Flame Espadia (Free SRPG) Introduction, Impressions, and Strategy Notes

This is an article introducing "Flame Espadia," a simulation RPG created with SRPG Studio.
This game is not yet complete, but you can play up to Chapter 10 (as of October 2020).
It took me 5 hours to complete up to Chapter 10.
I plan to write about the game's introduction and my impressions after playing it.

Game Overview

"Flame Espadia" is a simulation RPG with a classic, straightforward design, similar to Fire Emblem.
This is a classic and reassuring story in which Leo, a member of the vigilante group, stands up against the empire and monsters alongside the prince and others.
The game is enhanced by numerous conversation events between characters and original character illustrations.
There are several distinctive systems, so I'd like to introduce them to you.

Stage Clear Bonus

In this game, when you clear a stage,If you clear the stage within the set number of turns, or if you clear it without anyone being defeated, you will receive rewards such as items and bonus points.
Bonus points can be exchanged for valuable items at special shops.
The number of turns required can be checked from the menu screen during gameplay.
(By the way, there is no character loss.)

Skill selection system

When a unit levels up, it may acquire new skills.
In that case, you may be able to choose one of two options.
Often, choosing between the two options is a difficult decision, and I think it's where a player's individuality really shines through.

Many of the skills are unique and I find them interesting.
For example, the "Handheld Axe" skill allows you to select the "Hatchet" throwing axe when attacking.
You can only use it up to four times per map, but the number of uses will be fully restored at the end of the map.
There are also a variety of other additions, such as the "Spinning Slash" command, which allows you to attack multiple enemies around you at once.

Item Search

Units such as thieves with the "Keen" skill can pick up items that are lying within 3 spaces.
There are many places on the map that look suspicious, and you can find some pretty good items there.

Furthermore, hidden passages can sometimes be discovered in places that appear impassable at first glance.
Hidden passages are often very useful for progression, and this is one of the reasons why thief-type units are so important.

Non-deployment member level-up bonus

In this game, even members who did not participate in the battle receive 100 experience points and level up after clearing the stage.
Deploying weak units can actually hinder their development, as they may be unable to accomplish anything.
For units that have difficulty gaining experience points, you can choose to raise them without deploying them in battle.

Breaking the limits

This is equivalent to a class change in this game.
Units that reach level 20 can enter a "limit break" state by using a specific item, and a ★ mark will appear next to their class name.
Even if you exceed the limit, your level won't change, so it will continue to go above 21.
By the way, even without breaking the limit, level 20 is not the maximum level.

Area attack battle results display

This is a minor point, but when using area-of-effect items, the engagement prediction is displayed individually.
It might be due to my own limited perspective, but I felt that this was something I hadn't seen much in other works, so I found it quite useful.

In addition, there are various other elements, such as "Musou Mode" for those who just want to enjoy the story, and a support conversation system.
All of these systems are easy to understand, so I think anyone should be able to get used to them.

Review (no spoilers)

I was able to clear up to Chapter 10.
The game's difficulty level isn't high; on average, I'd say it's somewhere between slightly easy and average.
Overall, it's very user-friendly, with plenty of hints before you even start, and important messages are highlighted in red to make them stand out.
Since you can save your game even in the middle of a turn, I think even people unfamiliar with SRPGs can enjoy it.

Every unit has its own unique characteristics, and it feels like there isn't a single unit that isn't useful.
Even characters of similar types differed in their skills and parameters, making them all appealing and tempting to develop.
Furthermore, the abundance of dialogue between characters contributes significantly to the development of each character's personality.
Because there's plenty of dialogue between the characters, the story doesn't tend to become heavy, and you can enjoy it in a casual mood.

I look forward to the completion of the work and will continue to support you in the future.

Strategy Notes (Contains Spoilers)

I don't think there are any parts that are so difficult that you'll get stuck, but if you want to get all the bonuses and rewards, you will need a certain strategy.
As an example of a strategy, I will record my own gameplay below.
There are probably many other items you can pick up, but I've only listed the useful ones that I've discovered.

Chapter 3 Bandit subjugation

Be careful when attacking the boss, Sadiko, as he will start moving freely.
They're quite tough and have high attack power, so counter them with weapons that are advantageous for characters like Klaus, Leo, and Masamune.

Chapter 4: The Arrival of Evil

This is an exploration map with limited visibility.
Lulu has a wide field of vision, but it's dangerous to let her go ahead, so be careful.
By summoning the guest unit Farmia and sending a Servant that you don't mind being defeated ahead, you can safely secure a clear line of sight.

You can find a Magic Defense Talisman near the tree to the upper right of the boss.
Also, the red gem the boss possesses sells for 3000G, so have Lulu steal it before you defeat him.

Chapter 5: The Dying City

There is a hidden passage in the area shown in the image.
Use Lulu or similar to approach and find it.
In the glowing spots, you'll find parrying daggers exclusive to rogues.

