Project X Zone

Genre: Turn-Based Strategy-RPG

Players: 1

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Review:

Project X Zone, released on Nintendo 3DS in 2013, is actually the second game in a series that follows the Japan-only PlayStation 2 game Namco X Capcom. Like that game, this is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that brings various Namco Bandai and Capcom characters together in a fanservice-heavy crossover game, but this time around Sega characters have joined the fray as well.

In a way, this game is largely made for the purpose of that fanservice, and there is quite a lot of joy to be found in taking your team of Dante from Devil May Cry, Demitri from Darkstalkers, giving them backup from Ulala from Space Channel 5, and then having them tag-team with Jin and Xiaoyu from Tekken. However, as with any formula like this, your mileage may vary based on just how many of these game franchises and their characters you’re familiar with.

It also bears mention that the story that these characters all find themselves in is the absolute worst sort of fanfic-style dreck that has characters constantly detailing each others’ resumes to each other and joining forces against their respective villains because… well, of course they are, they’re the heroes, right? Contrivance is the rule of the day here, and I’m honestly disappointed they seem to feel the need to try and explain how these characters all wound up together when it slows down the pace of the game and still ends up seeming ridiculous.

The visuals here use fairly simple 3D graphics with fairly well-animated 2D images for the various characters, with an anime-style opening video and animated cutscenes during special attacks. It’s nothing impressive, but it gets the job done. Likewise, the action is backed by synthesized music, much of it derived from the themes of the various games these characters hail from. Again, nothing truly excellent, but it all fits well enough. Finally, much of the dialogue is voiced (in Japanese), which also works well enough.

When it comes to the gameplay, Project X Zone essentially combines the Strategy-RPG genre with some elements of Fighting Games, which makes sense as many of the characters in this game hail from Fighting Game franchises, or have at least appeared in a few over the years. As a result, each attack plays out like a massive multi-character combo, with each unit (a team of two, often supported by an additional assist character) given the opportunity to use multiple moves before that combat ends, with each of those moves incorporating both of the unit’s characters. Additionally, you can call in your support unit for extra damage, and even pile on more attacks by having an adjacent friendly unit tag in for a while as well.

This combat is satisfying in a visceral way, but it does make it somewhat slower-paced, and it’s hard to feel out the strategy of the various attacks and combinations. In fact, because every attack in the game is essentially a string of smaller attacks, it makes it more difficult overall to tell how effective different attacks are. As a result, the game ends up feeling somewhat shallow, despite that it has enough various elements to make it somewhat confusing even for a Strategy-RPG.

On top of the combat issues, the game is fairly linear, and you don’t get that feeling of building your own personal unstoppable team like you often do in the best Strategy-RPGs. Rather, it’s more like you’re piecing together these already-powerful characters in a way that appeals to you personally.

Regardless of all of this, despite its many flaws, it’s hard not to have a soft spot for Project X Zone. It’s a testament to how beloved many of these characters are that so much joy can be derived from tossing them into a game together, and as chaotic and seemingly shallow as the battle system is, it is nevertheless fun. But those looking for some of the best qualities of Strategy-RPGs may find them somewhat lacking here, and unless its core concept of being a crossover game appeals to you, you’ll probably be better off finding another, better game in the genre.

tl;dr – Project X Zone is a Strategy-RPG that combines various characters from popular Capcom, Namco Bandai, and Sega franchises. The story they find themselves in is trash, and the gameplay seems shallow and chaotic for the Strategy-RPG genre, but there’s still a lot of visceral fun to be had here, especially if you’re a fan of the characters from these game companies. If that’s not so important to you, however, you may be better off looking for another game in the genre.

Grade: C+

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