The free-to-play video game model has grown in popularity over the past decade. Games like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Genshin Impact have become part of their own “games-as-a-service” genre. Due to its popularity, expect to see a dramatic influx of these types, one of which is the subject of our review: Guardian Tales. The game falls into the typical tropes of many free-to-play titles, but separates enough to make it an interesting game if you’re willing to invest some time into it.
Guardian Tales is a top-down action RPG similar to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and more recently Children of Morta. Monsters have attacked the land of Canterbury. As a knight it is your responsibility to stop the evil invaders. It’s a tried-and-true “save the kingdom” story with side quests, quirky characters, and plenty of bad guys to fight.
The main story is divided into levels, navigating the overworld in a manner similar to the New Super Mario Bros. games. You choose your next stage and get to work. Each has several dialogues that advance the story, spending time fighting bad guys, solving puzzles, and collecting items. There are also hidden items. Finding them all before the end will earn you extra rewards. You can also select different dialogue and action options that directly affect your ‘good’ or ‘bad’ affiliation.
The more levels you play in Guardian Tales, the more options become available. Eventually, you can unlock challenge dungeons, create guilds online to join with friends, and participate in PVP battles. You can also build and furnish your own floating castle. It’s safe to say there’s a lot to do in Guardian Tales. You can stick to the story, but the gameplay options are plentiful.
And speaking of abundance, there are many types of support characters and weapons. Large scale. You can equip all sorts of weapons, from swords and bows to hammers and, of course, rocket launchers. Weapons are earned through story play and the game’s gacha mechanics. Various resources are earned through playthroughs that can be used to level up characters, improve weapons, and unlock characters. These can also be purchased for real money, as well as the ever-present season pass that gives you extra resources, costumes, characters, and weapons. It’s too much and a little overwhelming. But I love Karina, the supporting character of the five-star succubus.
Guardian Tales’ gameplay and production values are top-notch. Usually, this kind of free-to-play game can feel “disorganized” and not very polished. Guardian Tales doesn’t skimp on quality, from the opening animated sequence to the tight controls, great music, and hilarious dialogue. There are also plenty of Easter eggs and meta jokes that will make even the most hardcore gamers laugh.
The game is designed to keep you moving forward, so don’t expect a lot of challenges. I decimated all the monsters quite a bit in my playthrough. This is a mixed bag. It’s great for beginners and kids, but experienced gamers who want a test may end up exploring elsewhere.
The most important thing to know about Guardian Tales is that you only get what you put in. If you just want to progress through the main story, you can ignore all other options and play. But on the other hand, those looking for a deep and engaging experience will find this game familiar. But don’t let that deter you, Guardian Tales is a thoroughly good time.
