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The Way: Episode 1 Review
The Way - The Way RM Games should be!
Review by Tenchu-San
Even though we're up to RPG Maker VX, The Way proves that it's not the program that determines the quality of your game, it is the effort that the game maker puts forth that does.
The Way features some RM2K RTP charsets as well as edited ones. There are those who are opposed to RTP in games, but I must admit that the sprites are well used and look good with the 3D Parallax maps. Speaking of the maps, the use of 3D Parallaxes instead of tileset created maps are a nice touch and remind me of more modern games such as FF7 or even some DS RPGs that use the same technique. The rest of the graphics in the game follow along the same pattern. Although they're not the most polished graphics from a well paid studio, they are well done and fit together in a way that pleases the eye and helps make the game enjoyable to play.
As for the sounds this game has to offer, the sound effects are inoffensive and the music is well suited to the scenes. (I especially liked the use of the Vampire Killer theme from Castlevania for a Battle Theme.) There isn't much else to say about the sound, it's nothing breathtaking... It just works, which is all that is really needed.
Aside from the pretty face that accompanies The Way, it's music/graphics are worthless if the gameplay doesn't follow the same standard of quality. Fortunately, The Way doesn't just meet the same level of quality, it exceeds it. The Way offers engaging and original mini-games that are not only fun to play, but are challenging and not a button spam fest. There's more than dialogue, dungeon exploration and random battles here folks. There is a swordsman duel type of combat minigame called "Plunge" where you do an enhanced version of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" that has some additions that make it fun and original. There's also a "Stealth"-esque sneak up on a rabbit mini-game that reminds me of sneaking up on unsuspecting guards in a cardboard box in another adventure that needs no mention. There are several other mini-games on tap here, and they're all well-explained and easy to get a handle of. The combat in the game also offers features such as "XLife" which is an interesting way to handle mana. The player gains a point or two of "XLife" every turn, but can gain more if they use a move that increases it. Don't worry about combat all that much though, as the frequent Save Points prevent that frustrating "start over and do ALL that over again" death that other RPGs are famous for.
If Battles and Puzzles aren't your thing then don't fret. Before the game even starts you can either choose an EZ Mode or even turn off battles/puzzles. This is especially good for those of us who play RPG's solely for the story. Speaking of the story, from the amazing intro to the believable characters, the story is well done and interesting. I sat through the story and found it original and easy to enjoy. Not once did I blink my eyes in disbelief and say, "Hey, that's just like a scene in (enter random RPG here)." No, none of that folks, just a well presented story and enjoyable characters.
To sum it all up, The Way: Episode 1 is an amazing RM2K game that other RM Users should play and take lessons from. Any flaws this game has (such as certain dialogue parts that make you chuckle when it's meant to be serious) are easily looked over, since you'll be too busy enjoying the narrative and fun gameplay.
Reviewer's Score: 8.5 / 10, Posted Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:14:18 -0700
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