eagerly the sequel.

🧵 Length:

🔲 Short
🔲 Average
☑️ Long
🔲 Unlimited

The game would be rather short by length if it was a straightforward combat, but due to the great amount of grind, enemy encounters, and difficulty spikes, you're forced to take your time.

🧩 Difficulty:

🔲 Easy
☑️ Normal
☑️ Hard
☑️ Brutally Hard
🔲 Impossible

This game probably has been mentioned before and I'll mention it as well. It is difficult and it will become harder and harder as you go. The main reason why this game is difficult is not the battle, but the level gap.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2868497708

⭕Conclusion:

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a good game, worth experiencing. If you've ever considered trying it before maybe playing their most recent game, based on this review, Ruined King, I believe you'll have a great time playing this game, but do expect some roughness when it comes to the stability of the game. Expect to look for fixes at times and a lot of grinding and difficult fights, but if you enjoy the JRPG turn-base games you'll have less of a problem playing this game. Personally, I've not played many and I honestly enjoyed this game a lot.