Developer: Eden Industries
Publisher: ATLUS
Genre: RPG
Players: 1
Platforms: Steam, PS4, PS Vita, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS
Reviewed On: PS Vita
Price: $14.99
Being Vice President of the world sounds like it would be a pretty sweet gig. Everyone has to do what you say, you can boss everyone around, and it would make you the most powerful person on the planet (aside from the President, of course.) But between all the unearned vacations, publicity events and empty promises, you just might have to work on occasion, especially when it comes to saving the planet that elected you.
Citizens of Earth does just this, putting players in control of the newly elected VP in a turn based RPG seeped in classic gaming roots. During his first vacation, (the day after he was elected,) the bane of the Western world in the form of protesters show up at his door. After getting his mother and brother to get rid of them, it’s clear that there’s more going on than simple political discourse. When stop signs, coffee machines, and bears made of honey come to life and begin attacking the adoring public, it’s up to the honorable vice leader to set things right.
As someone of such high importance however, you can’t expect him to get his hands dirty when it comes to the actual Earth defending, which is where the loyal citizens come in. Using his expert campaigning skills, up to 40 different characters can be recruited, each with unique jobs, skills and combat abilities that help in and outside of battle. While simple, the turn based battle system finds a unique way to put these skills to good use. Using three party members at a time to fight, each has two basic attack types. Standard attacks can be performed without penalty, while building up one point of energy needed for special moves. These special moves need a certain amount of energy to initiate, but when they typically deal out huge damage, status effects, or healing bonuses for your team, it’s clear that the cost is well worth it.
Aside from the energy system though, this might sound like your typical RPG conventions that have been done to death for close to three decades. What makes Citizens of Earth stand out that makes it a must play for a long time role playing aficionado? For starters, each member gives bonus stats to whoever they’re fighting with. Adding depth to the level system, each character can be customized to a degree by having the right team members with them to fit the stat you want to raise.
In addition, the experience earned unlocks more than just stat points and new attacks. EXP earned in battle also goes towards upgrading the citizen’s talent, often related to their day job. If you recruit the baker for example, his shop will have better healing items as he becomes stronger. The pilot can teleport you to a larger variety of areas. The cop gives you extra bounties to hunt. Get the picture? When you consider that there are 40 citizens to level, part of the fun is seeing how their abilities can help you both in and out of combat.
Such a daunting task sounds like it can be overwhelming, and honestly, it was at first. It’s disheartening seeing your current party level up so high, then try to switch them out, only to have the newbies be too weak to compete. As the game progresses though, this problem becomes alleviated thanks to a few lenient features the game has included. First, the VP can restart a battle and change up the party, allowing him to throw in a strong party member to help boost the weaker ones. Second, KO’d party members still gain EXP, so having to scramble for your revive items isn’t as important, especially when they gain all of their health upon leveling up. Lastly, once the Teacher is recruited, unused party members can be put into class, leveling them up over time. It still can be a little more time consuming than I would have liked, but it’s also completely optional.
Aside from the game play, Citizens of Earth stands out even more with its unique presentation. Its humor, off the wall enemies, (smiling cops? Bubble Bees? Stop Vines?), and 2D navigation with enemies on the map are highly reminiscent of Earthbound, which is completed by a nearly fully voiced script and a political cartoon inspired art style. The only thing more charming than the hammy delivery of everything the VP does, is the bright, vibrant world filled with on screen enemies, (that can be ambushed and instantly killed if you’re strong enough,) potential party members and NPCs that bring the world to life. If nothing else, this title will surely make you smile across its story mode.
Yet, its biggest shortcoming brings it down pretty hard, which is the overall speed of the game. My enthusiasm to compete the adventure took a dive after experiencing how slow everything moves. Battles take a long time to start, which isn’t helped by enemies that either absorb attacks, constantly call for reinforcements, or completely heal, making me dread fighting certain enemies. Imagine fighting basic enemies for close to 10 minutes because you want your weaker teammates to level up, but the enemy keeps healing when on the verge of death? Making the campaign sour even more are the constant load times, slowing the game to a crawl. When entering buildings begins to feel tedious, it becomes an obvious issue.
Yes, Citizens of Earth won’t reinvent the wheel, but that’s not what it’s trying to do. Serving as a delightful throwback to some of the greatest RPGs of yesteryear, it does enough to inject its own style, personality and unique mechanics to make it stand out to even the most jaded gamer. Even still, the slow pace of the fights, their generally basic mechanics, and constant loading times cause the VP to fall from grace. Even still, if you’re in need of an old school RPG with modern sensibilities, you can’t go wrong with this ticket.
Final Score: 3.5/5