Mugen Souls Z (Switch) review

The allure of fan-service versus the tedium of inconsequential dialog.

Undoubtedly, Mugen Souls had its share of problems. The title was burdened by longwinded conversations and a battle system laden with mechanics which barely enriched the role-playing experience. But if you were able to look past these setbacks, the Compile Heart-developed title provided one of the more unabashedly otaku-indulgent entries in the Switch’s library. Filled with playful peeks of pantsu and glimpses of underboob, the game became an exercise in JRPG wish-fulfillment. Beyond artwork that pushed at Sony’s content policy, the game extended a five-figure level cap and a storyline which became exponentially more eccentric as players progressed.

Unsurprisingly, the game’s sequel- Mugen Souls Z, plots a parallel path. Although the Switch port is still hampered by several design hitches, the title delivers a healthy helping of fan-service that’s roughly equivalent to a weeklong stay in Akihabara. But, if the thought of an implicit tentacle attack instigating a profuse nosebleed doesn’t tickle your funny bone, you’ll might to seek out the gratification of a more mainstream role-playing game.

“Are You Really Going to Peon me?”

Having subjugated the seven worlds of Mugen Souls, returning protagonist Chao-Chao learns of another sovereign galaxy. Naturally, the “undisputed goddess” can’t resist the lure of universal domination nor the possible procurement of additional peons and begins her journey on an unassuming planet. There she encounters Nao, a treasure hunter, along with Syrma, a goddess who recently awoke from the confines of her coffin.

Sensing that the casket is what attracted the loot pursuer, Chao-Chao inquisitively steps inside and becomes trapped. Within minutes she’s stripped of her godly powers and reduced into adorable chibi form. As she forfeits Mugen Souls Z starring role to Syrma, the diminutive Li’l Chao-Chao’s ambitions receive only a slight amendment- as she must conquer twelve worlds through Napoleonic determination and a generous helping of moe-infused muscle.

Disagreements and Appetites Disappear in the Bath

A majority of the first few hours of the game is spent amidst conversation between the over-the-top cast members. Regretfully, Mugen Souls Z demonstrates the same unchecked loquaciousness of the first game- with dialog intermittently supplying neither humor, expositional elements, nor character development. All too often, characters yammer on without a point. The result is a 50-hour experience that can sporadically feel like a test of resisting the dialog-skip button.

Yet, get past the preliminary hours and the game’s focus begins to sharpen and the quantity of innuendo increases. Pleasingly, the localization is especially well done. Quite often, players might question whether the game’s insinuations are deliberate or whether their own pervy perceptions are making an otherwise innocuous dialog seem lascivious. Other times, the team abandons any semblance of subtlety, crafting a ceaseless cavalcade of puns around the word ‘peon’. And here’s the good news: not only does the Switch version delivery a mostly fluid framerate in both handheld and docked mode, but this is the same as the original Japanese version, with none of that PlayStation puritanism added extra steam clouds to the hot springs. Yes, all the embarrassing mini-games are here to test the sensitivities of a new generation of players.

Strike a Pose

For many, Mugen Soul Z’s sense of lasciviousness will be the game’s fundamental draw, although several other elements are engaging. Combat retains the character positioning practice of its predecessor, permitting players to attack with a party of four members as well as a roster of reservists. The turn-based contests are elevated by the inclusion of orbs around the battlefield, which act like Disgaea’s Geo Panels, creating zones that alter stats- such as spheres where physical damaged is either raised or reduced. Syrma demonstrates the ability to captivate enemies by appealing to their preoccupations.

Much like Chao-Chao’s Moe Kill, Fetish Poses cause the character to adopt different postures, with success either converting an enemy into a peon or item. Misjudge your foe and they’ll turn enraged- increasing their stats significantly. Fortunately, choosing the right pose doesn’t depend on memorization but rather the reading of an emotion gauge. Over time, additional meters begin to spring up on-screen, contributing new complexities to combat as well as allowing gamers to release the devastating Damage Carnival or Ultimate Soul on resilient opponents.

Get in the G-Castle, Shinji!

Complementing the ground-based skirmishes are the return of G-Castle Battles. Beyond serving as your base of operations, and transport between realms, your bastion is also a battle-ready mecha. Essentially, interstellar encounters are still Rock-Scissors-Paper-like events where players speculate on the CPUs course of action. What makes these events interesting in their links to other parts of the game- with collected Peons helping to bolster the resiliency of your sky-based stronghold.

Although the battle systems offer a few variations from Mugen Souls’ mechanics, amendments can be found elsewhere. The Peon Salon extends the ability to recruit and cultivate a custom character. And while it’s a noble gesture, leveling up the game’s pre-rolled characters involves only a bit less grinding. More interesting is the game’s clothing system which allows for both stat-increases as well as several gender-bending possibilities- allowing for male characters to sport breasts and long, luxurious manes. Pleasingly, this version bundles all the game’s DLC, which largely alleviate the need for excessive grinding.

Conclusion

Although many of Mugen Souls’ rudiments have been retrofitted, the game’s aesthetics remain largely the same. Character portraits continue to be the game’s visual enticement, flaunting well-drawn expressive artwork. Environments are rather small and populated with a condensed number of details, revealing the game’s eleven-year age. Fortunately, the game’s aural elements fare better, with quality voice overs in both Japanese and English. Likewise, the game’s soundtrack is commendable, extending plenty of eccentric melodies that harmonize with the loopy plotline.

Despite a few minor design issues, journeying across Mugen Soul Z’s dozen worlds (thirteen for the ‘good ending’) remains an enjoyable endeavor. Elevated by a plotline that edges into ecchi, the title’s impish humor, capable battle system, and character art are certain to please the faithful JRPG fans- once they get past some of the rambling dialog.

Mugen Souls Z was played on the Switch with review code provided by the publisher.