Walthros: Renewal

This is a very well-rounded JRPG, and that could be a pun with how rotund many characters are. The story and world is fascinating, the gameplay is solid, and the presentation is crisp. I know that the game has a simple, cartoony look but I think it served the tone well. It’s expressive although there is a same-face problem with some kinds of characters. While the music might lack emotive structure, it’s usually idiosyncratic and atmospheric– sometimes wanting to be a chillout funk tune and sometimes and sterile bit of ambient music. Idiosyncratic is also how I would describe the world the story takes place in. It’s a futuristic planet full of cute animals but has a quiet seriousness that got me invested in the story. Evident by the main character Bob being a doofus, the story has a goofy sense of humour. There’s also a lot of bespoke characterization in the world of Walthros, like how clowns and clowning is a capital-I Important aspect of language and culture. The gameplay follows a lot of typical JRPG fare, but it’s snappy. There are no random encounters; all the enemies appear on the map and you fight a battle when you run into them. The fights are paced out well with story…

Comfy, rather light-hearted RPG with lots of different characters and encounters. Definitely a labor of love, and it's a pitty it's so unknown. Personally, I wished the story was a bit darker and more twisted, or alternatively a bit whackier/quirkier (as in Kaiju Big Battel). But yeah, that's a matter of preference - if you're more into heartfelt stories about friendship and different characters growing from their struggles, you've come to the right place. Gameplay-wise, it's the typical JRPG you get. The cast of party members is quite large, but I think it often comes down to AoE vs single target, and you either deal damage (various kinds against various neglectable weaknesses), or manipulate the attack/defense stats. When it comes to healing/recovery, it's almost solely tied to the mandatory main character, so no futher complexity regarding party combination is introduced here. To wrap it up: I think the combat mechanics are just to simplistic to make such a huge range of party member choices. I wish there where complexer synergies between different characters, more status effects besides stun and poison (charm, confusion, frenzied, frightened, ...), more distinctive skills (e.g.…

This game is so good, needed a game to relax with and this hits the spot perfectly. The characters are wonderful and I appreciate the representation so much. <3 Highly recommend to anyone! Worth every penny.

Walthros is a charming indie RPG with heavy JRPG influences and a unabashedly clownish sense of humor. I was not expecting to feel so many emotions and be as attached to the characters and universe as I ended up toward the end of the game. Genuinely one of the best sleeper indie hits. Don't miss this one! If you like indie game and JRPGs, you owe it to yourself to try this one out.

Honestly a delight to play! An RPG with a lot a heart; the creator's spirit really shines through in a lot of ways. Had a wonderful time with it!

This is an enjoyable RPG. Play it.