Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound
" Unique tactical RPG with gridless combat and creative character creation, but poorly optimized port "
Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound Review
Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound is a tactical RPG with deep mechanics reminiscent of the Disgaea series but featuring gridless movement and unique systems like vehicles and facilities. Players create characters from objects, granting varied stats and abilities, and engage in strategic battles with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. The storyline is campy and enjoyable, with strong voice acting, notably Crispin Freeman as Overlord Zetta.
However, the PC port is widely regarded as a lazy and basic conversion of the original PS2/PSP versions, lacking modern quality-of-life improvements. It suffers from blurry graphics, unresolved bugs, slowdown, and subpar controls. The port includes the Petta Mode DLC, which adds content but retains many of the original's mechanical quirks and grind-heavy gameplay. While the core game remains fun and engaging for fans of NIS titles and tactical RPGs, newcomers may find the dated design and technical issues off-putting.
Highlights
Players praise the unique gameplay mechanics such as gridless movement, character creation from objects, and the integration of vehicles and facilities, which add tactical depth. The story is described as funny, silly, yet heartfelt, supported by strong voice acting performances, especially by Crispin Freeman. Fans appreciate the inclusion of the Petta Mode DLC and the faithful recreation of the original game’s charm. Many enjoy the strategic flexibility and the nostalgic value of revisiting a classic NIS title.
Overall, it offers an engaging tactical experience with a distinct personality and a loyal fanbase.
Criticisms
The port is frequently criticized for being a poorly optimized and lazy conversion with no meaningful enhancements. Common complaints include blurry and low-resolution graphics, lack of modern UI improvements, missing quality-of-life features like animation skipping and better controls, and frequent bugs including crashes and slowdown. Some players report issues with controller support and frustrating gameplay mechanics that feel outdated. The post-game content is seen as limited, and the grind-heavy nature may deter some. Many feel the port is redundant if one owns the original or prefers emulation, and that the game would have benefited from a full remake rather than a barebones port.
Pros
- • Unique gridless tactical combat with real-range movement and targeting.
- • Creative character creation using environmental objects.
- • Inclusion of vehicles and facilities adds strategic depth.
- • Fun, campy, and occasionally heartfelt storyline.
- • Strong voice acting with memorable characters.
- • Includes Petta Mode DLC from the PSP version.
- • Nostalgic value for fans of classic NIS titles.
Cons
- • Poorly optimized port with frequent bugs and crashes.
- • Blurry and low-resolution graphics without modern upgrades.
- • Lacks quality-of-life features like animation skipping.
- • Spotty and limited controller support.
- • No UI improvements or resolution scaling for modern screens.
- • Gameplay mechanics feel dated and grind-heavy.
- • Post-game content is limited and less rewarding.
Rating Criteria
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound released?
Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound was released on May 10, 2022.
Who developed Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound?
Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound was developed by Nippon Ichi Software, Inc., Codeglue.
Is Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound available on Mac?
No, Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound is not currently available on Mac according to our data.
Is Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound available on Linux?
No, Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound is not currently available on Linux according to our data.
Where can I buy Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound?
You can buy Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound on Steam.
Game Details
Makai Kingdom is the story of Overlord Zetta, who accidentally destroys his own Netherworld. In order to save himself, he seals his soul inside a book. Reduced to nothing more than a tome, Zetta is forced to enlist the help of his fellow Overlords to get his netherworld (and his body) back.