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GrimGrimoire OnceMore

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of GrimGrimoire OnceMore
Item: GrimGrimoire OnceMore
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresSide View Perspective, RPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableApr 4, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperVanillaware

Overview

GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a real-time strategy video game developed by Vanillaware and published by Nippon Ichi Software.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics mostly praise GrimGrimoire OnceMore's engaging time loop narrative, intriguing characters, and captivating twists. While some find the story lacking depth and predictability, overall, the consensus is positive with many highlighting its strengths like well-developed characters and surprising plot twists. The story successfully captivates players and keeps them engaged, making it a strong and enjoyable aspect of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of GrimGrimoire OnceMore are generally positive. Many critics highlight the intriguing and engaging aspects of the story, such as the time loop narrative and the mysteries that unfold. CGMagazine praises the interesting characters and time loop plot, while Nintendo Life considers the story to be the best part of the game, with fascinating twists and betrayals. Hobby Consolas mentions the unique twist of Lillet reliving her first five days at the magical school repeatedly, retaining her knowledge and experiences each time. They also appreciate the well-handled story beats and subverted tropes. These positive opinions indicate that the story of GrimGrimoire OnceMore successfully captivates players and keeps them engaged. However, there are a few critics who have a more mixed or negative opinion about the story. Multiplayer.it states that the story is not the strong point of the game, suggesting that it may not be as compelling or well-executed as other aspects. TheGamer finds the narrative to be thin and predictable, with obvious twists and fast-paced cutscenes. Finger Guns mentions that while the plot is fun, the characters are relatively unexplored, leaving little room for character development. These criticisms suggest that while the story may have its strengths, it may also have some weaknesses in terms of predictability or character depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a positive aspect of the game. Critics like Destructoid, NintendoWorldReport, Pure Nintendo, Siliconera, and RPGamer all praise various elements of the story, such as the engaging premise, well-developed characters, and clear character motives. They appreciate the twists, surprises, and mysteries that the story presents. Additionally, GamingTrend mentions that the story becomes increasingly intriguing as the time-traveling dynamic is revealed. These positive opinions, along with the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of the critics, indicate that the story of GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a strong and enjoyable aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics applaud GrimGrimoire OnceMore for its complex gameplay blending RPG, tactics, and real-time strategy elements. They praise features like the skill tree and engaging combat system. However, some critics find the combat repetitive and controls difficult to manage. Despite drawbacks, the game offers a challenging and customizable experience that most critics find enjoyable and addictive.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of GrimGrimoire OnceMore are generally positive. Many critics praised the complex gameplay mechanics, which combine elements of role-playing, tactics, real-time strategy, and tower defense. The game offers a variety of gameplay features, such as different magic and grimoire types, resource management, and strategic approaches to battles. Critics like CGMagazine, Nintendo Life, and Pure Nintendo appreciated the inclusion of a skill tree, which adds depth and allows players to customize their characters. The combat system, particularly the real-time strategy battles, was highlighted as a strong feature by critics like TheGamer and GamingTrend. The vertical aspect of the combat system was also mentioned as a unique and engaging aspect of the gameplay by Finger Guns. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of GrimGrimoire OnceMore. Finger Guns mentioned that the combat system, while initially fun and unique, became repetitive and stale due to its complexity. GamingTrend criticized the weak and difficult-to-manage combat controls, especially when multiple familiars were stacked on top of each other. Movies Games and Tech pointed out that the addition of a skill tree, while adding complexity, may overwhelm and disinterest some players. The lack of variation in visuals during battles was also mentioned as a drawback by GamingTrend. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that GrimGrimoire OnceMore offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience. The combination of different gameplay elements, such as real-time strategy battles, tower defense mechanics, and resource management, was praised for providing a satisfying challenge. The inclusion of a skill tree and the ability to customize characters added depth and replayability to the game. However, there were some criticisms regarding the repetitiveness of the combat system, the difficulty in managing controls, and the lack of visual variation. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics found the gameplay of GrimGrimoire OnceMore to be enjoyable and addictive, with room for experimentation and strategic thinking.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the stunning graphics and visual design of GrimGrimoire OnceMore, praising its detailed characters, expressive animations, and upgraded HD visuals. While some criticize the repetitive backgrounds in battle sequences and the sexualization in character designs, overall consensus is that the game's graphics are impressive and visually striking.