In the realm of video games, it’s important to remember that mainstream popularity doesn’t always equate to quality. This sentiment was beautifully captured in The Phantom Limb’s quote from Venture Bros., “The Mona Lisa isn’t a better painting, merely a more famous painting.” This concept is particularly relevant in the hyper-commercialized world of video games, where the best games are not always the most heavily promoted.
One such game that exemplifies this is Fuga: Melodies of Steel, a hidden gem that deserves more attention. Despite initially overlooking it due to a lack of press coverage and a higher price tag compared to its competition, I’ve come to regret my oversight. Fuga: Melodies of Steel is an RPG experiment that shouldn’t be missed.
Set in the whimsical world of floating continents and anthropomorphic characters known as the Little Tail Bronx universe, Fuga: Melodies of Steel takes on a parallel to World War II. The country of Gasco is suddenly invaded by the Berman Empire, who begin capturing people for unknown reasons. A group of children, finding an abandoned tank called the Taranis, embark on a journey to save their families.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Fuga: Melodies of Steel is its juxtaposition of storybook whimsy and harsh reality. The game introduces a mechanic early on, where you can load a child into a cannon to instantly defeat enemies at the cost of the child’s life. This dark concept adds depth to the game, allowing players to make difficult choices and potentially sacrifice characters to prevent losing progress.
The gameplay itself is unique and engaging. You command a cast of 12 children, with six of them active in battle at a time. The remaining three provide emotional support and can unleash powerful attacks based on their relationship with the current gunner. Each child operates a different weapon, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Utilizing these weapons strategically, along with considering enemy weaknesses and other factors, adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay.
Fuga: Melodies of Steel effectively balances narrative and gameplay. Cutscenes are brief enough to avoid overwhelming the player, while the gameplay keeps players invested with its strategic depth. The game also offers choices in terms of upgrading your tank and maintaining the children’s morale, giving players agency and variety.
However, the game does have some shortcomings. The overarching plot is not particularly groundbreaking, and getting the best ending requires specific criteria that may be difficult to achieve without prior knowledge. Despite these flaws, Fuga: Melodies of Steel’s efficient design and polished core make it a standout experience.
While this game may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or realistic drama, it has a sincere and thoughtful quality that will resonate with players who appreciate its unique charm. Fuga: Melodies of Steel is a hidden gem that deserves recognition, and I highly recommend giving it a chance.
Please note that this article was based on a retail build of the game, purchased and reviewed by the author.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
