Aesthetic Charm

Graphically speaking, Stories: The Path of Destinies is really something! The gorgeous cell-shaded character models and detailed environments are truly something to behold. Attack animations, spells and effects are satisfying to watch during combat and character/enemy models are beautifully comprehensive.

Julian Casey really does a good job with the voice-acting but I wish Reynardo’s voice didn’t sound like Mel Gibson answering a boring question like, if Australians ride around everywhere in kangaroo pouches.

The soundtrack is nice to listen to and does the atmosphere of each area and event justice.

Final Thoughts

I’m really on the fence about whether or not I enjoyed my experience with Stories: The Path of Destinies. I know I really loved the graphics and art-style, but everything else from the combat to the storyline felt a bit under-thought and empty.

As for who I’d recommend this game to, I’d probably say children who have an adult with them to help explain why Reynardo’s friends are all dying because of the choices being made.

Of course if you like the idea of playing through an isometric RPG with multiple choices as to how the story progresses, be my guest. You’ll have plenty to keep your hands full with.

However, be warned that there are quite a few bugs and problems with the game in it’s early stage of release. One such example was when I died and Alt+Tabbed back to the Desktop of my computer to check an email. When I Alt+Tabbed back to the game I couldn’t respawn or even access the game’s menu for that matter. I could still heal myself with my sword but that was it. I’ve heard others say that they’ve had some strange issues with the game as well.

Stories: The Path of Destinies has great potential, but the combat is so unenjoyable that I feel the whole thing would make much more sense if it were just story.

Score

3 stars – interesting concept, uninteresting story, clunky combat