Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Summon Night Craft Sword Monogatari: Hajimari no Ishi builds upon the series’ established blend of exploration and action by offering a satisfying mix of top-down adventuring and side-scrolling combat. As a young craftsknight, you spend much of your time traversing towns and wilderness, speaking with NPCs to gather materials, unlock side quests, and piece together clues about your master’s murder. The dialogue is concise yet informative, guiding you naturally into dungeons where resource gathering is key to forging more powerful weaponry.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Once you enter combat, the perspective shifts smoothly to a dynamic side-scrolling view. Your character’s movement and attack animations feel responsive, and timing your strikes and guards is crucial, especially when facing bosses or stronger foes. The addition of summoning mechanics has a significant impact on the combat flow. You can call forth guardian creatures mid-battle to assist with unique abilities, from ranged elemental attacks to temporary buffs that help turn the tide in tougher encounters.

Equipping and crafting weapons is a central pillar of the gameplay loop. You’ll mine ore, collect monster parts, and harvest rare botanical ingredients to forge swords, axes, and polearms. Each new weapon comes with its own attack patterns and special skills, encouraging experimentation and replaying earlier stages with fresh equipment. The careful balance of exploration, crafting, and real-time combat ensures that no two sessions feel exactly the same.

Graphics

Given its release on the Game Boy Advance, Craft Sword Monogatari impresses with finely detailed sprite work and well-defined backdrops. Character portraits during dialogue sequences are expressive, effectively conveying emotion and personality without taking up too much screen real estate. Towns feel alive with colourful buildings and ambient NPC animations, while dungeon corridors showcase varied palettes that prevent the environments from becoming repetitive.

In action sequences, enemy sprites are distinct and animated fluidly. Boss encounters in particular stand out—each boss design is large enough to feel imposing yet maintains a clear silhouette so you can read its attack patterns. Summoned creatures also boast unique visual flairs, shimmering into view with simple but well-executed effects that reinforce their otherworldly nature.

Transitional animations between exploration and battle modes are clean and fast, avoiding any frustrating pauses. Menus and crafting interfaces are intuitively laid out, with crisp icons and readable text. While the hardware naturally imposes a limit on resolution, the art direction’s vibrant color choices and consistent style elevate the overall presentation beyond what you might expect from a typical handheld RPG of its era.

Story

At the heart of Hajimari no Ishi lies a compelling tale of betrayal, redemption, and personal growth. You assume the role of a fledgling craftsknight whose cherished master has been slain under mysterious circumstances. The shocking revelation that your own guardian creature is responsible for the deed sets the tone for a narrative steeped in guilt and the quest for absolution.

As you journey through towns and hidden ruins, conversations with townsfolk and fellow craftsknights gradually unravel a larger conspiracy. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, striking a balance between moments of heartfelt reflection, tense confrontations, and lighthearted exchanges that prevent the story from growing overly dark. Occasional side stories enrich the world by spotlighting supporting characters, making the village you call home feel warm and multi-dimensional.

The guardian’s arc is particularly engaging. Initially portrayed as a remorseful yet dangerous companion, it evolves into an indispensable ally whose strengths you unlock as the plot progresses. This dynamic relationship adds emotional weight to key plot points, ensuring that every triumph and setback resonates on both a personal and epic scale. By the time you confront the true puppeteers behind your master’s demise, you’re fully invested in seeing justice served.

Overall Experience

Summon Night Craft Sword Monogatari: Hajimari no Ishi delivers a tightly woven action-RPG experience that excels in both mechanics and narrative. The blend of top-down exploration, real-time side-scrolling combat, and deep crafting systems ensures you’re always engaged, whether you’re tracking down rare materials or fine-tuning your summoning tactics in battle.

The story’s emotional beats are well-paced, with memorable characters and twists that keep you invested from start to finish. Graphics and sound complement the gameplay seamlessly, making the journey through forests, caves, and ancient temples feel both varied and cohesive. The addition of summonable creatures adds a fresh strategic layer, setting this installment apart from its predecessors.

For fans of action-RPGs on handheld platforms, this title is a standout. It offers substantial replay value through weapon experimentation and optional quests, while its accessible controls and intuitive interface make it friendly to newcomers. The combination of a gripping conspiracy-driven plot, polished visuals, and satisfying combat makes Summon Night Craft Sword Monogatari an easy recommendation for anyone seeking a rich, portable RPG adventure.

Retro Replay Score

null/10