Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tōshin Toshi delivers a classic turn-based RPG experience rooted in exploration and strategic combat. As Custom, you delve into labyrinthine dungeons with a top-down perspective, encountering random monster encounters that demand careful use of skills, items, and positioning. The core loop of battling foes, earning experience, and equipping better weapons and armor encourages steady progression and a satisfying sense of growth.

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Town mechanics pivot to a first-person view, where you interact with NPCs, purchase supplies, and accept side quests. This change in perspective helps break up the dungeon crawling and keeps exploration fresh. Inns restore your health and mana, while the Colosseum offers both practice matches and tournament battles against other fighters—ideal for testing your build before tackling the Battling Gods Championship.

Difficulty spikes in later dungeon levels require thoughtful resource management. You’ll learn to balance healing items against offensive consumables, and to pick your battles wisely, since overextending can send you back to the inn—losing both time and gold. While the random encounters can feel repetitive, the satisfying loop of risk and reward keeps you engaged for hours.

Graphics

The visual style of Tōshin Toshi is unmistakably anime-inspired, with character portraits and event scenes rich in vibrant colors and detailed line work. Kumiko and the other heroines are drawn with expressive faces and dynamic poses, enhancing the game’s erotic themes without crossing into crude territory.

Dungeon tilesets are functional and diverse enough to distinguish between forest caves, lava pits, and ice caverns. Though the graphics lack the high resolution of modern titles, their retro charm adds to the nostalgic appeal for fans of 90s-era Japanese RPGs. Animated battle sprites are limited in frames but capture each creature’s personality effectively.

Transitions between first-person town navigation and top-down combat are smooth, and the UI feels clean. Menus are straightforward, featuring clearly labeled icons for inventory, status, and skills. While the overall visual package may not dazzle those accustomed to AAA budgets, it delivers precisely what fans of eroge RPGs want: colorful, stylized art that complements the gameplay.

Story

The narrative is simple but serviceable: Custom’s journey from wannabe fighter to potential champion. Meeting Kumiko sparks the central quest, and her charisma gives you a personal stake in improving your abilities. Side characters you meet in town add flavor, each with their own small story arcs or mini-quests that flesh out the game world.

Dialogue is punchy and occasionally tongue-in-cheek, often veering into fan-service territory. While hardcore RPG enthusiasts might find the plot predictable, it suits the game’s erotic anime aesthetic. The pacing is solid, as story beats tend to coincide with key dungeon milestones and Colosseum matches, ensuring you feel rewarded for your efforts.

For players familiar with the Rance series, there are subtle references and in-jokes that enrich the experience. However, newcomers will still follow the plot easily, thanks to straightforward objectives and clear map markers. The story’s main charm is its lighthearted tone and the way it leverages character interactions to keep you invested between battles.

Overall Experience

Tōshin Toshi strikes a balance between satisfying RPG mechanics and playful erotic elements. The combination of first-person town exploration with top-down dungeon crawling creates varied gameplay that never feels stale. Leveling up and discovering new gear is always rewarding, even when the occasional boss fight tests your patience.

While its graphics and animations are dated by modern standards, the game’s art direction has a timeless anime appeal. The UI is intuitive, and the pacing—though occasionally slowed by random encounters—encourages you to strategize rather than button-mash your way through. Fans of classic eroge RPGs will find plenty to enjoy here.

Ultimately, Tōshin Toshi is recommended for players who appreciate retro-styled Japanese RPGs with a healthy dose of fan service. Its charming characters, straightforward plot, and engaging combat loop make it easy to sink dozens of hours into Custom’s journey. If you’re looking for a nostalgic RPG experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this title is well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

null/10