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of GrimGrimoire OnceMore, highlighting its stunning art direction and upgraded HD visuals. CGMagazine commends the game's detailed characters, expressive facial animations, and whimsical in-game units. Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport both appreciate the character designs, with the former mentioning that they feel at home in the fantasy world. Siliconera and Tech-Gaming specifically mention the improvements brought by the remastered version, such as the enhanced appreciation of the artistry and the ability to distinguish between different unit types. However, there were some criticisms regarding the repetitive backgrounds in battle sequences. Destructoid, NintendoWorldReport, and TheGamer all mention this aspect, noting that the stages lack diversity and can become monotonous. Finger Guns also points out an unnecessary level of sexualization in some character designs, which may be a negative for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of GrimGrimoire OnceMore are very good. Hobby Consolas, Multiplayer.it, and RPGamer all mention the upgraded HD graphics and vibrant colors as standout features. GamingTrend praises the visual upgrades and the inclusion of art illustrations made by different artists between battles. The Games Machine describes the graphics as the trademark of Vanillaware, and Video Chums appreciates the imaginative and stylish monster designs and elaborate backgrounds. The positive opinions of these critics, along with the majority of others, support the overall sentiment that the graphics and visual design of GrimGrimoire OnceMore are impressive and visually stunning.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise GrimGrimoire OnceMore for its captivating sound design and music, enhancing the game with mystery, urgency, and tension. The voice acting, writing, and gothic soundtrack are highlighted as strong points. However, some critics note surround sound issues and repetitive music in menus as areas for improvement. Overall, while not perfect, the sound design and music effectively contribute to the immersive experience of GrimGrimoire OnceMore.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of the sound design and music of GrimGrimoire OnceMore, the majority of critics have praised its positive aspects. CGMagazine commends the sound design for adding a sense of mystery and wonder to menus, urgency to battles, and tension during character interactions. NintendoWorldReport also highlights the strong voice acting and writing, which greatly enhance the narrative elements of the game. Everyeye.it specifically mentions the soundtrack composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, stating that it complements the game well with its gothic motifs. This positive feedback indicates that the sound design and music contribute effectively to the overall experience of GrimGrimoire OnceMore. However, there are some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the sound design and music. Multiplayer.it criticizes the audio for its surround sound issues, which suggests that the game may not fully utilize the potential of a surround sound system. Pure Nintendo mentions that while the music sticks to the mood of the game, some audio effects like footsteps can be annoying. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech notes that the music in the menus could be less repetitive. These criticisms highlight areas where the sound design and music could have been improved to provide an even better experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of GrimGrimoire OnceMore are positive aspects of the game. The addition of mystery and wonder to menus, urgency to battles, and tension during character interactions, as mentioned by CGMagazine, contribute to the immersive experience. The strong voice acting and writing, as highlighted by NintendoWorldReport, further enhance the narrative elements. Furthermore, the soundtrack composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, as praised by Everyeye.it, complements the game well with its gothic motifs. While there are some criticisms regarding surround sound issues, repetitive music in menus, and certain audio effects, these issues do not overshadow the overall positive reception of the sound design and music in GrimGrimoire OnceMore.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise the voice acting in GrimGrimoire OnceMore for its quality and impact on the game's narrative, with some standout performances. While there were minor criticisms about over-the-top delivery and lack of punch in certain voices, overall, the voice acting is considered well done and fitting for the game. The remastered version features improved fidelity in both Japanese and English performances, enhancing the overall experience and contributing positively to the game's narrative elements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment regarding the voice acting in GrimGrimoire OnceMore is largely positive. Multiple critics praised the voice acting, highlighting its quality and impact on the game's narrative. Critics such as Destructoid and NintendoWorldReport mentioned the respectable and strong voice acting, respectively, with some actors standing out. Movies Games and Tech also commended the well-done voice acting for each character. The inclusion of fresh voice acting in the remastered version, as mentioned by Siliconera, was seen as a positive addition that enhanced the overall quality of the game. Tech-Gaming specifically highlighted the improvement in fidelity of the Japanese and English performances due to the rerecording of the voice acting. However, there were some criticisms regarding the voice acting in GrimGrimoire OnceMore. Pure Nintendo mentioned that while the voice acting was okay, some dialogue delivery was over the top. Noisy Pixel specifically pointed out that Amoretta Virgine's voice acting lacked punch. These criticisms suggest that there may have been inconsistencies in the voice performances, with some moments being overly dramatic or lacking impact. