Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Disc Saga: Iraisha wa Monster? delivers a classic turn-based JRPG experience that feels immediately familiar to fans of early Final Fantasy titles. You command a full party of four youths—each with a distinct class role from fighter to magic user—from the very start. Battles play out in a “heroes to the right, enemies to the left” formation, and the menu-driven combat emphasizes tactical decision-making: should you slash at the goblins with your sword or conserve MP by pummeling them with physical attacks first?

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One of the most notable departures from genre conventions is the absence of random encounters. Monsters roam visibly across the overworld, and you can often sidestep unwinnable skirmishes by careful navigation or tactical retreats. This design choice gives you greater control over pacing and resource management, particularly in the early levels when MP and healing items are sparse. When goblin packs do chase your party, their ability to chain battles raises the stakes, turning what might seem like a routine mob into a tense, adrenaline-fueled gauntlet.

Progression in Iraisha wa Monster? caps at around level 10, reflecting its episodic structure as the first installment of Disc Saga. This bite-sized approach keeps the difficulty curve tight and the narrative focused, but it also means growth comes in measured increments. Every victory against goblins or minor boss grants incremental HP or MP gains, and by the time you reach the northern forest stronghold you’ll already see the four heroes living up to their titles—though there’s always room for more strategy and party synergy in later episodes.

Graphics

The graphics in Disc Saga: Iraisha wa Monster? evoke the pixel-art charm of late ’80s and early ’90s console RPGs. Character and monster sprites are small but expressive, with humorous touches in their idle animations—goblins scratch their heads or snarl in cartoonish fashion, while your heroes bounce on the spot, ready for action. The top-down perspective showcases environments with simple but effective tilework: grassy plains, winding forest paths, and the quaint village square feel distinct and recognizable.

Despite its age, the color palette remains vibrant. Lush greens dominate the overworld map, contrasting nicely against the earthy browns of goblin hideouts. Villagers in the starting hamlet wear bright garb that makes them easy to spot, and environmental details—such as fluttering banners in the mayor’s courtyard—add personality to each locale. The UI, though minimalistic, is clean and functional: command menus are straightforward, and HP/MP bars are clearly labeled to keep you informed during intense battles.

Animation frames for attacks and spells are deliberately chunky but well-timed, giving each action impact. When a fighter’s blade swings or a magic user conjures a fire spell, you get a quick burst of color and movement that punches above its graphical resolution. Humorous effects—like a goblin flinging its arms after a failed dodge—further reinforce the lighthearted tone, making every skirmish as visually entertaining as it is strategic.

Story

At its heart, Iraisha wa Monster? tells the tale of four ordinary youths summoned by their village mayor to rid the nearby forest of goblin raiders. What begins as a seemingly mundane errand soon unfurls into promises of grander quests and hidden mysteries. The writing leans into classic heroic tropes—village in peril, brave youngsters, goblins as the first test—but spices things up with witty dialogue and self-aware humor.

The episodic format focuses tightly on character introductions and worldbuilding. You’ll learn each hero’s personality and motivations as you traverse the goblin-infested woods: the brash fighter who dreams of knighthood, the reserved mage seeking arcane knowledge, and their two companions who round out the team with complementary skill sets. NPC conversations in the village offer hints of wider conflicts, teasing future chapters while keeping the immediate objective clear.

Though the main plot revolves around clearing out goblins, side interactions add color. A mischievous child might beg for the party’s help retrieving a lost pet, or a traveling merchant could offer rumors of a cursed shrine deeper in the woods. These vignettes don’t overshadow the central quest but do provide atmospheric depth and make the forest feel lived-in. By the time you reach the goblin leader’s lair, you’re invested in the heroes’ journey beyond mere stat gains.

Overall Experience

Disc Saga: Iraisha wa Monster? delivers a concise yet satisfying introduction to the world of Disc Saga. Its blend of no-random-encounter exploration, tight party-based combat, and lighthearted storytelling makes for a highly approachable JRPG—perfect for players who want a nostalgic trip without the tedium of grinding through endless random battles. The level cap of around 10 ensures that progression feels meaningful from first quest to final skirmish.

While the episode’s short length might leave veteran JRPG fans craving more depth, the game’s design encourages strategic engagement rather than brute-force leveling. Visible enemies challenge you to choose when to fight, when to flee, and how to conserve resources. Combined with the humorous animations and tidy pixel art, the experience never overstays its welcome.

As the inaugural chapter of an episodic saga, Iraisha wa Monster? sets a solid foundation. It introduces its world and characters with enough charm to spark anticipation for subsequent installments. If you’re drawn to retro-style JRPGs and appreciate a streamlined quest structure, this opening chapter is well worth your attention—especially if you’re excited to see where these four aspiring heroes go next.

Retro Replay Score

null/10