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SOULVARS brings mobile gaming to modern consoles and PC. As such, this much-loved Google Play and iTunes title from 2022 gets an enhanced UI and full controller support. However, if you are like me, you probably don’t know much about this odd and often confusing game. Yet, it scores an average of 4.6/5! Therefore, it can’t be that bad, can it?
Developed by ginolabo and published by SHUEISHA GAMES Inc., this is an RPG experience. Furthermore, it boasts deck-building elements and a strong story that is filled with interesting and colourful characters. Sadly, though, the latter point is a bit misleading, as I spent much of my time scratching my head with confusion. This bizarre story is often vague and filled with snippets of surreal and hard-to-digest lore. However, if you can battle through the oddities, there are some exceptional moments that make the confusion worthwhile.
SOULVARS tells a depressing tale.
Humanity is doomed, and only a small group of heroes can save the day. Yadda, yadda, this depressing tale feels all too familiar. However, the finer details do make it stand out from its peers somewhat. Creatures known as Dominators have invaded the human world. These demonic beings are devouring people’s souls and running amuck. Consequently, they must be stopped before it is too late. Thankfully, a task force known as the Dominator Disposal Organisation (DDO) is here to save the day. This private military operation hires individuals with special skills to take down the cruel opposition.
The protagonist, Yakumo, works freelance as a Soulbearer. Unfortunately, multiple gates have opened up across Suzaku City, and he must work with others to save the day. By exploring his surroundings and arming himself with new gear, he can challenge the hardest of the Dominators and save the day.
A twist on the deck-building genre.
Deck-builders are a great way to casually play games. The levels of tactical nuance and the desire to perfect your hand of cards promote an often OCD mindset. Yet, SOULVARS twists this idea with its strange but captivating combat mechanics. Each of the heroes is armed with a different weapon. Furthermore, they have unique equipment that helps them to learn new abilities and skills. Depending on your character loadout, you’ll have different forms of attack and defence to call upon.
Every task requires you to use pieces of data called Soulbits. These special items are intrinsically linked to your Action Points (AP), and your special attacks. Additionally, you may select from an array of attack or defence options depending on what is drawn and how much AP you have earnt. Subsequently, if you combine the right blend of attack or defence commands, you can inflict greater damage or improve your team’s health or shield dramatically.
This often tactical and luck-based approach will amuse and anger gamers equally. I adored the often unknown outcome of each turn. However, whenever I was facing tougher enemies, I wanted more reassurances about what I should do. Accordingly, failure is often par for the course. Yet, death was infuriating, and let me explain why!
Navigation is slow and arduous.
You will be enraged by the tedious and often boring navigation elements. The aim for each stage was to move up, down, left, or right to find the signal and move on to the mission objective. However, occasionally, you’d find items or citizens that needed your assistance. Alternatively, combat encounters would appear at random and you’d have to tackle your foes before you can move on.
This may not seem so bad, but whenever you die, you must explore the same stage repeatedly until you are successful. As such, there is a shed load of repetitive action and this doesn’t help the already slow storytelling. On top of this, the RNG “deck-building” elements don’t help to smooth things over either. Disappointingly, you’ll often find yourself getting hammered by your opponent as the right cards never seem to get drawn.
Upgrades.
Though I was increasingly annoyed by SOULVARS, I liked the upgrade system and the manipulation of AP. If you can work out your enemy’s weaknesses, you can manipulate the number of Action Points that you earn. In return, you can then stack useful cards to bring your most powerful “arts” into play.
This was where the game stands out from its peers. By upgrading your gear and your skills, you can create some complementary heroes that can battle the hardest of foes. Moreover, once you understand your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, you can alter your equipment to improve your strengths and increase your chances of victory.
SOULVARS doesn’t break the mould.
The pixelated approach and often rinse-and-repeat stage design don’t break the mould. However, it was pleasant enough to look at even if it lacks originality. Where SOULVARS excels is its smooth and interesting animation. Each of the character’s arts was unique, and this overcame the poor enemy sprites. The often dull and repetitive creatures sadly lack inspiration and soon become forgettable. This was unfortunate as it juxtaposes the surreal story and interesting lead characters.
Thankfully, though, the audio fares much better. The blend of upbeat combat music and softer and more alluring exploration tunes creates an interesting atmosphere. When you combine this with powerful and OTT sound effects, you experience an excellent, albeit overbearing, game. Subsequently, the audio was great as I was reminded of early SNES and Sega Mega Drive titles.
Easy to pick up, but confusing to play.
The UI was wonderfully intuitive. However, I cannot ignore how confusing SOULVARS is to play. Though there is a large section reserved for tips and hints, I still fumbled around in the dark. Yet, once the penny drops, you’ll enjoy the tactical nuance and the layers of luck that await.
In theory, SOULVARS should keep you entertained for hours. There are plenty of items to buy or find, and there are loads of abilities and arts to learn. Moreover, you must create the perfect party of heroes if you wish to succeed. Yet, I cannot overlook the tedious navigation and the often confusing gameplay. Sadly, this will adversely impact both the longevity and replay value.
SOULVARS didn’t float my boat.
I wanted to love SOULVARS as it is such an unusual experience. However, I couldn’t get past its arduous elements. Additionally, the story was often too confusing, and this didn’t help matters. Accordingly, it didn’t float my boat and I cannot recommend it. Yet, if you want more information, it can be found here! Can you save mankind from the Dominators? Arm your heroes, learn new skills, and close those gateways.
