However, sometimes the suggested turn number for S Ranks are a little ridiculous. Like other JRPGs out there, Monark does have a grading system for battles. When it comes to the enemy design, there’s a distinct lack of variety. That being said, you will need to grind battles in between boss encounters, and the enemy AI does make some outlandishly stupid decisions here and there. At the same time, you’ll find that the battles have a smooth flow to them that doesn’t require tinkering around in menus too frequently. There’s just so much intricacy in these systems alone, which makes strategising in Monark heaps of fun to play. Couldn’t ask for a more fitting name, huh? The Pros & Cons of Monark’s Combat
So if his Awake gauge is full – another limit break themed condition where you’ve essentially controlled the Madness – two (or multiple) units can share their stat buffs and reach an even higher state called Enlightened, which grants even more increased number goodness. The main protagonist has this ability called Resonance which, as the name implies, allows him to resonate with other units who are Maddened. However, there are ways to counteract this potential issue. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably trigger it at the worst possible time. If it ends up reaching 100%, that unit will become Maddened (hence the name) boosting their stats but becoming uncontrollable and primed to self-destruct after three turns. But of course, whenever something’s too good to be true, there’s always a catch.Įach squadmate has this meter named the MAD gauge, which fills up after using Defer or when certain abilities are used. Wouldn’t this break the game into literal pieces, I hear you ask? Yes. As long as the relevant party members are in range of each other, Defer essentially allows the player to use the same unit five times in a row.
Whereas with Monark, the Defer ability lets a character who’s already acted take an additional turn. In most turn-based strategy games, a character usually receives only one action and movement per round.
Monark lets party members move freely within a circular space, instantly expanding the variety of viable tactics. This is why I’m also a big fan of the Defer mechanic. As I often say, more options are almost always a good thing. Instead of locking units onto fixed grids, Monark lets party members move freely within a circular space, instantly expanding the variety of viable tactics. It’s been called the ‘Free Movement Battle System’ by the devs, which actually sums it up quite well. Although, Monark’s strategic format is still highly addictive to play.
Minus series staples like the weapon triangle and class changing. One of the biggest switch-ups is the combat itself, with Monark consciously leaning towards the Fire Emblem style of fighting than anything else. Unfortunately, there's still no information on a Western release date, or even if there will be one in the future.Our VIDEO REVIEW of Monark! Subverting Expectations
Monark will be available on October 14th, 2021 in Japan for the Nintendo Switch, the PS4 and the PS5. The game's "Ego" system scores you for the pride, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth you exhibit throughout your playthrough, based on the choices you make. Based on the trailer, you'll be able to control demons during battles - in fact, your demon underlings will be affected by your "Ego" points, and you can also alter their appearances and voices. The battles are command based and uses a free move turn system, which wouldn't come as a surprise for SMT and Persona fans. Each character has a different route, and the story itself has multiple endings. The Hero, who becomes head of the council, has to choose an ally to solve the mysteries with from four characters.
Update your settings here, then reload the page to see it.Īccording to the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu as reported by Gematsu, Monark's story follows the True Student Council that was put in charge of solving weird happenings in their school. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences.