Celestian Tales: Old North

Celestian Tales: Old North is an indie JRPG that offers a traditional turn-based combat system with a strong emphasis on storytelling and character development. Players choose from six noble squires, each providing a unique prologue and minor dialogue variations, though the core story remains largely linear and consistent across playthroughs. The game features hand-drawn 2D art reminiscent of classic JRPGs like Suikoden, complemented by a fitting orchestral soundtrack. Combat introduces a stamina system that encourages strategic skill use, and battles are generally balanced with a moderate difficulty curve, though some spikes occur near the end.

Despite its charm and solid mechanics, the game is relatively short, typically lasting around 7 to 10 hours per playthrough. Many players note a lack of impactful choices and side quests, with limited replay value beyond character perspectives. Technical issues such as minor bugs, slow movement speed, and occasional awkward map design detract from the experience. The game concludes abruptly, setting up for future installments, which leaves some players feeling unsatisfied. Overall, it’s a promising but incomplete experience best suited for fans of classic JRPGs willing to invest multiple playthroughs.

Highlights

Players praise Celestian Tales: Old North for its engaging story filled with political intrigue and moral gray areas, reminiscent of Game of Thrones and Suikoden. The hand-drawn 2D art style and character sprite animations receive high marks for their nostalgic and charming presentation. The turn-based combat system is appreciated for its stamina mechanic, strategic depth, and balanced pacing. Additionally, the game’s music and soundtrack are frequently highlighted as atmospheric and well-composed, enhancing the immersive experience. The ability to play through the story from six different character perspectives also adds to its appeal, providing some replayability and varied viewpoints.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game’s short length and linear progression, with many players finding the story incomplete and the ending abrupt. The lack of meaningful choices and limited impact of player decisions reduce replay value. Technical issues such as minor bugs, awkward map navigation, and slow movement speed frustrate some users. Combat difficulty is described as uneven, with some sudden spikes causing grind-heavy sections. The game’s presentation is sometimes inconsistent, with underdeveloped NPCs and repetitive dialogue. Finally, the necessity to replay the game multiple times to see all content is seen as a drawback, especially since differences between character routes are minimal.