Machina of the Planet Tree -Planet Ruler-

Machina of the Planet Tree -Planet Ruler- is an indie JRPG developed using RPG Maker, featuring a unique combo-based turn-based combat system that adds strategic depth and fast-paced gameplay. The game offers a polished experience with custom character sprites and expressive pixel art, complemented by Japanese voice acting during battles, which many players found engaging. The soundtrack is generally well-received, with memorable boss themes and fitting dungeon music. The story follows classic JRPG tropes and is straightforward but lacks strong character development and depth, leading some players to find it somewhat flat or confusing at times. The game runs in a low resolution window by default, but fullscreen mode is available through a key combination, though some players found this unintuitive. With a playtime around 7 to 11 hours, it is considered a solid, if short, experience. Some difficulty spikes occur late in the game, especially with bosses who have high regeneration, requiring mastery of the combat system. Overall, it is regarded as one of the better RPG Maker titles, deserving recognition among JRPG fans.

Highlights

Players praise the innovative combo-based combat system that rewards chaining attacks for increased damage, adding tactical variety. The character designs and pixel art are noted as high quality for an RPG Maker game, with expressive animations that enhance immersion. Japanese voice acting during combat adds personality and excitement. The soundtrack is appreciated for its fitting and catchy themes, particularly in boss battles. The story, while not groundbreaking, is entertaining with humorous dialogue and skits reminiscent of classic JRPGs. The game offers easy travel between areas and avoids excessive filler content, keeping the pace brisk. Fans of old-school JRPGs find it a refreshing and polished experience within its genre constraints.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's low native resolution and small window size, which some players find hard to adjust due to limited options menu and unintuitive fullscreen controls. The story and characters are viewed as somewhat shallow or clichéd, lacking memorable development or emotional depth. Boss battles can exhibit frustrating difficulty spikes, with some bosses healing massive amounts of HP each turn, leading to prolonged and tedious fights. The game features limited customization, with scarce accessories and no armor upgrades. Encounter rates can feel high and repetitive, making farming for items a chore. Some players find the battle menu confusing and the combat system clunky due to input sensitivity issues, especially with controllers. The graphics, while praised for characters, clash with bland or stock RPG Maker backgrounds and enemy designs.