Mimana: Iyar Chronicle Review

PSP owners nostalgic for a classic role-plating experience have a bevy of competent options. From remakes of beloved tiles in the Star Ocean and Shin Megami Tensei: Persona franchise, to original entries which skillfully capture the spirit of ageless adventures (such as Crimson Gem Saga) there’s a traditional JRPG for every proclivity, each united by a rich hand-drawn aesthetic and characteristically uncomplicated combat system.

Coupled with the platform’s portability, the genre permits players to transform a morning commute into a purposeful level grind or a bit of environment exploration.  For the past week, as my fellow train riders crochet or read a magazine, I’ve seen able to find satisfaction in the agreeable battles and beguiling dialog of Mimana: Iyar Chronicle. While the title does have a handful of puzzling design choices, the game’s exploration is undeniably compelling, instigating Mimana to spill out into my non-traveling hours.

Translation: “Gee, Mr. Sewell, You sure don’t like kids”

As the title commences, players are introduced to the game’s protagonist- Crais Sewell, a choleric mercenary squandering the last of his paltry income in a poker match. Unable to make ante on a pivotal hand, Crais is takes an advance from a mysterious benefactor to stay in the game. Tragically, the soldier-for-hire is unaware of the deceitful intention of his opponents, leading Crais destitute and dependent on his new employer- a young girl on a quest for seven enigmatic gemstones.

Although Mimana is certainly not the first JRPG to use the reluctant hero trope, there’s a refreshing absence of nativity with Crais. Like John Creasy, the title character of the novel and film, Man on Fire, players observe Crais Sewell’s subtle transformation from a world-weary, tormented loner to considerate hero. As such, Mimana forges a distinctive feel from the interplay between the sneering lead character and his perpetually upbeat client, Sophie. Those who gave grown fatigued from the saccharine dialog of many JRPG will appreciate Iyar Chronicle bawdy vehicular; I certainly would like to see more games with course-tongued characters.

Crias turns the jelly into Kool-Aid

As players build an adventuring party to search for the furtive gemstones, they will reveal junctions on an increasingly expansive overworld map, presenting a network for travel traversal. Selecting a node point drops the perspective as players navigate through each labyrinth-like landscape and complex dungeon. As Mimana’s environments tend to recycle graphical assets it’s easy to get lost in each forest, cavern, and cove. Although there are sporadic road signs along main routes, interiors offer no assistance; a mini-map would have eased any geographical disorientation.

Initially, players will inevitably become frustrated from the incessant number of random battles thrown at players- every few steps seems to through a new barrage of opponents at players.  There is a make-shift solution: by holding down the “O” button players walk along paths, avoid the attention of any monsters. While this allows players to level grind at their leisure, it also significantly changes the nature of the game. Players don’t have to dutifully stockpile medical cures, when they know they can stroll unimpeded through hostile territories.

Luckily, Mimana’s combat is stimulating enough is prohibit players from shirking it completely. Once the title imitates a skirmish with an unseen adversary, gamers are ushered through a five second long loading period marked by a PowerPoint-type transition. Here each character- both friend and foe, is shown on a 2D battlefield, as the real-time conflict unfolds. Players can move Crais around in a brawler-like manner, using the “X” button to attack foes, or use the “O” key to a guard. A tap of the triangle button pauses combat, allowing for players to utilize items or cast a magic spell. Additionally, players can map any incantations to the directional pad, to not impede the battle’s flow.

Mimana gives players a large amount of flexibility in determining how AI allies will assist in each melee, allowing gamers to change how often each character will strike, use magic, and heal teammates. Those that like to micromanage their party will find a host of functional options hidden in Iyar Chronicle’s menu system- from toggling the availability of each spell to determining an initial battle formation. Sadly, players will have to discover these components on their own; there is little tutelage and the game’s presets are considerably wonky- my healer seemed to blow though her MP with careless abandon.

The game’s delightful 2D visuals recall similar PSP JRPGs, such as Star Ocean: First Contact and Lunar: Silver Star Harmony by featuring delicately drawn sprites, and a bevy of striking monster types. Except for the aforementioned redundancy of polygon texturing in dungeons and towns, the game’s graphical presentation is consistently capable. The game’s soundtrack and voice-overs fare even better, elevated by an outstanding selection of stirring melodies and a remarkable performance by each actor.

Mimana: Iyar Chronicle makes a few, forgivable gameplay gaffes, I have a feeling that most players will be disappointed by the title’s brevity. At a scant fifteen hours, the title might fail to meet most RPG aficionados 30+ hour expectations, especially with the game’s $39.99 USD price, and obvious plans for a sequel. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mimana, I encourage the role-playing constituency to seek at least a modest discount; consider it a prologue to an otherwise amiable adventure.