Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Izumo blends classic turn-based RPG mechanics with visual novel-style storytelling to create an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Players spend a significant amount of time navigating labyrinthine dungeons rendered from an isometric perspective, rotating the camera up to 180 degrees to uncover hidden paths, secret switches, and treasure chests. Exploration remains intuitive, relying on simple controls and a clear map overlay that reveals the party’s position relative to objectives, ensuring that backtracking never feels like a chore.

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The combat system is solidly crafted around elemental affinities. Each character in your party can learn and employ fire, water, earth, wind, light, and dark magic, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations and strategies. Random encounters are frequent enough to keep characters leveling at a steady pace, but not so overwhelming that exploration loses its appeal. Boss battles ramp up the challenge by introducing enemies with shifting resistances, making buffs, debuffs, and tactical positioning critical for success.

Interspersed between dungeon crawls are extensive “digital novel” segments, presented as anime-style still images with accompanying dialogue and occasional player choices. These narrative interludes deepen character relationships and reveal the unfolding mystery behind Hikaru’s dreams. While some decisions lead to branching scenes and multiple endings, the core gameplay never feels overshadowed by the story—rather, the two elements complement one another, offering both narrative weight and mechanical depth.

Graphics

Visually, Izumo leans heavily into an anime aesthetic, featuring richly detailed backgrounds, expressive character portraits, and dynamic spell animations. The stills used during digital novel sections are beautifully drawn and color-saturated, capturing everything from tender sibling moments to ominous monster encounters. Although these images do not move, the art direction and voice-over work (where provided) imbue each scene with a strong emotional resonance.

In-dungeon graphics are rendered in 2.5D, with crisp sprite work and smoothly animated enemy designs. Each monster type has distinct visual flair—slimy goblins quiver in waterlogged caverns, while fiery drakes illuminate volcanic corridors with glowing magma veins. Spell effects, in particular, feel impactful: watching a cascading water spell transform a battlefield or unleashing an inferno that flickers across walls adds cinematic flair to every encounter.

Character designs for Hikaru, his sister, and supporting allies are faithfully executed, capturing typical anime tropes—school uniforms, distinctive hairstyles, and emotive facial expressions. The game also includes some mature images featuring nudity and suggestive situations, which are tastefully rendered and contextually integrated into the story. While these moments may not be suitable for younger players, they complement the narrative’s darker undertones and strained family dynamics.

Story

At its core, Izumo tells the tale of Hikaru, a seemingly ordinary Japanese teenager attending a prestigious academy, who is drawn into a supernatural mystery when dreams of a veiled woman begin haunting him. These dreams foreshadow a looming catastrophe, and when he inadvertently touches a mysterious mirror in an abandoned building, his worst fears come to life as monsters overrun the school. The narrative’s pacing is measured, gradually ramping up tension as Hikaru and his sister uncover clues about the mirror’s origin and the woman’s true identity.

The game’s use of digital novel segments allows players to forge stronger connections with the cast. Dialogue choices, though not always branching in terms of gameplay, influence character rapport and unlock side scenes that flesh out backstory. These moments range from lighthearted school festivals to heart-wrenching confessions, ensuring that players remain invested in the protagonists’ emotional journeys. The balance between everyday school life and supernatural horror gives the story a compelling duality.

While the overarching mystery is engaging, some plot threads meander before converging near the climax. Occasional pacing lulls—often during extended cutscenes—may test the patience of action-focused players, but they reward those who enjoy character-driven drama. Ultimately, the reveal behind the mirror’s power and the woman’s motives ties together themes of familial bonds, destiny, and sacrifice, delivering a satisfying narrative payoff.

Overall Experience

Izumo succeeds in marrying two genres—visual novel and traditional JRPG—without feeling disjointed. The interplay between story and combat makes for a game that appeals to fans of narrative-rich adventures and tactical dungeon crawlers alike. The elemental system, camera controls, and party management all contribute to an engaging play loop that never overstays its welcome, while the novel segments provide the emotional depth that elevates the journey beyond mere monster-slaying.

That said, the game’s mature content means it’s best suited for older teens and adults. Scenes with nudity and sexual themes are minimal but memorable, serving the story rather than existing as gratuitous fan service. Meanwhile, the save system and difficulty curve are well-balanced—frequent save points prevent frustration, and optional side dungeons offer a challenge for completionists seeking extra quests and rare loot.

In conclusion, Izumo delivers a rich, atmospheric RPG experience with a strong narrative core. Its graphics, though largely static in novel segments, are polished and evocative, while the combat mechanics provide enough complexity to satisfy strategic thinkers. Players looking for a game that weaves school-life drama, supernatural mystery, and classic dungeon exploration will find much to admire in Izumo’s polished presentation and heartfelt storytelling.

Retro Replay Score

null/10