Available On: PlayStation, Switch, Xbox
I’ve played dozens of tactical-RPGs, but nothing quite like Unicorn Overlord. Vanillaware clearly draws inspiration from Fire Emblem, Ogre Battle, and a bit of Suikoden, yet feels wholly unique thanks to its intriguing real-time combat and rewarding over-world exploration.
Read on for our review of Unicorn Overlord.
Fevrith’s Finest
Stop me if you’ve heard this one: a kingdom is attacked by an evil usurper, and a young prince is spirited away. He’s raised in a remote location, and once of age, returns to nobly claim his birthright (with his fellow childhood friends turned soldiers).
Unicorn Overlord’s plot is a tropey and ham-fisted as its dialogue is sappy and melodramatic. The good guys are earnest and eye-rollingly steadfast, while the villains are either mustache-twirling, or under an evil enchantment, and will soon join the Liberation forces.
Prince Alain has a magic ring that breaks the evil enchantment that has allowed the villain to conquer much of the world. Almost every villain (especially among the first 20 or so battles) can be redeemed and recruited, bolstering Alain’s forces.
While the plot never lands, the characters are decently fun, with awesome art and fantastic voice acting. Like Fire Emblem, characters can build rapport with each other, unlocking special little scenes that flesh out their personalities, from sibling rivalries to surprising drinking buddies.
The actual world of Fevrith is also bustling with activity. Exploring the overland map is a sheer joy thanks quick movement, non-linear progression, and plenty of collectibles, secrets, and side quests.
I was pleasantly shocked when, after two battles, I was given free reign to explore the opening region of Cornia at my leisure, choosing my own battles and recruitment order.
Frequent towns and forts are used to purchase supplies, expand my army formations, and promote units. Battles are clearly marked once stumbled upon (with a clear level designation), and I could choose to press on, or wander somewhere else and come back later.
It’s a degree of freedom that’s sorely lacking in many JRPGs and tactical-RPGs. I also appreciated the variety in battles, from super-quick tiny skirmishes of only a handful of units, to epic, protracted sieges over large areas filled with armies, forts, and towers.
For the Liberation
Tactical battles are the heart of Unicorn Overlord. But unlike most tactical-RPGs, they unfold in real-time (with pause). Even more unusual: when two armies meet, the units battle each other automatically, using their skills, weapons, and preset tactics.
The strategy comes from which units to pair together, how to operate the unit formations on the battlefield, when to activate their leadership skills, and making sure everyone is outfitted with the best gear and skills. Each army also has a limited reserve of Stamina that ticks down after each clash with an enemy. Only by using multiple armies filled with different units can the Liberation forces succeed.
Unicorn Overlord features dozens of fantasy classes, from nimble rogues and swordfighters to burly gladiators, tanky hoplites, and spellcasting witches. All have specific offensive and defensive abilities, strengths and counters, weapon types, and active leadership skills. And each ability can be given different target priorities or triggering conditions.
Ranged leaders can provide assists to nearby battles, while mounted units can quickly close the gap to reach enemy forces. Different leaders can rain down arrows, summon warriors, or charge through enemy armies.
But my favorite part of battle is inspired by modern mobile gaming: double-speed and auto-skip! Sometimes it’s fun to watch the lovely character art and animations play out, or see how certain tactics and triggers operate. But most of the time it’s easy to skip army clashes and stick to the real-time strategy layer.
Each unit formation is limited to a certain number of units, and a single leader. Additional units are unlocked by earning Honors, a frequent reward from completing battles, side quests, town requests, and rapport conversations. It’s a richly rewarding system that kept me engaged through dozens of hours.
The Rating
Unicorn Overlord is rated T for Teen, with Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, and Mild Suggestive Themes. Army battles unfold in turns, with units slashing, scorching, and stabbing each other, including blood splatter. Some women characters have heavy cleavage and/or scantily clad outfits.
The Takeaway
Vanillaware continues to impress in whatever genre they tackle. The eye-catching artwork, stirring music, solid voice acting, and exemplary tactical combat make up for Unicorn Overlord’s shortcomings in storytelling. For genre fans growing stale with Fire Emblem’s tedious relationships and familiar cadence, Unicorn Overlord is a welcome evolution.
Unicorn Overlord is rated T for Teen.
