Cris Tales! A Timeless JRPG with Stunning Hand-Drawn Graphics and Innovative Mechanics

Stepping into the vibrant world of Cris Tales is like peering through a kaleidoscope: dazzling colors, intricate patterns, and constantly shifting perspectives collide to create an experience unlike any other. Developed by Dreams Uncorporated and published by Modus Games, Cris Tales transcends typical JRPG tropes with its captivating storyline, deeply engaging characters, and innovative combat system that literally bends time.
The narrative follows Crisbell, a young woman who discovers she possesses the unique ability to see the past, present, and future simultaneously. This gift, however, is both a blessing and a curse. While it grants her insights into hidden truths and potential outcomes, it also burdens her with the responsibility of shaping fate itself.
Crisbell’s journey begins in the idyllic town of St. Clarity, but a sudden attack by an enigmatic force known as The Empress shatters her peaceful existence. Driven by a desire to protect those she loves and restore balance to the world, Crisbell sets out on a quest alongside two companions:
- Matias: A cynical frog-like creature with a penchant for sarcasm and surprisingly insightful wisdom. Matias provides crucial support during battles, manipulating time to aid Crisbell’s attacks.
- Willhelm: A stoic but loyal warrior from the technologically advanced land of Cinderfell. Willhelm’s prowess in combat is unmatched, and he acts as the stalwart protector of the group.
Together, they traverse a world brimming with diverse landscapes: sprawling forests teeming with mystical creatures, ancient ruins whispering forgotten secrets, and bustling metropolises pulsating with life. Crisbell’s power to see time unfolds not just in narrative but directly impacts gameplay, adding an intriguing strategic layer to combat.
A Time-Bending Dance of Combat
Cris Tales revolutionizes turn-based combat by integrating its core temporal mechanic seamlessly. Imagine a battle arena split into three distinct sections: past, present, and future. Each section displays the enemy or ally in a different temporal state. You can manipulate these states to your advantage:
- Weaken enemies in the past: Launching attacks on an enemy’s past self inflicts debuffs that carry over to the present, significantly hindering their abilities in the current fight.
- Strengthen allies in the future: Empowering your allies in the future allows them to unleash powerful supercharged attacks upon returning to the present.
| Temporal Manipulation | Effect | Example |
|—|—|—| | Past Attack | Apply debuffs or weaken enemy stats | Slow down an enemy’s attack speed, reduce their defense | | Present Attack | Standard attack with normal damage output | Basic sword swings, elemental spells | | Future Attack | Empower allies for enhanced attacks in the present | Increase a character’s attack power, grant temporary invincibility |
Beyond temporal manipulation, Cris Tales incorporates classic JRPG elements:
- Leveling Up: Earn experience points through battles and quests to unlock new abilities and enhance your party members’ stats.
- Crafting: Gather materials throughout your adventure to craft powerful weapons, armor, and items that grant unique bonuses.
- Exploration: Discover hidden paths, solve environmental puzzles, and interact with the vibrant inhabitants of Crisbell’s world to unravel its secrets.
A Timeless Journey: Themes and Artistic Brilliance
Cris Tales delves into profound themes beyond its captivating gameplay mechanics:
- The Power of Choice: Every decision Crisbell makes ripples through time, shaping the destinies of individuals and nations alike.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Characters grapple with past mistakes and seek atonement for their actions, highlighting the possibility of second chances.
- Hope Amidst Despair: Even in the face of overwhelming odds, Crisbell and her companions never lose sight of hope, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit.
Visually stunning, Cris Tales captures the essence of classic JRPGs while infusing it with a modern flair. Its hand-drawn art style, inspired by Colombian folklore and mythology, breathes life into its characters and environments. Every frame feels like a work of art, meticulously crafted with vibrant colors, intricate details, and breathtaking animations that bring the world to life.
The soundtrack further enhances the immersive experience, featuring an eclectic blend of orchestral scores, Latin rhythms, and melodic folk tunes that perfectly complement the emotional tone of each scene.
Cris Tales is more than just a game; it’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in video games. It invites players to embark on a time-bending adventure filled with memorable characters, challenging battles, and profound reflections on the nature of choice and consequence.
Let Crisbell’s journey remind you that even the smallest actions can ripple through time, leaving an indelible mark on the world around us.