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in GrimGrimoire OnceMore is well done and fitting for the game. The positive aspects of the voice acting, such as the respectable quality, strong performances, and improvement in fidelity, were highlighted by multiple critics. While there were some criticisms regarding specific aspects of the voice acting, they did not overshadow the overall positive reception. The English voice cast was praised for their talent and ability to provide a sense of urgency to the plot, as mentioned by Video Chums. The remastered version was also noted to feature improved voice acting in both Japanese and English, enhancing the overall experience, according to PSX Brasil. The general sentiment suggests that the voice acting in GrimGrimoire OnceMore contributes positively to the game's narrative elements and adds to the enjoyment of the players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise GrimGrimoire OnceMore for its strong replay value, citing features like skill trees, upgrade choices, and trial stages that enhance the gaming experience. However, some critics mention concerns about repetitive gameplay. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers enough incentives for replaying, with addictive gameplay keeping players engaged.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the videogame critics regarding the replay value of GrimGrimoire OnceMore are generally positive. Many critics highlight the various features and mechanics that contribute to the game's replayability. For example, Hobby Consolas mentions that completing all tasks, playing on a higher difficulty, and unlocking additional content can increase the game's duration. Multiplayer.it appreciates the new features added to the game, such as fast-forwarding and manual saving in battles, as well as a higher difficulty level. NintendoWorldReport praises the skill tree and optional trial stages that add replay value by allowing players to earn more coins and unlock more upgrades. Siliconera mentions the inclusion of built-in and optional balancing adjustments, a skill tree, and the ability to speed up battles and save progress, which enhance replayability and provide a better understanding of pacing. However, there are some criticisms regarding the repetitive nature of the gameplay. Finger Guns mentions that battles can become repetitive, and TheGamer notes that the main story can feel repetitive as well. Movies Games and Tech also points out that the repetitive gameplay may limit replayability for some players. Tech-Gaming mentions that repetition is a fault that wasn't remedied by the remake. Despite these criticisms, there are still positive aspects to the replay value. Pure Nintendo highlights the ability to rework skills and replay levels to gain resources and refine spell libraries, which adds to the game's replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that GrimGrimoire OnceMore offers a good amount of replay value. The inclusion of features such as skill trees, upgrade choices, trial stages, and additional challenges provide players with incentives to replay the game. The addictive nature of the gameplay, as mentioned by GamersRD and Noisy Pixel, also contributes to the game's replayability. However, the repetitive nature of the gameplay, as noted by several critics, may be a drawback for some players. Despite this, the overall sentiment is that GrimGrimoire OnceMore offers enough replay value to keep players engaged and entertained.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the Overall Verdict of GrimGrimoire OnceMore, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the critics. CGMagazine praises the game for aging gracefully since its original release in 2007, commending its art style and quality-of-life improvements. Destructoid describes it as a "top to bottom delight" with stunning visuals, enjoyable gameplay, and a well-written narrative. NintendoWorldReport considers it a textbook example of how to modernize an enjoyable experience for a contemporary audience, with whimsical characters and art shining in HD. Siliconera praises the remaster for improving upon the original game, particularly in terms of story, strategic elements, and presentation. These positive aspects, such as improved visuals, engaging gameplay, and captivating narratives, contribute to the overall positive sentiment surrounding GrimGrimoire OnceMore. However, there are also some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Nintendo Life acknowledges that while the game fixes some of the original's problems, it still suffers from repetitive maps. SpazioGames criticizes the game's depth, stating that it may be considered shallow for genre veterans, with better options available on the Nintendo Switch. Finger Guns points out that while the narrative scenario is strong, the battle system is bloated and complex, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Video Chums notes that while the game is enjoyable with fantastic artwork and solid real-time strategy gameplay, the visuals can become chaotic and the gameplay repetitive. These negative aspects, such as repetitive maps, shallow gameplay for genre veterans, and bloated battle systems, contribute to a slightly mixed sentiment surrounding GrimGrimoire OnceMore. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of the real-time strategy genre and those who appreciate the unique art style and engaging narratives. Critics like Hobby Consolas and RPGamer commend the game for its uniqueness and engaging story, while Multiplayer.it and Tech-Gaming recommend it specifically to fans of the genre. The general sentiment is that the remastered version offers improved visuals and gameplay features, making it a worthwhile experience for both fans of Vanillaware's work and newcomers to the game. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitive gameplay, shallow depth for genre veterans, and bloated battle systems, these negative aspects do not outweigh the overall positive reception of GrimGrimoire OnceMore.

