Definitely worth a look for the right kinda gamer
Crimson Tears is never in danger of becoming a classic, but it definitely provides fun and sure is interesting. Especially if you're like me, and are kinda fascinated with fighting game/RPG hybrids and how that genre evolved through games like Tobal No.1, Abalaburn, Ergheiz, Shenmue, Yakuza, Virtua Quest, Naruto The Broken Bond, Shiness: the Lightning Kingdom, etc. It's a weird thing to see as a genre that just never really blew up, but people kept trying to crack, and Crimson Tears here may be the best version of what they needed to be....?
I mean, it joins Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter (and the dungeon crawling in the Dark Could games) in being a rogue-lite at least a decade before that type of game would be understood by the masses or considered acceptable by critics thanks to modern indie games on Steam - it really feels like Crimson Tears is a product out of time. A procedurally generated beat'em up sounds like a brilliant way to fight off the repetition inherent in the genre, and that's what Crimson Tears offers up. Seriously, why has no one else attempted that? Can you imagine what modern algorithms could accomplish there!? Along with some slick, early 2000's, anime cyberpunk visuals reminiscent of Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040, Armitage, Solty Rei or Burst Angel - a style far too few games sport.
If you're prepared for some flaws and/or willing to put up with digging into and learning how this game works and what it's expecting of you, and being patient and working for your progress (in a post-Dark Souls world, I think a lot of people are thankfully), this psuedo-hidden gem is definitely worth a look. I mean, Yakuza and Shenmue III are still carrying the torch for beat'em up/RPG hybrids, but Crimson Tears offers a fascinating look into what might've been had this sub-genre gone a different direction. Very cool.
P.S. Got my copy from "Stickman's Video Games" here on eBay, and they're a heck of a seller too. The copy of the game was nearly good as new - clearly taken care of by people who love their games - and packaged super well. Even signed the envelope! I know this is a product review and I already left feedback for the seller, but I gotta give 'em an extra shout-out here :)Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
