Cladun: This is an RPG! by NIS America / Nippon Ichi Software is a charming experience with a cast of unique characters. Pudding, one of the main characters, is fascinated with treasure hunting. Her ambition to find treasure leads her and friend Souma to the forbidden gates of “Arcanus Cella”. As curiosity settles in, Pudding discovers the gate leading to Arcanus Cella isn’t locked and decides to enter, but to her surprise, there is no floor and she falls. Souma promised Pudding’s parents that he would look after her, so he is left with no choice but to follow.
Immediately you will notice Cladun’s distinctive 8-bit/16-bit graphics. They represent an era when graphics took a backseat to creativity, and when gameplay reigned supreme. Though simple in execution, the tiles, sprites, and colors used offer a unique charm that compliment the adventure, and that is where Cladun really shines.
At its core, Cladun is an action RPG. Your attacks vary based on your level and skills earned, and your defense is based on the gear worn and the type of Magical Circle being used (more on this in a moment). The controls are pretty straight-forward: The Square button blocks; the X button attacks; Circle allows you to jump over obstacles; and Triangle executes magic when its equipped. By pressing Start, you are given access to an Encyclopedia, Options, an option to Give Up when inside a dungeon, or return to the title screen. The Encyclopedia is a useful resource that explains Equipment, Arcanus Cella, Dungeons, Magic Circles, and Controls. Essentially, you are given basic information depending on the topic you research. When researching a sword, the Encyclopedia explains that a 3-hit combo is possible when the attack button is pressed at the right time. It is small tidbits of information like this that lend to the system’s versatility.
As mentioned earlier, there is a Magic Circle system. This system is very important to the survival of your characters; it enhances everything from attack damage to defense. These circles are earned as you level, and they increase in complexity. The basis for each Magic Circle is to establish a defense for the chosen ‘main’ character of choice. At the beginning of the adventure, there is only Souma and Pudding. Additional characters appear in the world of Arcanus Cella as the story unfolds, increasing the number of characters to choose from. These characters can be added to the Magic Circle to protect the main character.
The main character rests in the center of this chart and additional characters can be placed in circular slots surrounding it. This will create a defense grid that temporarily protects the main hero from sustaining damage. Once the other characters lose their HP in battle, the hero is vulnerable to attacks.
The Magic Circle also includes slots for attack and defense items that can be purchased at the local shop or found inside dungeons. The most basic defense item is the Stone Defense Wall, which offers +1 Def and +2 Mana. Along the way, it is possible to uncover items that will enhance the Magic Circle. Finding a Lieutenant – which offers +4 ATK and +12 Mana (and then added to this configuration)- will prove to be invaluable later.
Ironically, this system serves a dual purpose. Any character that is serving in a defensive position will gain experience along with the main hero, making it much easier to level. This was a fantastic idea; the system is flexible and has many benefits.
The world of Arcanus Cella has many dungeons to explore. The object of every dungeon is to kill creatures, collect the coins they drop, avoid traps, open chests, and kill the main creature(s) that inhabit the area. Some dungeons (like Hiyo’s Cave) are quite small, and only occupy one floor. Once the main creature is killed, the dungeon ends and you are returned to Arcanus Cella where a new dungeon floor and / or new dungeon is unlocked. Larger dungeons will require the extermination of certain creatures to unlock doors that lead to other areas, but sometimes a dungeon will have multiple floors and the stairways are guarded.
For the creative – and for those wanting to expand their current cast of characters – Cladun offers a character creation system. This system allows for the creation of additional party members; this includes Warriors, Dragoons, Guardians, Wizards, and Merchants from inside the local Tavern. The process begins by selecting a class; from there, you must name the new character. Next you must decide the conversation pattern; will he/she be outgoing or twitchy?
Once the final process is completed, your character is ready for the dangerous world of Arcanus Cella, unless you want to give him/her a facelift. By visiting the Tavern Keeper at any given time, a menu appears with an option to re-draw the face of recently created characters. This paint program is simple to use; painting is done pixel-by-pixel from a limited number of colors. While the color palette is limited, your imagination doesn’t have to be. You are given complete freedom to draw each face in any manner that you choose.
With so many innovative features available to the player, Cladun leaves very little room for boredom. The story will take unexpected turns, character development will never grow stale, and leveling inside dungeons will bring an entirely new meaning to the word ‘addiction’.
Cladun is simply a masterpiece. Available now on PSN for $19.99, you can’t go wrong by purchasing this title. For once in a very long time, a company has given us a truly wonderful role-playing experience that focuses on core gameplay values rather than graphics. When was the last time this happened? NIS America / Nippon Ichi Software have delivered with Cladun: This is an RPG!; no self-respecting RPG gamer should be without this game.
Mike ‘STGuy1040’ Pittaro
Platform: Sony PSP (Available on PSN)
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Publisher: NIS America
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| The graphics are retro all the way. Sometimes simple is the best way to convey an experience. | |
| Sound | |
| The music selection varies greatly. Since Cladun offers real BGM and retro BGM as a choice, the experience differs. Regardless of which style you choose, the music is wonderful. | |
| Gameplay | |
| This game is addictive, plain and simple. Prepare to spend countless hours creating characters and customizing Magic Circles for the best ATK/DEF combination possible. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Cladun is a prime candidate for portable RPG of the year. It's charming, whimsical, and incredibly fun. | |
