Chantelise Review

Chantelise PC
Published By: Carpe Fulgur
Developed By: EasyGameStation
Date of Release: July 29th, 2011
Price: $9.99

In September 2010, indie game dev EasyGameStation, with the help of the excellent localization team at Carpe Fulgur, exploded into the North American gaming scene with the steam launch of Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale. Released to rave reviews and massive popularity, Recettear has sold well over 100,000 copies, paving the way for the localization of their earlier work, Chantelise.

In Chantelise, you play a young girl named Elise, who's older sister has been cursed by a witch and turned into a fairy. The game starts out with the simple goal of finding said witch, and reversing the spell, but things can never be too simple.

The combat system is standard action-rpg hack and slash, with enemies dropping magic crystals you can use to chain together magic spells. Where Chantelise differs from the average RPG is the lack of any sort of leveling/experience system, instead you collect loot and grow stronger by upgrading your equipment.

One warning: this game is HARD. Expect to die multiple times as you save up enough cash for the next equipment upgrade. Thankfully, you won't be punished for dying, you are merely returned to town, where you can plan your assault anew. If you like grinding in rpg's, this is your game.

All in all, Chantelise is a wonderful game with a heartwarming aesthetic, with gorgeous hand drawn sprites populating a vibrant colorful world, and the soundtrack is top notch. With all this content at hand you can expect to spend about 14-15 hours playing.