Old School RPG Bundle

Genre: Compilation / Turn-Based RPG / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG

Players: 1

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Review:

(Note: Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Deluxier Edition and Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Deluxiest Edition, included in this bundle, also appear in two other bundles – they are also included in Knights of Pen and Paper Bundle. In addition, they are also both in the Pen and Paper Games Bundle along with Galaxy of Pen and Paper +1 Edition.)

Old School RPG Bundle, released on the Nintendo Switch in 2019, is a Compilation of Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Deluxier Edition, Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Deluxiest Edition, and Chroma Squad, previously released on Nintendo Switch in 2018, 2018, and 2019, respectively. The Knights of Pen and Paper games are both Turn-Based RPGs with a framing mechanic where players are playing as both a group of characters in a typical Dungeons and Dragons-style tabletop RPG, but also as the characters who are playing those characters, as well as to some extent the Dungeon Master himself. Meanwhile, Chroma Squad is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG about a Power Rangers-esque TV show.

Here were my thoughts on each of the games in this collection:

Game	Genre	# of Players	Grade
Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Deluxier Edition	Turn-Based RPG	1	C+
tl;dr Knights of Pen and Paper is a Turn-Based RPG with a game-within-a-game gimmick, having players playing an adventuring party in a D&D-esque tabletop game, as well as the characters who are playing that game. It’s a clever concept, but the gameplay itself gives players far too few options, and the story isn’t compelling enough to draw you in. As a grind-heavy game, it’s decent, but not on par with some of the great grindy RPGs on the Nintendo Switch. Not bad, but you have better options.
Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Deluxiest Edition	Turn-Based RPG	1	B
tl;dr Knights of Pen & Paper 2, like its predecessor, is a Turn-Based RPG with a game-within-a-game gimmick, having players playing an adventuring party in a D&D-esque tabletop game, as well as the characters who are playing that game. However, while the original game was lacking in both the story and gameplay, the sequel makes numerous improvements throughout the game that make it a much better experience overall, with a fun fourth wall-breaking story and some compelling grind-heavy gameplay. If that sounds appealing to you, definitely give this game a look.
Chroma Squad	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	1	B-
tl;dr Chroma Squad is a Strategy-RPG that puts players in the role of a Power Rangers-esque sentai TV show, both in fighting the battles depicted on the show, as well as managing the business side of things. The mechanics here have a fair number of flaws that detract from the experience, and managing the business side is sadly nowhere near as extensive as it could be, but this still makes for a unique entry in the genre that’s worth checking out.

Out of this bunch of games, I think that Knights of Pen & Paper is the best of the lot, but Chroma Squad is decent as well, and adds in some nice variety with a very different style of gameplay and a very different theme. In addition, the $30 price tag cuts $13 off of the cost of buying these games separately, which is a pretty decent deal

It does bear mention that if you prefer to get the entire Pen and Paper series, you may want to divert your attention to the Pen and Paper Games Bundle, which swaps out Chroma Squad for Galaxy of Pen and Paper +1 Edition. Personally, between the two I would lean more toward the Old School RPG Bundle due to the variety Chroma Squad adds into the mix, but both have a decent trio of games worth playing, although not without their flaws.

In the end, if you’re wanting a pretty good mix of Turn-Based RPGs, Old School Bundle is a pretty decent Compilation for you. Not only is the discount here pretty respectable, but the games are overall pretty good and varied. If you’re looking for a variety of RPGs that break the fourth wall, I think you’ll be pleased with this collection.

tl;dr – Old School RPG Bundle is a Compilation of Knights of Pen & Paper 1 & 2 and Chroma Squad, the first two being Turn-Based RPGs that have players playing an adventuring party in a D&D-esque tabletop game, as well as the characters who are playing that game, and the latter game in the collection being a Turn-Based Strategy RPG about a Power Rangers-esque sentai TV show. The value here is decent, and overall quality here is good, though not without a few caveats. Plus, the variety Chroma Squad brings to this bundle puts it ahead of other Pen and Paper bundles in my estimation. If you’re craving a collection of quirky fourth wall-breaking RPGs, the Old School RPG Bundle should satisfy that craving.

Grade: B-

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