Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated brings a modernized version of the cult indie RPG from 2010, providing players with a nostalgic yet refreshed gaming experience. Studio Shadow Layer Games has recreated the world of undead heroes, classic RPG mechanics, and humorous narratives, enriching the game with technical improvements and additional content.
Visuals and Graphic Style
The visual style of the game pays homage to the 16-bit era, with carefully crafted pixel-art design. The game world exudes the atmosphere of classic retro RPGs, and the enhanced graphic elements add depth to every scene. Locations such as mysterious dungeons, scorching deserts, and eerie forests bring variety to exploration.
Character design, although minimalist, clearly communicates their personalities. Additionally, the simplicity of character access exudes a special touch of “age,” while battle animations add dynamism and an old-fashioned spirit. Effects like explosions during the use of Unite Techniques or shiny details on spells ensure visual richness that retains retro charm, yet is high-definition, bringing the game into the modern era.
Story and Narrative
The game's plot is set in a world destroyed by a long-lost war. The main hero, Dem, an undead hero (who is also sarcastic), gathers a team of unusual allies, including the vampire Sara and the skeleton knight Erik. Through dialogues filled with humor and self-irony, the game plays with traditional RPG clichés while simultaneously delivering an interesting and entertaining narrative.
Although the story is relatively short and can be completed in just a few hours of gameplay, the characters and humor make it unforgettable. From start to finish, the game balances between more serious themes and comedic moments, contributing to the unique tone of the game.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The gameplay mechanics retain the core principles of turn-based RPGs, but with an added speed and dynamism. Anyone who has played the old Pokemons on an emulator knows that walking on the map can be tedious, so the infamous game was sped up in the emulator. Here, if walking is slow, a phenomenal running mechanic has been added to the map. Although it's not x10, it's quite enough since the maps are somewhat smaller, making the whole thing easier to "digest." The combat system, alongside classic attacks and magic, introduces Unite Techniques – special moves that combine the abilities of team members. These moves encourage strategic thinking and creativity in battles, so the combination of attacks you can perform is truly diverse, and the animations are really satisfying when they unfold.
The progression system is simple and intuitive, allowing players to personalize the development of their characters through various abilities, and leveling up spells will happen very quickly. Exploring the world is further enriched by unlocking hidden content and additional challenges, so you'll want to peek into what’s in the blind "alley" of the map.
The game duration is approximately 6 to 8 hours for the main campaign, while "Dragonduck Mode" brings a few additional hours of fun with completely new enemies and specific challenges. This is definitely something we would recommend to anyone who has completed the campaign.
Music
The game's soundtrack, composed by HyperDuck SoundWorks, masterfully blends retro melodies with modern production standards. The music ranges from energetic battle themes to calmer tones that accompany exploration. Each track contributes to the atmosphere and successfully evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Steam Deck – The Ideal Platform for Retro Experience
One of the biggest advantages of this remaster is the seamless optimization for Steam Deck. The game runs smoothly, and the controls are adapted to the device, making it an ideal choice for gaming on the go. The retro aesthetic looks great on the Steam Deck's screen, while its battery easily withstands hours of gaming sessions. I can say that I definitely played the game more on the Steam Deck than on the computer. If you're looking for the ideal JRPG game for the Steam Deck - this is it.
Why Play Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated?
This game is not just a remake; it is a love letter to all JRPG fans. Whether you want to feel nostalgia for classic RPGs or are looking for a short but fun adventure with a humorous approach, Breath of Death VII: Reanimated is the perfect choice. The price is definitely affordable and makes the game accessible to absolutely anyone who wants to play a retro RPG, and the additional content makes it an outstanding value for players of all generations.
Available from December 12, 2024, on Steam, this game invites you to dive into a world of retro magic, now more beautiful than ever.
A copy of the game for review purposes was provided by the development studio Shadow Layer Games
