Tower of Fantasy review: a dystopian take on Genshin vibes

Tower of Fantasy

is really something special. I sensed it when I took the CBT for the first time, and the pre-launch build's return to Aesperia has further strengthened my feelings about it. From the beginning, I was aware of its potential as it offered a plethora of amazing features from various genres, including an open-world massively multiplayer online role-playing game with a bustling world, a striking aesthetic, a compelling setting, a unique combat system, and more. Considering my long-standing affection for Genshin Impact, I don't mind if it takes some cues from the popular game Hoyoverse.

It's absurd to believe that a game as big as Genshin Impact wouldn't have an effect (ha, get it?) on the gaming industry overall, and I personally don't think that's a negative thing. The game has had enormous success since its debut. Just like Genshin borrowed phrases from Breath of the Wild, Tower of Fantasy obviously used Genshin's designs as a guide while laying its foundation. However, it's clear from playing the game for even an hour that Tower of Fantasy is much more than just a Genshin clone. Much, much more.

In Tower of Fantasy, robots, drones, jetpacks, and monsters are commonplace in a future, post-apocalyptic world that is very captivating. Like in many role-playing games, you assume the roles of an amnesiac wanderer and a new arrival to a tiny community that supports you while you adjust to your new surroundings. Even while the tried-and-true fish-out-of-water plot device has become a little trite in recent years, it works in this instance as your character and the setting are presented together.

You've entered the turbulent but beautiful world of Aesperia, where you're surrounded by both kind and unfriendly people. You soon find yourself embroiled in a number of major battles. Even with the stunning scenery and lively individuals, there is always a risk of danger because of an epidemic of a substance known as Omnium, which turns people, animals, and plants into vicious, lethal creatures unless they are fitted with an active suppressor. All of this heightens the feeling of danger in the game and provides the ideal setting for some heartfelt and intense scenes, which Hotta doesn't hold back.

