Free RPGs of this magnitude are rare since it requires a lot of work to make. There is the core program engine, the tremendous amount of artwork and game content, and the bug-hunting. Oh, the bugs, both in the programming and in the content! As a testament to the quality of Epic Battle Fantasy 4, I have only found one bug in the game. I think the bug is supposed to be there since I can fight it. The game even awards a Medal for squashing that bug.
Epic Battle Fantasy 4! |
The story has Anna discovering that the Jewel of Greenwood that has protected her village for generations missing. Of course, it was bound to go missing sooner or later! At the start, the player can see the scene of the crime where the jewel had sat upon a holy stump and guarded only by a 'DO NOT STEAL' sign.
Anyway, Anna had heard of a band of thieves in the area stealing loot from just about everyone. She sets off after those thieves to retrieve the jewel. Later in her adventure, she will find that there is a second stolen jewel, which had even worse security (no sign!), and a third that actually had a single hired guard (do listen to his tale of his epic encounter with the thieves).
Exploring the world. |
As the game progresses, the story is told through conversations and cutscenes. There are jokes here and there in conversations and also in dialogs during battle. Reference to pop culture are made a few times for amusement.
Story is told through conversations and cut scenes. |
The battles are varied with enemies having different strengths and weaknesses. As such, different skills and equipment are necessary to beat them, especially on Epic difficulty. Part of the fun is preparing the party for combat.
Upgrading Equipment. |
There are also Summons which allow the player to call some help to deal massive damage or cast a really useful buff on the party. Summons use SP, which is shared by the party and is charged by defeating baddies.
Disturbing fact I did not need to know. |
The music is nice and enhances the feel of the game. I am listening to it while writing this - the music puts me in a mood to write. There is a Music section from the Gallery in the Main Menu where all the music from the game may be played.
Performance-wise, the game runs fine except during battles, which may be slow unless the graphics are set to Low Quality. There is a convenient button provided during battles to change the graphics quality.
Court is in session. |
There is a New Game+, but this feature requires the purchase of the Premium Pack, which includes a few other toys for the party to equip and use.
Overall, Epic Battle Fantasy 4 is a fun free RPG even without New Game+. The battles are challenging, there are loot to collect and there are enough equipment and skills to sate players who like to customize their party. The graphics are beautiful and the music is excellent.
The End. |
There is an expansion to Epic Battle Fantasy 4, adding new content. The official notice, listing what the expansion adds, is here.
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