Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds – iOS Review

As a seasoned Studio Ghibli enthusiast, the mere sight of Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds' trailer had me yearning for an immersive experience. Mobile MMORPGs often flirt with visual excellence, especially when infused with the enchanting Ghibli art style. But can Cross Worlds truly live up to its promises?

The game introduces you to a quintet of diverse adventurers, each with their unique playstyle. The Rogue, Destroyer, Witch, Engineer, and Swordsman form a compelling ensemble, offering players a chance to explore various gameplay styles. The Swordsman, in particular, exudes protagonist energy reminiscent of favorites like Gambit from X-Men.

Embarking on your journey, you find yourself in a futuristic corporation that has somehow cracked the connection between our reality and Ni no Kuni. While the ethical implications are questionable, the narrative cleverly weaves in the disorientation of fantasy world inhabitants faced with "NPC" jargon and unexpected brawls. It's a refreshing touch often overlooked in similar tales like Sword Art Online.

The gameplay mechanics draw parallels with titles like Genshin Impact, employing a straightforward control scheme for exploration and combat. The attack animations are a visual feast, even for characters with seemingly basic moves, making engagements exciting.

Being a mobile game, the inevitable question arises – where's the Gacha? Fear not; Cross Worlds seamlessly incorporates it by offering Pokemon-style creatures as companions. These creatures, obtained through summons, enhance battles by exploiting enemy weaknesses and providing various buffs, debuffs, and healing capabilities.

While the game delivers on many fronts, it's not without its flaws. Oversized attack buttons occasionally lead to accidental activations, potentially causing confusion, especially in player-versus-player scenarios. Furthermore, the game suffers from occasional lag issues, a common hiccup for newly released titles.

However, the most contentious aspect arises from the game's association with Netmarble, a company keen on infusing cryptocurrency into every nook and cranny of its games. Earning in-game tokens like "Territe" and "Asterite" allows players to engage in Netmarble's blockchain, trading for crypto tokens. While this addition feels like an unnecessary layer, it doesn't significantly impede the overall gameplay experience.

In conclusion, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, despite its flaws, stands as an exceptional mobile MMORPG, offering a delightful blend of Ghibli-inspired aesthetics and engaging gameplay. As the game finds its footing, one can't help but hope for its eventual expansion to consoles, much like the success story of Genshin Impact. For now, it's available on PC, Android, and iOS, inviting players to immerse themselves in a fantastical world, albeit with a peculiar crypto twist.

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