Rondo of Swords: A Bold Strategy RPG on Nintendo DS
Rondo of Swords stands as a distinctive entry in the strategy RPG genre, originally released for the Nintendo DS on April 15, 2008. Developed by Success and published by Atlus, this title takes the tactical foundations of classic games and introduces a controversial, innovative spin on combat. Set on the continent of Bravord, the game challenges players to reclaim a fallen kingdom through unconventional mechanics and a diverse cast of characters.
Story and Setting
The narrative begins in the Kingdom of Bretwalde following the unexpected death of King Elliott. As the realm mourns, the Grand Meir Empire launches a devastating invasion, overwhelming the royal army and capturing the capital city of Egvard. Prince Serdic falls in battle, but his dying wish is entrusted to a body double who looks nearly identical to him. Clutching the Holy Blade Spanta, this impostor assumes the prince's identity to flee the collapsing kingdom.
The journey involves seeking aid from allies while hiding a dangerous secret. The body double must break the curse placed upon Spanta while regaining Bretwalde. Players will encounter a large cast of recruits, each with unique personalities and recruitment requirements. The story offers multiple endings determined by the player's actions, though the narrative relies on familiar fantasy tropes rather than groundbreaking storytelling.
Innovative Route Maneuver System
Rondo of Swords distinguishes itself with the "route maneuver system," a departure from standard tactical RPG conventions. Instead of moving to adjacent spaces to attack, units move directly through enemy ranks. This mechanic allows a single powerful unit to tear through entire armies in one turn, negating traditional positioning strategies. Battles take place on grid-based maps where unit placement is determined by the game, forcing players to adapt to dynamic encounters.
While the lack of a deployment phase and the ability of one unit to cause massive damage may frustrate purists, the system creates fast-paced, chaotic battles. Players must manage a roster of characters, each with distinct combat styles, skill sets, and special abilities. Communication between allies can trigger during combat, adding depth to character interactions.
Notable Features and Cameos
One of the game's highlights is its impressive roster and the inclusion of secret cameo characters from other titles by developer Success. Players can recruit iconic figures such as Cotton from the arcade shooter series and Izuna, the ninja from the Izuna dungeon crawlers. These cameos bring unique abilities to the battlefield and reward fans of the developer's broader library.
- Multiple Endings: Player choices significantly impact the conclusion of the adventure.
- Large Cast: A vast number of characters are available for recruitment, offering varied playstyles.
- High Difficulty: The game presents a steep challenge, requiring mastery of the route maneuver system to overcome.
- Character Bonds: Dialogue interactions during combat allow units to develop relationships and potentially unlock special effects.
Who Should Play Rondo of Swords?
Rondo of Swords appeals to strategy RPG enthusiasts who enjoy experimentation and bold design choices. While the story follows a standard fantasy path and the presentation lacks polish, the gameplay offers a fresh, addictive experience. It is ideal for players willing to adapt to a learning curve in exchange for a highly original tactical challenge.
Available on the Nintendo DS, Rondo of Swords remains a cult classic for those seeking a strategy RPG that defies the genre's mold. Its chaotic combat and unique mechanics ensure that no two battles feel the same, making it a memorable title for DS collectors and tactical game fans.
