If you enjoy playing good indie games on Nintendo Switch, then Cris Tales is right up your alley. It’s a beautifully drawn RPG with turn-based combat and a creative concept. With characters that grow as the game progresses, this wonderful little indie title is absolutely worth playing in 2022.

Developed by Columbian indie game studios Dreams Uncorporated and Syck, Cris Tales has that storybook feeling you only really get from games like Paper Mario. Although it’s available on all of the major platforms, it feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch.

Cris Tales Review

With a simple and beautiful art style, turn-based combat, and delightful character building, Cris Tales pays homage to the classic JRPGs of old. The rich storyline takes you on a journey as you fight monsters, level-up, and gain new items that will help you on your quest to defeat the Time Empress. The unique spin of being able to manipulate time by seeing into the past and future only adds an additional layer of complexity that makes the game all the more enjoyable.

The Story of a Time Mage

The storyline follows Crisbell, an orphan who suddenly unleashes new powers with the help of a strange frog named Matias. Her new found ability to see into the past, future, and present shows her that devastation is coming to her home town of Narim, and her choices can change the fate of everyone around her. With the help of a fellow time mage and elemental battle mage, she works to further develop her powers and defeat the evil Time Empress.

While the plot follows a classic hero’s journey arc, the additional layer of time magic allows for further depth as you travel from town to town helping people overcome their present issues to solve future problems. There are a set number of side quests to complete in each area you visit, and there is always a major decision you have to make that will affect the future of that area. The choices you make matter.

Fun Turn-Based Combat

Like many of the classic JRPGs this game takes it’s influence from, the turn-based combat in this game is both simple and complex. You can have three characters in your party at any given time and each party member has a unique set of skills to help you out. As you level-up your fighters, each one gains more unique abilities that add an additional layer of complexity to the battles you face. You can even use special “Syncro” abilities that charge up over time and allow you to create more powerful attack combinations.

The most intriguing part of the fighting comes directly from Crisbell’s unique abilities. With the power to control time, she can use her turns to turn the clock back or forward on enemy forces. This can affect both the forms of the enemies as well as any traps her teammates has laid on the battlefield.

Beautiful Hand Drawn Art Style

Although the combat and gameplay are what allow the game to function mechanically, it’s the hand drawn art style that truly brings this title to life. Not only is each area beautifully designed, the towns you visit have three different layers to them. You get to see the past, present, and future of these places in a slightly different light. It’s visually stunning to play, and each small detail is worth gazing upon.

In addition to the art style as you actually play the game, there are added cut scenes that take it a step further. As you transition between plot points, you get to enjoy beautiful animation in it’s purest form.

Price and Availability

I’d suggest you play Cris Tales on the Nintendo Switch console if you have it, but it’s also available on pretty much every major platform. You can find a copy for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and even Google Stadia. If you’re looking to play it on PC, you can also find it on Steam.

You can pick up a copy of Cris Tales for around $40 on both Steam and the Nintendo eShop. Since it is an indie game, there will likely be discounts on this title throughout the year that can bring that cost down.

The post Cris Tales Is an Indie RPG Worth Buying for the Nintendo Switch appeared first on Amusement Muse.