Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade is one of those games that makes me think that somewhere out there people are listening in on my private conversations about video games in order to make video games that I, and as a result, everyone else who is cool…I don’t know how to end this sentence; let’s try a period. My point is this: This game has a lot of stuff I wish all action RPGs had. And I don’t feel like running off boring bits about its graphics or sound effects or whatever (just look at the scores I gave and figure out for yourself what I think of each category), so I am just going to list the things this game has that all games in the same genre should have, and likewise things the genre needs that this game did not have.
*breath*
Eins: Customizability. The game has pretty limited customizability in terms of character looks. There are only 3-4 hairstyle/color choices and some other minor things. They do let you name your own character, though, which is to be expected with these sorts of games, and is a severe minus to games that don’t have it. I’m looking at you, Dark Alliance. The customizable looks are similar to what you can do in the Champions games, minus the ability to choose gender. As far as customizing skills goes, however, it is a good deal easier to make a unique character than it is in the Champions games. For instance, you can easily make two completely different characters of the same class by making one specialize in ranged weapons and the other in melee. There are enough skills and enough of a lack of skill points to make it so that every character won’t have every skill.
Zwei: Sidequests. This game has a good amount of sidequests to do, with many areas to explore that you have no need to even go into for the main quests. Many games have things they call sidequests, but just have you pick up an item from a place you are already going to for the main storyline. That’s bullshit, in my opinion, and I’m glad this game doesn’t resort to that kind of crap. Thumbs up!
Three: Storyline. Something about some great evil or something…I don’t really know; action RPGs don’t seem to have decent storylines unless they are based off of some story that already exists. There’s obviously something pretty evil that I have to kill for some reason. Oh, well; I play stationary console RPGs when I want a good story. For a handheld game, I just want it to shut up and let me explore tons of places and hack and slash to my heart’s content. This game does just that.
Cuatro: Weapon/Armor Variety and !IMPORTANT! Can you SEE the armor and weapons change when you put them on your character? It is just plain crappy when you have to look like the same doofus throughout the whole game, and you can’t even look super badass in your ultimate armor. Hell, half the time I throw away some pieces of armor that are better than my current equip because I don’t like the way they look. What’s the point of BEING badass when you can’t LOOK badass? This game lets you see everything you put on your character, minus the rings and earrings and that kind of crap. Some people may argue the point saying looks don’t matter, but for me the entire point of hacking and slashing around to find better armor is voided if the armor isn’t going to make me look cool. Also, there are all sorts of weapons, such as swords, axes, hammers, maces, two-handed everythings, polearms, bows, throwing stars, etc., etc. It’s got a lot of stuff to occupy you.
Cinco: Character Variety. You need to be able to make a melee fighter, ranged fighter, and spellcaster, at least. This game allows you to customize to the point where you can make a melee spellcaster. Woo.
And I can’t really think of anything else. This game does EXTREMELY well with letting me just explore around whenever and wherever I feel like, giving me tons of places to do so. It also does quite well with the skill distribution, allowing me to personalize the character to fit my playing style, regardless of which class I choose. It does well in letting me look badass with armor and stuff, but does barely decently with the original character customization. By now you know what I like, and if you think anything like me, you should get this game.
