Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth

Mechanics

Like its predecessor, Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth is primarily a visual novel in which long adventure segments are only briefly interrupted by tactical battles. However, the sequel introduces new gameplay mechanics and types of side missions. In the training mode, we can make two of our teams face each other - thanks to that, they will gain additional experience in a simulated fight. In the challenge mode, we have to win against our opponents, while at the same time performing optional objectives that make this task significantly more difficult.

The production has a comprehensive hero development system - each of them has a set of statistics describing their usefulness in combat, as well as equipment, such as various types of armor and weapons. Battles are fought on three-dimensional maps covered with a grid of fields on which all units move. The fights are played in the classic turn-based mode, in which combos and special skills play an important role. The game adds new powerful co-operative attacks between two heroes, as well as new skills and weapons.

The combat system also has arcade elements. When a hero performs an action, a circle will appear on the screen - when the button is pressed just before the circle disappears completely, we will activate additional bonuses such as critical hit. During battles, we should also pay attention to units' resistance and vulnerability to weapons using a few basic elements.

Technical aspects

Utawarerumono: The Mask of Truth has a high-quality two-dimensional graphics design that matches the best visual novel games. The tactical three-dimensional portion of the title has not changed significantly compared to the previous part. We are still dealing with simplified models of characters and environment, which clearly lack the number of details to make up for the expressive style and animation.