EARTHLOCK

Critic reviews

• Hey Poor Player

  Natalie Barillaro · Jun 12, 2018

  6.0

  This was super fun until I realized I was underleveled for the boss, and I needed to retrace my steps to find monsters and get more experience. I’m not mad about the grinding; that’s an essential part of the JRPG. I’m mad that the puzzle got in the way of that. It was a great idea that just didn’t seem to fit quite right. But the great ideas are there, and they still make Earthlock worth a look, if only to get lost in the world of Umbra for a while. I wanted a sprawling adventure, and I got one. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or looking for a place to start, you’ll get something out of Earthlock. The stuff that’s there really scratches that JRPG itch. I just wish there was more of it.

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• Nintendo Insider

  Alex Seedhouse · May 19, 2018

  8.0

  More than anything, it is a joy to exist in Earthlock’s painterly world. This throwback to PlayStation-era JRPGs ranks among the best role-playing experiences that there is to be had on the Nintendo Switch so far. And, while it can be seen that its inspiration has held it back in certain ways, the refreshing approach to turn-based combat and the strategising that underpins it will hopefully help the game to be remembered as a classic in its own right.

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• Pure Nintendo

  Trevor Gould · May 04, 2018

  7.0

  For better or worse, Earthlock largely succeeds in drawing inspiration from late-90s RPGs. The nostalgia is nice, but I’m also reminded of advancements that the genre has made over the past twenty-plus years. With brisker combat and some much-needed voice work, this could be great, but Earthlock is still good as-is for genre fans. How about a physical release?

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• MMORPG

  William Murphy · Apr 23, 2018

  8.5

  The visuals of Earthlock are solid, and improved a good deal over the 2016 launch while retaining the same cartoony art style. The care and attention to detail by Snowcastle Games shows in Earthlock. It’s a lovingly crafted world and one that I can’t wait to see from.

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• Xbox Tavern

  Mark Sherwood · Apr 17, 2018

  9.1

  Earthlock: Festival of Magic was a solid, colorful and well rounded RPG. Earthlock not only defines the adventure, but further emphasizes how wonderful and endearing its world is. Earthlock has all the markings of franchise potential; memorable characters, fluid combat, interesting mechanics and above all else, a story that’s alluring and thoroughly well written.

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• Nintendo World Report

  David Lloyd · Apr 13, 2018

  6.0

  Without its own original or unique hook, Earthlock just feels bland and dated. For a independent developer to be able to carve out a piece of the RPG market dominated by big players like Atlus and Square Enix you need to bring something new and unique to the table and unfortunately this is something that Earthlock doesn’t accomplish.

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