TL;DR

Critics praise GrimGrimoire OnceMore for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and captivating narratives, noting improvements from the original release. However, some critics mention repetitive maps, shallow gameplay for genre veterans, and bloated battle systems as drawbacks. Overall, the consensus is that it's a worthwhile experience for fans of real-time strategy games and those who appreciate unique art styles and stories. Positive aspects like improved visuals and gameplay outweigh the negatives, making it a recommended choice for both Vanillaware fans and newcomers.

MONSTER

Reviews

43 reviews found

Siliconera

Nintendo Switch

Mar 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises GrimGrimoire OnceMore as a remaster that improves upon the original game, making it more widely appreciated. It highlights the strong story, solid strategic elements, and stunning presentation, recommending it for both story lovers and strategy enthusiasts.

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PSX Brasil

PlayStation 5

Mar 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a well-crafted remaster of the original game, with a compelling story, improved voice acting, and engaging gameplay. It is a must-play for fans of the genre and offers accessibility options for those interested in the story alone.

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Multiplayer.it

Nintendo Switch

Mar 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game as a high-quality real-time strategy game with improvements in the new version, and recommends it for fans of the genre.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Apr 10, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a textbook example of how to retain an enjoyable experience and modernize it for a contemporary audience. The whimsical characters and art shine in HD, and the RTS gameplay holds up well on Switch.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Mar 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Not a game for everyone, but addictive and enjoyable for those who get into it

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Mar 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that GrimGrimoire OnceMore has aged gracefully since 2007, praising its art style and quality-of-life improvements. It recommends the game as a solid tactical experience that players must learn to fully enjoy.

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The Games Machine

PlayStation 5

Apr 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a much-improved game compared to the original release and recommends it to real-time strategy fans on consoles.

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The Enemy

PlayStation 5

Apr 2, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

GrimGrimoire OnceMore is a beautiful and ambitious game that successfully brings back a forgotten title with improved accessibility. It is a worthwhile experience, although limited in scope.

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LevelUp

PlayStation 4

Apr 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

GrimGrimoire OnceMore offers an accessible and visually appealing RTS experience with an engaging story and improved gameplay mechanics.

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Destructoid

Nintendo Switch

Mar 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A top to bottom delight with stunning visuals, enjoyable gameplay, and a well-written narrative