Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga
Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga Review
Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is a turn-based tactical RPG that innovates by replacing individual units with customizable squads, offering a fresh take on classic strategy gameplay. Players command multiple squads composed of various unit types, each with unique abilities and class progression, allowing deep strategic customization and experimentation. The game features a linear but engaging fantasy storyline with political intrigue and character interactions, complemented by pixel-art visuals and an orchestral soundtrack that evoke nostalgia while maintaining clarity.
Gameplay emphasizes positioning, terrain, and squad synergies on grid-based maps, with a turn order system adding tactical depth. Despite a steep learning curve and a sometimes clunky, console-oriented UI, especially for mouse users, the game rewards patience and strategic planning. While some criticize the story’s predictability and character development, the overall experience is praised for its addictive squad-building mechanics and challenging battles. This title is highly recommended for fans of Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre, and similar tactical RPGs seeking a large-scale, customizable combat experience.
Highlights
Players highly praise the unique squad-based combat system that allows extensive customization and strategic depth.
The pixel-art graphics combined with a nostalgic yet clear visual style and an atmospheric orchestral soundtrack enhance immersion.
The storyline, though linear and occasionally predictable, is engaging with interesting characters and political intrigue.
Gameplay mechanics reward experimentation with unit classes, traits, artifacts, and positioning, making each battle feel meaningful.
The game offers a satisfying challenge balanced for both newcomers and veterans of tactical RPGs.
Criticisms
The interface is frequently described as clunky and poorly optimized for mouse and keyboard, reflecting its console design roots.
Players note a steep learning curve due to lack of in-depth tutorials and insufficient tooltips for complex mechanics.
The story is seen as predictable and the character development shallow, with some players finding it disjointed.
Unit promotion and experimentation can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, limiting flexible squad building.
Some battles feel repetitive or lengthy, and difficulty balancing issues arise in certain chapters.
Pros
- • Innovative squad-based combat adds fresh tactical depth to traditional turn-based RPGs.
- • Extensive unit customization and class progression encourage creative strategic experimentation.
- • Engaging and well-paced storyline with political intrigue and memorable characters.
- • Clear, nostalgic pixel-art visuals with detailed battlefield environments.
- • Atmospheric orchestral soundtrack enhances immersion and mood.
- • Balanced difficulty suitable for both newcomers and veterans.
- • Meaningful terrain and weather effects add tactical variety to battles.
Cons
- • Interface is clunky and unintuitive, especially with mouse and keyboard controls.
- • Steep learning curve with insufficient in-game tutorials and lacking tooltips.
- • Story is predictable and character development feels shallow or disjointed.
- • Unit promotion requires significant resources, limiting squad experimentation.
- • Some battles can feel repetitive or overly long, impacting pacing.
- • Certain difficulty spikes and balance issues frustrate players.
- • Lack of side quests and player agency reduces narrative depth.
Rating Criteria
Enter Tahnra, a land savaged by war. You, a fresh academy graduate with humble beginnings, will grow to lead a grand army against a corrupt adversary. Gather heroes, form bonds, and lead your force in turn-based battles. Make use of tactics, terrain, morale and more to bring peace to the land!
