Cassette Beasts (2023)

Finally grabbed this on a sale. Some early impressions pro/cons:

Cons:

-I'm really not a fan of how the overworld looks? NPCs and areas are blocky in a very basic and rather ugly way. It put me off trying the game sooner and I'm still not a fan but gradually getting used to it.

-The game stuttered a bit somewhat consistently during the first hour or so of gameplay. It was annoying but seems to have stopped doing it. Still kind of a weird performance hiccup for a game that's had so many updates/patches by now.

Pros:

+In contrast to the overworld look, I'm a big fan of the monster designs so far, and the combat screen and UI is very serviceable.

+I like the way type advantages and disadvantages work here much more than the basic (get a damage multiplier or reduction modifier) system. Here the effects are much more varied and should lean towards more interesting interactions than just brute forcing through situations with the right type for the each situation kind of deal.

+I'm appreciating how the game opens up with a very short and light tutorial mission of sorts that manages to introduce key mechanics and give some world building. Then from there you gradually get nudges in different directions for big overarching objectives and freedom to do whatever.

Was originally just going to snag this when it dropped yesterday and play it later, but I ended up playing for a couple of hours yesterday.

It's got some great features: the music, interesting premise, and a cool spin on type dis/advantages causing a wide range of buffs or debuffs instead of more or less damage.

However, it runs so terribly on Switch right now that I'm probably going to leave it for a bit after all. It lags a ton while you're just trying to run around. While trying to make dashes across open air or glide to a different platform on the map, I often have to retry multiple times for what should be an easy jump because it lags and I miss. It ended up crashing on me completely last night and I have no idea how much progress I lost.

It's too bad, but I do have other games to finish, so I'm gonna wait on a patch or something.

I'm 10 hours in. Extremely good twist on the Pokemon-like genre. Very configurable for difficulty. Runs great on Steam Deck, but it's also on Game Pass. Open world quests/rumors system keeps you busy. There are several companion characters and all battles are "double battles" except for the fusion mechanic.

Music is fantastic, including some vocals. Tonally, there are light horror elements alongside a light and breezy base and some comedy. There is a free demo on Steam. Try it!