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Throughout the many hours I've spent playing so far, the gameplay has kept me thoroughly pleased since it is so smooth, enjoyable, and full of diversity. The realm seems quite populous and lively, with a lot happening on all the time, even if there are a lot of side quests and main plot objectives that are typical to many current MMOs and RPGs. You would be hard-pressed to run out of things to do, whether it's clearing enemy camps to obtain accomplishments, climbing mountains to acquire objects, opening chests, solving riddles, or collecting supplies. Actually, on my route to a task area, I've often found myself becoming distracted by a plethora of delights and beasties, and even as you get beyond the early levels, the exploring seems satisfying.Your jetpack and, most importantly, your vehicle—a bright bike that you can quickly pull out and store with a single button push—make exploring much simpler. Later in the game, you will be able to earn many more cars, but your first one is yours upon visiting Hykros for the first time, and it is much appreciated at that moment. Using the touch screen controls on a mobile device may be a bit challenging while controlling the bike; however, using a controller or the PC build makes it much more comfortable. Along with being able to climb most surfaces, you also have an equipped hoverboard that is fun to use and is meant for crossing water. The controls and stamina consumption are similar to those of Genshin Impact.Regarding the equippable jetpack, it has advantages and disadvantages, and it took me some time to get accustomed to it. Because the jetpack is considered a relic, you can only use it when it is attached to one of the two relic slots that are accessible to you. There are a number of other helpful devices that are competing for your attention. You may use it to go further after leaping from a height. It permits significant vertical mobility.But the jetpack may be a bit limited since it has a cooldown and significantly depletes your stamina. The vertical mobility isn't the simplest to operate, particularly on mobile, and it takes some getting used to at first. In contrast, I find the gliding mechanics of games like Breath of the Wild and Genshin to be far more straightforward. However, the jetpack's design and functionality fit the environment, and I like the attempt to try something new.Tower of Fantasy combat feels fantastic. Even when you're only slamming a rock, you feel really strong because to the quick combinations, good targeting system, and strong attacks that are all complemented by colorful, exploding effects. In the delightfully fluid feel of fight, attacking mid-jump starts aerial combinations that deplete stamina. You'll soon get used to flipping and zipping about, jumping from one adversary to the next, regardless of the weapon you're holding.Regarding that, in contrast to other MMORPGs and gachas, where characters are assigned a set of skills or spells, in this game, your talents are assigned to your weapons. Initially, you may equip two weapons; eventually, this can be increased to three. Each weapon has a distinct cooldown-based ability and can be used for standard, charged, and sprint strikes. Combat's primary mechanic is your ability to quickly switch between them and modify your approach depending on the adversary you're facing.Your other weapons charge while you battle with this one. Changing your weapon releases a powerful "discharge" assault that is unique to that weapon when the gauge is full or you sprint during an approaching strong strike and enter the slow-motion "phantasia" mode. For instance, when you hit the ground with Rosy Edge, SSR Meryl's weapon, massive ice crystals erupt and create a wall around you, hurting foes in an area of effect.Then there are the Simulacra, which are likened to strong warriors and whose trademark weapon may be unlocked by tugging on them. The strongest weaponry is, of course, restricted to SSR Simulacra, but once you acquire them, you may equip them to any character you want. Alternatively, you can buy them in the market to increase your progression stars, which open up new powers. The Simulacra are just highly gorgeous avatars to run about the world with; apart from their weapons, they have no abilities or stats. However, I find that I play as my own wanderer most of the time because of the very detailed character creation screen, and I suspect that many of you will as well.The range of weaponry is very impressive, ranging from Samir's Dual RM Stars' rapid, furious blasts to Ene's Pummeler's powerful hits. There are no strict guidelines for roles or classes in this fluid, multi-weapon fighting style, but you may arrange your lineup in a certain manner to take advantage of weapon resonance effects.For instance, employing two or more support-type weapons speeds up your healing rate, while wearing two or more DPS-type weapons activates the attack bonus, which increases your damage. Although it's not a necessary feature, it does provide a pleasant incentive to consider your weapon selection. Using a bow, a melee weapon, and a healing staff, I usually choose the attack bonus. This strategy has allowed me to easily complete almost every single-player scenario.Alright, alright, I must now discuss the gacha. I suffer from the tendency to be drawn to gacha games, but I don't like the gacha system as it's really gambling. Because weapons, simulacra, and matrices in Tower of Fantasy are all connected to gacha, the RNG gods stated earlier control almost every aspect of the game's primary gameplay.Since the premium currencies and pricing haven't been decided upon, I can't comment on them, however as things are right now, gacha pulls can be found for free while out and about. The most often used money on the standard banner is the black nucleus. These suckers can be found almost anywhere, including hovering above trees, dandelion clocks, and chests. If you make it a practice to pick them up anytime you see them, you'll receive a lot of draws from passive gameplay.There were an incredible five banners operating at once during the CBT: two Matrix banners, three character/weapon banners, and one with its own distinct currency. It was much simpler to handle the three banners that were active during the pre-launch access, but I assume the additional banners will reappear before the official release. I believe that these elements are currently not very well described, and that any player who is unfamiliar with the gacha world will have a significant learning curve.The rates resemble those of Genshin, which is one of the most merciful gacha games in my opinion. You can count on receiving an SSR or SR every 10 pulls for the majority of banners. In addition, the Simulacra banners promise an SSR every 80 pulls, while the Matrix banners feature a pity system that ensures an SSR every 40 pulls. Then there is the standard weapon banner that you use the black nucleus on. It doesn't appear to have a pity system, but because that currency is so widely accessible, I still find myself using it to obtain a good number of SR simulacra, though gacha rates may change in the future.Apart from missions and world exploration, there are a ton of additional gaming activities available. First, there are the training modules and daily commissions, which put you through a range of challenges in fighting, speed, and other areas. And then there's the Bygone Phantasm, which is basically Tower of Fantasy's version of Genshin's Spiral Abyss, complete with many levels full of foes and abundant prizes.Additionally, cooperative play is heavily emphasized, though I haven't had a chance to fully investigate this with the pre-release version. But during the CBT, I got to play with a few of these features, and I have to say, they're a lot of fun. In order to obtain prizes, players must engage in several tasks on the globe at the same time. Additionally, there are global bosses that need a team of four people to defeat.In addition, there are a ton of multiplayer situations, such Dimensional Trials, Joint Operations, and Interstellar Exploration, which seem to be distinct takes on cooperative raids and dungeons. In ToF, a crew is akin to a guild, and by joining one, you may provide and receive help as well as take advantage of exclusive bonuses as your crew expands.So far, Tower of Fantasy has really pleased me with its looks and speed. I've now had access to both the CBT and pre-launch releases, and after spending many hours playing both, I can honestly say that the game is becoming better and better developed. The pre-launch version has improved much since the CBT in May, although it still has a few hiccups and is sometimes a touch rough around the edges. These include the odd missing dialogue line, wobbly resolution on pre-rendered cutscenes, and some NPC pathing difficulties. In a recent article, Hotta addressed a few of the game's lingering technological "shortcomings" and seemed to be making a lot of effort to iron out the bugs.In any case, I found that it functioned well on every platform. I played OnF on PC and Android during the CBT, and I also played on iOS and PC using the pre-release version. You can switch between platforms with ease thanks to cross-platform play, and I didn't encounter any latency or delay. It seems stunning across all platforms.The environments, weaponry, adversaries, and character designs all work together amazingly well to provide the vast, apocalyptic world you explore a vibrant feeling of life. There is also a remarkable difference in the landscapes, ranging from broad, grassy plains to mountains with snow-capped summits.All of the characters I've dealt with, both background and plot-essential, have fascinating designs that match their environments, and the Simulacra are stunning. I'm particularly fond of Ene's mechanical spine, see-through torso, and cyborg-like appearance. Since there are presently a lot more female characters on the roster, I want to see more male characters in the future (and I'm not just dying for a playable version of Zeke). In any case, Hotta Studio has done a tremendous job of creating these amazing, futuristic anime designs in a three-dimensional environment.The music design of Tower of Fantasy is also exquisite, with exquisite orchestral tracks and sound effects that blend in seamlessly with the many settings and scenarios you encounter. I haven't listened to the other languages, but the English dub is fantastic. All of the big plot missions have complete voice acting by excellent actors who are a great fit for their characters. An additional pleasant feature is that the player character has a complete voice. Whether they are discussing a lost loved one, an overindulgent uncle, or their favorite dish, the VAs are really sympathetic and convincing, and the language seems very natural for a translation. You may also really connect with the actors thanks to the entertaining charts and tidbits of backstory that are tied to each Simulacra.As I said in the opening of my review, Tower of Fantasy is a really unique game. Even as I type this, I can't wait to go back in. It manages to stand on its own two feet as a novel experience, combining some of my favorite elements from several of my favorite genres into something really exciting while still keeping its own sense of identity, even though many of its mechanics, world, lore, and more may feel familiar to seasoned gamers. This is Tower of Fantasy, not a "Genshin clone" or "Genshin killer," and I'm excited to see what the future holds for it.Check out our Tower of Fantasy codes, Tower of Fantasy tier list, and Tower of Fantasy cooking guide for additional information if you're considering getting the game.