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So, originally I was going to 100% Blossom Tales I before I got to the end of the game. However, after doing some thinking, I decided to just not worry about getting 100% before completing this game. I’ll explain why later, but for now, let’s get started. These are loving opinions Blossom Tales I.
Presentation
Sorry if this review comes across too much gushing, but I just want to take a moment to appreciate how amazing the presentation is for this game. The entire game is pixelated and reminds me of what you might see in Zelda: Link to the Past. Although, this shouldn’t be too surprising since this game is inspired by Zelda. Aside from the pixel art, the environments that you see throughout the game are blooming with personality. Usually, I’m not a fan of open-world-style games, but for Blossom Tales, I really like how the dev(s) went all out with the overworld. It gives the player a sense of immersion. Last but not least, the music. I have no idea who the composer was, but I just want to take a moment to appreciate how hard they went on the soundtrack. Sorry for keeping this segment short, but I just wanted to give my thoughts on the presentation as fast as possible.
Presentation: 10/10
Gameplay
So, it’s pretty obvious that this game is inspired by the Zelda series, specifically the 2D top-down Zelda titles like Zelda I or Link to the Past. The reason I mentioned Link to the Past is because in addition to your standard three-hit sword slashes, you also get access to the spin attack when you hold down the attack/action button. Yep, it seems Lily took some notes out of Link’s notebook. Now I will admit, the combat is basic, but I don’t think that’s a big issue. However, when I got to the later levels, there were spiders that were relentless and wanted to eat Lily alive. Even if you try to block them with your shield, they will eat through your energy meter. Also, screw those spiders! Speaking of your energy meter, I suppose it’s time to get this out of the way. Another thing Blossom Tales borrows from the Zelda series, is the heart system. However, one aspect that separates BT from Zelda is how its energy meter works. Technically you don’t use magic until you get the magic medallions, but most of the actions you do like guarding with your shield, throwing bombs, shooting arrows, etc. use up a certain amount of your energy meter. To be honest, the special moves you perform as you play feel like they are stamina-based. Honestly, I didn’t find any problem with this as I liked this game’s change of pace. It kind of reminds me of Triforce Heroes on the 3DS. Also, before I forget, there are items that will refill your hearts, energy, and even revive you upon death. To be honest, I don’t think I ever used a resurrected flower as I was finding heart pieces and consuming the heart vials. Either way, I’m glad they are here in case a newcomer is having trouble.
Aside from the main story, you will also come across some side quests as you explore the world, doing these side-quests will also grant you heart and energy pieces, upgrades for your special weapons, and even new items. Now I did mention I did not bother 100%-ing this game. I failed to mention this in my previous reviews but I’m saying it now. I am NOT a completionist nor do I intend to be. The only times I would ever 100% a game is if I am playing games that I love the most like SM64, Kazooie, Battle for Bikini Bottom, Hat in Time, and Cuphead for example. However, for those who are completionists, I got some pretty funny news. I was looking through the Steam Discussion Boards for “Everybody knows Stan” mail side quest and the developer told the forums that the time Stan appears is based on your device’s time (between 9 AM – 5 PM I believe). I know I shouldn’t be snickering but let’s just say that the forum users were pretty pissed. I’ll admit, I did find this a bit cumbersome as well. Personally, if I were to make a game, I would never implement this stupid feature. I mean, people have lives and don’t have the time to play games in that time range. However, I was not upset by this, and I decided to just roll with it.
Before I end this segment, I want to talk about the boss fights. Personally, I found these boss fights to be fine. They’re not bad, just a bit on the easy side if you are abusing bombs like a maniac. I’m not going to spoil the end game but once you get to the near end of the last dungeon, you’ll see how hard the game’s difficulty gets. Not obnoxious though, just gradually. Also, for those memorization puzzles, PLEASE record the sequences on your phone because those can be hard to remember as they go for long periods in one of the caves.
Gameplay: 9/10
Performance
Throughout the majority of my playthrough, the frame rate stayed consistent and smooth. Now granted, I was playing on the Steam Deck, and it is “Verified.” However, if you have been keeping up with any of my previous reviews, the Steam Deck verification is not always to be trusted. However, for this game, I was a happy camper. Even when transitioning between sections, there are little to no loading times. That to me feels amazing.
Performance: 10/10
Story
Last but not least, let’s talk about the story. Personally, I found the story of Blossom Tales to not only be interesting, but entertaining. It had fun ideas and was even told as a bedtime story that you would tell your kids every night. By the way, there was one instance I found where you are given the option to choose what enemies you encounter in the story. as you are in the dark areas near the swamp. Overall, the story to me was excellent and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sorry for keeping the segment short as well, but I just wanted to give my thoughts on story as little as possible so as to not spoil it for you guys.
Story: 10/10
Final Verdict
In case you couldn’t tell by the constant praise in this review, I absolutely LOVE Blossom Tales I. I did buy the second game before this one, but I decided to finish this one first so that I can give these two games proper release reviews. Sure, it’s not perfect, but I’d say it’s still a great game, and I am interested to revisit it and have more playthroughs. But for now, I am going to be taking a break from Blossom Tales for now. Thank you for reading and have a great day.
Verdict: 39/40