izigame.me

When PAXWest made a return in person during COVID, this game was actually the only game that stood out to me. Every year I'd always come by and check on this game. from the first impression, this game stuck with me through its narrative and character design. Jimmy (main dev of Kumiho) was always welcoming and I've always been excited to ask more questions and also nerd out about Mario RPG and other inspirations that inspired this game's existence.
Now I've finally played the full game, I'mma give my full honest review of this game:
I can see how personal this game truly is. The Dialogue, the characters, the story. Everything gives off that personal inner childhood trauma that has to be expressed in an art form of some kind like a movie or novel. Video Game? that too, even if it takes a half a decade long to come up and make (plus fixes and patches). nevertheless it was beautifully written top to bottom. Funny, sad, and thrilling all at once. this game can be VERY self aware and throws a good enough amount of satire at you that does hit. Couldn't stop playing this game because I wanted to know what happens next. captivating story!
Animation and art is chef's kiss, got nothing else to say. all positives here.
Character designs are something any AAA or AAAA game company should take note of... don't just make a character for the sake of trying to check boxes, make a character we can remember and relate even if we don't match certain qualities. each character has a story and their own struggles that fit their personalities that's worth giving a damn. If I were to pick a favorite, I'd give it to Twila. a wise outcast trying to socially reconnect with people despite her walls built up from past trauma having to binge anime to get her mind off of it. not a story seen in a lot of characters which stood out very relatable to me personally. Was only given little info about her in the PAX demos but full story really surprised me in full circle. Eventually you'll see how everyone is unique and will find someone to relate to. Backgrounds are 1 thing, the story and lore is another. Take notes from this folks.
Gameplay and combat was amazing. loved the layout and the different fonts for each character. The team combos were VERY fun to experiment and see all the different animations. Tho I will say it felt very unnecessary to go very hard with having 3 person combos, nearly made the game feel easy (ok I've been a B button Believer so that could also be why), but I'll hand it to ya, really had fun exploring all the combos! Also Zack is a BEAST!
Playing the whole game, I felt like there could be more, not the story itself I think it was paced solidly; although looked a bit rushed in a few parts, was hoping for some reprisal matches. Perhaps a few small side quests that can give characters some stronger equipment and maybe a bit more lore. sure we can search the whole map for equipment and tokens but it gets a bit repetitive at times to search for hidden cookie boxes while sections get bigger and bigger making it easy to get lost at times. Those are the only cons I have.
OH! Also the WIN button I was laughing you forgot to patch it out, tried to avoid using it as much as possible but I did use it on mainly the repetitive encounters. I agree with the reviewers, that there should be a difficulty option so maybe the WIN button can be an option in Easy mode while normal or hard can't have that option.
Overall, I am glad I have met you and the team, Jimmy. I love this game, I love the passion and strive you have, I can't wait for what you have planned next. and I hope people actually give this game a try. This game deserves to be seen.
Good Luck with everything!