We’re not quite sure where we stand on Refrain Chord. While the soundtrack is top-notch and the core gameplay is definitely accessible, we also feel like the game lacks a certain oomph. The story is probably best enjoyed after playing through Advent Dark Force and although the art direction is fantastic, the aesthetics don’t survive the transition into 3D unscathed. As it stands, we don’t love Refrain Chord but we don’t hate it either.
Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord
Sting · May 23, 2023
About
Long ago, the people were given knowledge by the Goddess, and civilization flourished.
They built towers stretching toward the heavens, and a weapon so powerful, they could pierce the gods themselves.
However, that civilization was decimated shortly after a violent conflict between the Goddess and the Vile God.
Ages have passed since then.
Our story begins with a young man named Fang who had become a Fencer,
a swordsman who has the ability to wield a special weapon imbued with a Fairy known as a Fury.
Along with his companions, Fang is on a journey to find the Furies, and resurrect the Goddess.
One day, he encounters a woman who can save people with her song,
and another who can brainwash people with her song.
Along with the mysterious power of the women who call themselves Muses, Fang's destiny begins to unfold...
Trailers & screenshots
Scores by platform
Critic reviews
- 7.0At the end of the day, Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord was a great time. The gameplay was very entertaining, every battle felt like a fair challenge and I ended up taking on almost every quest both for the rewards and just for the sheer fun of it. The story has its ups and downs but nothing that made me abandon the game completely, on the contrary, it felt the high points mattered the most. And finally, the characters made it all worthwhile, it was refreshing to follow the adventures of friends that don’t feel heroic in a standard way, yet still completely endearing all the time.
- 7.0It’s not a bad game, it’s actually a solid TRPG - but it’s not the follow-up that I believe many Fairy Fencer F fans had been hoping for. Taken on its own merits I’d still give it a recommendation for fans truly looking for more out of the franchise, but it’s hard to not think about what could have been. Refrain Chord is a good Fairy Fencer F game, but perhaps not what the series needed right now.
- 7.5My overall feelings about Refrain Chord echo my thoughts about Advent Dark Force. The visual-novel-style cutscenes were great, but the game’s progression often dragged. Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord is worth a look, but only if you’re patient and already invested in the Fairy Fencer F mythos.
- Refrain Chord wears the helmet of SRPG well, and players will honestly feel so much better being able to enjoy this new storyline without also wondering when their console/PC is about to crash.
- 8.0Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord is a solid tactical adventure with an endearing cast that delivers a charming narrative. The simple yet robust gameplay systems provide a satisfying experience where character growth and customization are at the forefront. For tactical diehards, Refrain Chord may not scratch that itch, but Fairy Fencer fans or those simply wanting to play an intro to the genre should give this a shot.
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