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Vanillaware sure does know how to bring the pretty. The Japanese gamemaker turned heads this year with Odin Sphere, an action RPG with a lush art-style that looked more hand-painted than computer generated. Grim Grimoire, their latest, takes the same organic approach towards visuals. Here Vanillaware applies their unique aesthetic approach to the real-time strategy. The result feels like Paper Mario meets Starcraft and that's not a bad thing.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Grim Grimoire is a mash-up in more ways than one. The story follows a young enchantress on her first day of school at an academy for the magically inclined. The Harry Potter parallel is blatant. Wisely, the game swipes from Groundhog's Day to freshen up its borrowed plot. School newbie Lillet Blan experiences the same day over and over again, using each rehashed experience to hone her magical skills and learn more about a plot to unleash a deadly mystical force. The story unravels in slightly stilted, but decently delivered dialog. The game can also be played with its original Japanese voiceover, perhaps explaining why the literally translated English lines sound like such a mouth-full.

Your Forces Are Under Attack

Anybody who's played a round of Starcraft or Command and Conquer will understand Grim Grimoire instantly. Players gather mana from crystals and build runes for summoning minions. Those creatures can then be sent to defend your base or trash the enemy. As the game progresses more tomes become available. Each book grants access to a different kind of magic. Necromancy conjures ghosts, while alchemy creates laboratory for building golems. Upgrades eventually allow for the unleashing of massive, fire-breathing dragons and powerful fairy goddesses. This little fantasy feud isn't simply a race to build the ultimate weapon. The myriad creatures have different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Identifying and dispatching the right creature for the job is a big part of the game.

Dual Analog Generals

As Lord of the Rings: Battle For Middle Earth II proved earlier this year, it's possible to create a satisfying real-time strategy experience for the console gamer. Grim Grimoire, with its pared down control scheme, is further proof. The game doesn't offer the fine keyboard control of Starcraft. Rather it’s a great introduction to the genre for folks who rarely game on their PC. Few games are presented so lavishly. Characters, levels and even the game's menus are beautifully and tastefully designed. Grim Grimoire is a complete package, offering layered strategy play with an eye-popping art style and a cleverly told story.

Article by: Gus Mastrapa
Video produced by: Michael Leffler