Once you've defeated all the initial enemies, the map changes to an escape map with Courage and the other three characters joining you.
The bandits that appear along the way carry red gems, so be sure to have Lulu steal them.
On turn 20, reinforcements from an enemy force that you cannot defeat at this point will appear, so make sure you have prepared for Courage to escape by then.

Chapter 6 Escape

On your fourth turn, three enemy mounted units will appear as reinforcements near the starting point.
After that, they will appear in groups of three from time to time, so be careful.
Let's use Wolf, who is equipped with Bardiche, to gradually reduce the enemy's numbers by forcing them to retreat after attacking and then moving again.

If you attack the enemy positioned on the cliff in the upper left, three more enemies will appear from directly beside them.
Let's gather some units so we can handle things to a certain extent.

The bridge troops will be in a state of confusion for 3 turns when Lulu activates the bridge.
Being in a state of shock reduces accuracy and evasion by 40%, making battles much easier.
Since the enemies are clustered together, it feels great to attack them with map-wide weapons like Fotia.

You can find a gold leaf in the upper left corner of the map.

Chapter 7: The Demon Warriors' Invasion

There's not much good to be gained from staying holed up in the castle, so let's advance towards the lower right.
There are many reinforcements, so this map might be a bit difficult.
On your turn 2, Courage and his group will appear to the right of the starting point.

During the enemy phase of turn 4, three Nox reinforcements will appear inside the fort.
Be careful, as you will be attacked immediately after they appear.
Nox has very high physical defense, so attack him mainly with magic.

As the turns progress, the enemy reinforcements will become increasingly intense.
To avoid being surrounded on all sides, use bridges and other means to intercept the enemy.

When Leo and Zergos engage in combat, Leo takes damage, then his stats increase, and Zergos retreats.
When speaking, be careful of enemies around you.
Zergos will move and chase you, so lure him to a safe place before fighting him.

You can pick up a blue gem near the bone in the bottom right.

If you have Risty wait in the area surrounded by cliffs on the hill in the lower right, you can enter the secret shop.
They sell weapons from the Reve series, which have a high critical hit rate, as well as wind magic spells like Storm Edge and Long Heal, and strength and defense boosting items.
Since many of the items are expensive, the only thing I'd like to buy is a pair of long heels.
For everything else, you have plenty of money, and I think it's fine to buy things only if you feel like it.

Chapter 8: Landing of Dogen

This map is exciting because of the pre-stage introduction.
The shooters are a nuisance, but they'll draw the attention to the Amistar ferry, so let's take them out as quickly as possible.
Hulic's provocations give us more time.

To reach the shooter, use the hidden passage shown in the image above.
If we can send in a few people from our side, I think we can take them down quickly.

Jameson will target Leo (there is a pre-battle conversation).
It's tough because it blocks attacks with its shield, so let's have several people attack it to wear it down.

The bag in the bottom right corner can be examined by Daniela herself to obtain a weapon.
There is a red gem on the cherry tree near Daniela's initial position.

On the enemy's second turn, a rogue appears near the boss and heads towards the prisoners.
You'll receive a reward after clearing the stage if you successfully protect the citizens, so send one person to do so.

On your fifth turn, one cavalryman will appear from the house in the lower left.
As the turns progress, a wizard will appear from the house in the lower right, and cavalrymen will appear from the houses to the left and right of the boss.
Since they appear somewhat continuously, advance while keeping in mind the points where you will intercept them.

Chapter 9 Assault

This map is quite difficult, with a large number of enemies.
Glitzer's troops advance north and attack the castle, while Frain lies in wait, waiting until they are within attack range.
However, after a certain number of turns, Frain will lose patience and make his move.
Once you defeat Frain, Glitzer's troops will abandon their siege of the castle and head towards you.
Glitza's skill prevents him from taking extra damage from bows, so attack him with magic.
Frain is effective against both archers and magic, as long as you can somehow get rid of Icarus's Amulet.

On the enemy's sixth turn, Genuvi will appear from the fort in the upper left.
Genuvi heads straight for the house in the upper right, and when he reaches it, the house is destroyed and the "Master's Gauntlet" (Skill +4) is stolen.
Because Genuvi is very fast, if he steals something, it will be difficult for Lulu to steal it back.
If you can prevent the destruction of the houses, you can obtain them after clearing the stage, so send a few troops along the northern route.
Genuvi has skills that increase the evasion rate of indirect attacks, as well as skills that inflict status ailments while dealing massive damage to the enemy.
Since follow-up attacks are impossible due to their skills, you'll struggle unless you have fairly strong team members.

You can find Long Ramis at the light in the bottom right, and Heilihiax at the light in the top left.
You can find a red gem at the solitary cherry tree in the lower right corner of the castle.

As for the strategy for advancing, it would be best to send a small, elite force along the northern route, while the main force fights the Frain unit along the eastern route.

Chapter 10: Signs

This map involves all units taking 2 damage each turn.
There are quite a few floating enemies, so it's helpful to have weapons that are effective against flying enemies or Heilich-type weapons that are effective against monsters.
The map is divided into a left route and a right route, and the right route appears at first glance to be a dead end.
However, there is a hidden passage above the treasure chest in the upper right corner, which allows you to climb onto the cliff, so it is possible to reach the boss from either direction.

