Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel delivers an action RPG experience that balances fast-paced combat with thoughtful alchemical mechanics. Players step into Edward Elric’s automail boots, dashing through corridors, dodging enemy attacks, and unleashing devastating transmutations. The core loop revolves around gathering materials, experimenting with alchemical recipes, and refining your arsenal for tougher battles ahead.

(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 👍)

What sets the game apart is its unique item-creation system. By collecting resources from fallen enemies and the environment, you can transmute everything from healing potions to powerful weapons. Experimenting with different combinations encourages exploration, as you hunt down rare materials hidden in corners of Central City. This mechanic feels true to the spirit of Fullmetal Alchemist, turning every skirmish into a potential treasure hunt.

Combat remains accessible yet rewarding, thanks to responsive controls and a clear skill progression. Edward’s trademark alchemy attacks and swordplay are fluid, and the ability to call in Alphonse for support adds strategic depth. Alphonse can draw aggro or unleash his own transmutations, making the sibling duo feel like a cohesive team. Boss encounters, in particular, play out like mini-puzzles, forcing you to adapt your crafting choices on the fly.

Side quests and optional challenges fill out the playtime, ranging from escort missions to item-hunting runs. While not all side activities are equally inspired, they provide valuable materials and character-driven vignettes that enrich the world. For players who love tweaking their build, the post-game New Game+ mode offers an extra layer of replayability, with tougher foes and the chance to master every transmutation recipe.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel captures the anime’s aesthetic with cell-shaded character models and vibrant environments. Edward and Alphonse feel right at home, their animations brimming with personality—from Ed’s cocky smirk to Al’s gentle movements within his plated body. Character portraits and cutscenes are rendered in a crisp, manga-inspired style that fans will instantly recognize.

Environments range from the dusty streets of Central City to the gothic corridors of subterranean laboratories. Each locale features detailed textures and atmospheric lighting, though the graphical fidelity occasionally shows its age on older hardware. Still, the overall design leans into bold colors and strong contrasts, keeping the world visually engaging throughout Edward’s journey.

Enemy designs are varied and imaginative, mixing automail-wielding soldiers, chimeras, and unique boss creatures conceived by Hiromu Arakawa herself. Boss arenas often incorporate dynamic elements—collapsing structures or shifting platforms—that heighten the drama of each confrontation. Particle effects for transmutations and alchemical explosions remain satisfying, even if they lack the polish of more modern titles.

NPCs and crowd scenes bring Central City to life, with citizens reacting to your exploits or fleeing danger in well-executed animations. While some textures appear reused across different zones, careful level design and distinct color palettes help maintain a fresh feel as you progress. Overall, the graphics do justice to the beloved franchise, blending nostalgia with functional, action-oriented visuals.

Story

Set between episodes 17 and 18 of the anime, the narrative of Broken Angel weaves seamlessly into the overarching Fullmetal Alchemist saga. Under the pen of series creator Hiromu Arakawa, the game’s plot introduces original characters and moral dilemmas that echo the main series’ themes of sacrifice, human toll, and the ethics of alchemy. This chapter in Edward and Alphonse’s journey feels both fresh and authentic.

The story kicks off when a mysterious monument begins transforming citizens into stone, sending the Elric brothers on a mission to uncover the alchemical secret behind the phenomenon. Along the way, they encounter allies and adversaries who challenge their beliefs and push their skills to the limit. The pacing strikes a balance between character-driven moments and escalating stakes, ensuring you remain invested from start to finish.

Cutscenes blend animated sequences with in-engine cinematics, delivering emotional beats that resonate with series veterans and newcomers alike. Moments of tension—Edward racing against time to save innocents, Alphonse grappling with his own insecurities—land with genuine impact. Dialogues retain the series’ trademark wit, while dramatic reveals are handled with the gravitas fans expect.

Supporting characters, from local researchers to old military acquaintances, receive enough development to feel more than mere quest-givers. Their fates hinge on your success in battle and your choices in how to deploy alchemy, lending weight to each skirmish. By the climactic finale, the story ties up its mysteries in a way that enriches the broader tapestry of Fullmetal Alchemist without contradicting future events.

Overall Experience

Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel succeeds as a franchise tie-in by delivering a faithful, well-paced RPG that both honors its source material and stands on its own merits. The blend of engaging combat, creative alchemy mechanics, and a heartfelt story makes for a satisfying playthrough, even if a few graphical shortcuts occasionally surface.

Players who appreciate narrative-driven action RPGs will find plenty to love: the freedom to craft unique items, the thrill of boss duels, and the chance to live out an untold segment of the Elric brothers’ saga. The game’s difficulty curve is generally fair, with optional challenges offering extra rigor for completionists. Veterans of the anime will smile at numerous callbacks, while newcomers can enjoy a self-contained tale that whets the appetite for the main series.

While modern gamers might wish for higher-resolution textures or a few quality-of-life upgrades, the core experience remains robust. Soundtrack cues borrowed from the anime, voice lines in key moments, and the familiar hum of alchemical circles all work in concert to immerse you in this world of transmutation and sacrifice.

In sum, Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel is a must-try for fans craving an interactive detour with Edward and Alphonse. Its addictive crafting system, solid combat, and heartfelt narrative make it a memorable entry in the action RPG genre—and a worthy addition to any Fullmetal Alchemist collection.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10