Cultivation Story: Reincarnation Review
Players experience the plot and settings inspired by Chinese mythology which is a collection of narratives and stories deeply rooted in Chinese culture, reflecting their beliefs, values and customs. Cultivation, on the other hand, refers to the practice of self-improvement and spiritual development.
- Combines fantastical elements of Wuxia fiction and Cultivation comics with the gameplay of an action roguelike
- Varied and creative art designs
- Players can choose to be nice or villainous
- Engaging story and challenging enemies
- Very hard to start out, both learning what things do and the starting difficulty
- Can take many completions before unlocking a combination
Gameplay
Players are able to explore a variety of upgrades and customization options, with more than 200 upgrades including cultivation methods, techniques, weapons, skills, and Fabaos. The combinations of these upgrades can result in powerful combination effects, with up to 50 different combinations to choose from. The game also features an immersive storyline, challenging enemies, and an engaging atmosphere.
Combine the fantastical elements of Wuxia fiction and Cultivation comics with the gameplay of an action roguelike and you get Binding of Isaac with Chinese characteristics. What more do you want? It is easy to get into and offers a variety of builds and skills, allowing players of all skill levels to complete the game. There is something for everyone here - whether it be a giant axe and a spear with a 10% chance to cast meteor, or a shield to make up for poor kiting - and plenty of build paths and synergies to explore.
In this action-packed roguelike game about cultivation, you can choose to be a nice guy or a villain, which is a great feature. The power fantasy you can achieve with certain broken combinations feels great.
However, it's very hard to start out, both learning what things do and the starting difficulty if you don't get a great set up. Also, to gain meta progress, you beat a run or you unlock new combinations and achievements, but it can take many completions before you get the combination unlocked. Furthermore, demonic cultivators going negative lifespan makes little sense thematically and balance wise, and frankly feels out of place. All in all, a decent game that could use some balancing.
Graphics
Cultivation Story: Reincarnation is a unique game with a pixel-art graphics style. The graphics are simplistic and pixelated, which works well with the game's top-down action roguelike style and Chinese mythology-based theme. The environments and characters are all colorful and distinct, and the animations and effects are passable. The enemy designs are varied and creative, and the various abilities and spells you can use have their own visuals. Overall, the graphics of Cultivation Story: Reincarnation are alright and help to convey the game's theme and style.
Is it worth playing?
Overall, Cultivation Story: Reincarnation is an enjoyable game for both casual and hardcore gamers alike. With an engaging story, challenging enemies, and a variety of customization options, the game provides hours of entertainment. The sheer number of upgrades and combinations available make the game highly replayable as well. It's definitely a game worth checking out!