As you approach the towers on either side, Durga will appear in the surrounding area.
Let's be careful so we can respond accordingly.
Furthermore, the moment you enter the cliff where the boss is located, enemy reinforcements will appear.

Zergos will prioritize targeting and pursuing Leo.
Position yourself to take advantage of terrain and support effects and prepare to counterattack.
If you use Leo to draw their attention, your other allies won't be attacked (probably).
Direct attacks can result in painful counterattacks, so it's better to inflict damage gradually by using indirect attacks such as magic.
Grijav's Dark Heal is troublesome, so it might be a good idea to defeat Grijav first.
However, even after defeating the boss Grijav, reinforcements will appear around you when you attack the tower behind him.
Be careful not to let your guard down.

The secret shop's lineup includes high-level weapons, special weapons, long-lasting heals, and doping items.
A magic talisman related to physique might be valuable.
You can purchase elegant weapons as you like.

You can pick up the Asarashi, a weapon usable both at close range and at close range, from the log in the lower left.
Near the boss, among the bones, you can find the Heilichspear.

Character impressions (contains spoilers)

・Leo
As befits a protagonist, this unit has good overall growth rates and is easy to use.
Swords are well-equipped with various special attack weapons, making them a central weapon in combat.
Since there are many units with support relationships, we want to send them to the front lines as much as possible.

・Lina
Because its magic attacks are easy to use, it's a reliable unit right from the start.
They are vulnerable to attacks, so they are in danger if exposed to them.
The "Magic Enhancement" skill was useful for strengthening units before fighting tough enemies or during times when they were taking a lot of damage.

Sean
I had a feeling it would open its eyes when it got angry, and sure enough, it did.
The "Long Range" skill significantly increases the bow's range by +1, making it very useful.
Thanks to skills like "Hunter" and "Skilled," being able to maintain a high hit rate is also a strong point.
Furthermore, thanks to her "Keen" skill, she can discover hidden items and passages, just like Lulu, making her a useful unit to deploy.

Klaus

This character is a helpful support character in the early stages of the game.
In the early stages, he was quite reliable in many ways and was useful as a damage dealer and tank.
He's set up a textbook death flag, but I predict he'll reappear wearing a mask.

Lulu
It's very useful for many things, such as collecting items using "Keenness" and "unlocking" treasure chests.
Through "theft," they also play an important role in stealing valuables.
Note that you need an empty slot in your inventory to steal.
However, its combat ability is low, so it will only be able to inflict damage on enemies with low defense.

Gadou
This is a rugged male character whose upper body is the first thing you notice.
This unit is incredibly powerful, and its special attack weapons are very reliable.
While their combat abilities are high, the fact that they can only wield axes means that other units might be easier to use in some situations.

Charlotte
She's a valuable healer, and deploying her will be extremely helpful.
The "Prayer" skill, which increases the critical hit evasion rate of allies, is another point worth noting.
Because she possesses "talent," she grows relatively quickly despite being a healer.

Masamune
She looks young for 26.
Because it has the Murasame, which has infinite durability, it's a unit that feels easy to use.
While its attack power feels somewhat lacking, the activation rate of its multi-hit skills seems high, and it boasts a high evasion rate against axe users.

Courage
This unit is unique in that it's a warrior-type unit that can use both magic and swords.
Since magic is easier to use, I mainly used magic for my attacks.
The commander's skill provides support effects to everyone, which is very helpful.

Wolf
This unit has high strength and a good overall growth rate.
I was the second to reach level 20, after Leo.
I felt that this unit was easy to use because it can equip swords and spears, and is a mounted unit with high speed.

Sophie
He should be strong as a mounted archer, but he seems to fall a little short of Sean's ranged archery ability.
That being said, mounted units have many advantages and can be useful in various ways.

Hulic
This is a valuable unit that can use axes and spears.
While its marching speed is relatively slow, it possesses the important skill of taunting, making it useful in various situations.

・Risty
I'm a stock and secret shop staff member.
You can equip a gun, but I didn't have many opportunities to use it.

Frederica
This flying unit grows quickly thanks to its natural talent.
This character's stats increase in a balanced way, and they can play an important strategic role.
The exclusive weapon, Aquila, is powerful and easy to use.
Since it starts at level 1, you'll want to carefully select and use level-up items to raise its level.

Daniela
They possess skills that make it easy to act independently, such as first aid, camouflage, and surprise attacks.
Since she can also pick locks, she can be used in a combat-oriented way, similar to Lulu.
This character also has a powerful exclusive weapon, the Harpyia, but be careful not to overuse it.

Yukino
This is an unusual unit that can use bows, staves, and transformations.
The bow is less practical than Sean's because it lacks long-range shooting capabilities.
However, if you consider her as a healer who can also attack, you could say she has a lot to do.
When transformed, the character gains attacks that ignore defense and also increases their stats, making them a reliable ally against tough enemies.