Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord review

The power of song and strategy

Given the musical terms found in its subtitle, it’s not surprising that Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord is preoccupied with the power of melody. Both 2013’s Fairy Fencer F and 2016’s expanded version, Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force, charmed the ears with the assistance of Final Fantasy’s Nobuo Uematsu. Music complemented the lively banter and could reach a rousing swell during battle. But it didn’t feel truly dynamic.

Beyond a shift from traditional turn-based fights to grid-based tactical showdowns, one of the biggest innovations in Refrain Chord is rooted in the Muse units. These songstresses don’t use weapons or conventional magic, but their refrains increase the strength of any allies within earshot. Functionally, they are supporters, able to increase either the potency or range of their singing when it’s their turn to act. Naturally, this intensifies the importance of positioning. You might inch toward your Muse to glean a stat boost or move away from your opponent’s poisonous siren song. Refrain Chord views motivation as a decisive component of combat, which isn’t common in tactical role-playing games.

Anisong Fans will Be Enraptured

But what makes Refrain Chord unique is that the title uses twelve songs performed by professional singers and voice actors. From Yui Ishikawa’s gorgeous “Notes of Faith” which climbs to a sizzling crescendo to Yoko Hikasa’s (who played Mio in K-ON!) driving “Frozen Polar Nights”, vocal performances enliven the strategizing. They are supplemented by a kaleidoscopic visual effect that shows each Muse’s area of influence with a dazzling display of color.

But the real magic happens when your opponent brings out their muse. Instead of descending into cacophony, the two songs amalgamate in a synergistic manner that the game calls Dramatic Resonance.  The result is a J-pop duet that channels the intensity of Wagner’s operas, evoking the tension and spectacle of two combatants interlocked in a feverish fight. It’s beautiful as well as unique and you’ll likely pause giving unit commands just to soak it all up. Kudos to the sound team for making the component work.

Familiar Chord Progression

When Muses are locked into a vocal dual, the cross-stitched harmonies and cycling colors are captivating. But outside of this showcase moment, Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord is competent, if somewhat unremarkable. It’s one of those tactical role-playing games you’ll undoubtedly enjoy playing, but it’s also hardly essential unless you are a huge admirer of the original games.

Part of the problem is that the game recycles the same melodies of its predecessors, with many of the same basic plot points. I wasn’t quite sure if this was a sequel, reimagining, or alternative take on things through much of the game. And while the title is welcoming enough for series newcomers, they might not get some of the references to events in the first title.

Banter that Feels like a Sitcom

Protagonist Fang remains the reluctant hero, more interested in satisfying the pangs of hunger rather than helping humanity. Yet somehow, the females tend to fawn over him. The original Fairy Fencer F depicted Fang and his gang hunting down magical weapons infused with a fairy, which are referred to as Furies. As to signal that Refrain Chord isn’t going to change much beyond its combat system, the introduction once again depicts a Fairy named Eryn helping Fang escape from jail. And once more, the developers leave things open for equalization. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another decade to revisit Fang.

Later, you’ll be accompanied by an allied Muse named Fleur, as you’re trying to collect Furies before a nefarious foe can. However, this time out, the storyline isn’t burdened with having to introduce its characters. This allows for 25 chapters of playful repartee that frequently flirts with fan-service. Whether the subject is comparing boob sizes or yet another pair of missing panties, Refrain Chord plumbs the customary themes. It remains entertaining even when the game eventually decides to settle down and get serious. Just like that one friend from school that you can’t seem to catch up with, your best memories will develop early on, providing enough momentum for things to coast on.

Banter that Feels like a Sitcom

Much like Fairy Fencer F, much of the amusement comes from exploring the difficulties of commitment and remaining monogamous, as partners like Fang and Eryn, as well as prim lady fencer Tiara and her familiar Cui strive to work together. Sure, they’re always constantly bickering, but they’re also reliant on the other. Sure, it would probably be analyzed as co-dependency, but so could most sitcoms.

Like many good tactical RPGs, preparation is nearly as important as battlefield intelligence. Before heading into combat, you’ll be able to customize your party of up to six members, survey the map, as well as oversee what items you’ll bring with you. The flow of conflict is guided by a turn meter positioned in the top right corner. When it’s your turn, most characters can move, attack, utilize skills, or utilize an item in your inventory. For fans of the genre, there are few surprises outside of the influence of Dramatic Resonance. Most strategy mechanics are present and accounted for, with elements like an Avalanche Gauge that can be used to invert the momentum of battle or gain a stat boost and special move when “fairizing” with your furie. But if you’re seeking some new ways to strategize, the game’s refrains will be regrettably familiar.

The Monotony of Fairy Management

While Fencers are bound to their Fairies, Refrain Chord’s Sub-Fairies allow for character personalization. Unlike your Partner Fairies, the game’s collection of 40 Sub-Fairies can be equipped and unequipped freely, which can be useful when preparing to tackle tougher opponents. And while the game isn’t especially grind-heavy, you will be forced to level up new allies who trail the expertise of the rest of the team. Oddly, this quirk is present throughout the entire game, weakening the appearance of at least one late-game arrival. Addition opportunities for augmentation occur when Location Shaping, where you send Fairies to collect materials around an ever-expended map. It’s diverting at first, but probably won’t hold your attention for long, unlike those perpetually pleasing Muse showdowns.

Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord was played on PC
with review code provided by the publisher.