Anything without a set number to determine its effect is decided by a roll of the virtual dice, which loses its luster fairly fast. Magic points are handled in an unusual way also, gradually diminishing while the player explores and reappearing through actions in combat. Many unorthodox concepts for otherwise-standard RPGs are implemented, such as fights in which ranged or melee attacks suffer a penalty. The combat is turn-based, but a multitude of actions are contingent upon rolls of the dice, which are done by sliding along the touch screen. Outside of its plot, Crimson Shroud demonstrates tabletop mechanics frequently. The localization is literate and involving, giving the rather intricate realization of this world plenty of verve. Most of the topics brought up by the game are intriguing enough to warrant further exploration, should Matsuno ever revisit this locale. The story proceeds in the same way with no ability to alter its flow, however. This tale is told as if it were a Choose Your Own Adventure book, making constant use of ‘you’ in reference to the player while text appears in prose and the character dialogue is clearly differentiated by quotation marks. Things did not go according to plan as Frea turned up injured and separated from her companions, and learning what transpired is an interesting undertaking. Locating the relic would supply ample ammunition regarding the introduction of magic into the world, an ability enabled by things called gifts that were first mentioned a thousand years prior and are critical to the power structure of elites in the present. Frea is the steadfast companion of adventurers Giauque and Lippi, and their trio was hired to seek out a relic on behalf of shadowy forces. Crimson Shroud‘s rewards are limited by that caveat.Ĭrimson Shroud‘s narrative is told in flashback, as an injured Frea is interrogated by a man with an indeterminate agenda.

Playing a tabletop game alone is not necessarily a desirable task, however. For a relatively short game its mechanics are rather intricate, and the narrative it relates is fascinating. Crimson Shroud offers the opportunity to see what Yasumi Matsuno would be like as a DM in absentia.

Crimson shroud