War Princess Ruruka (SRPG, R-18) Introduction, Impressions, and Strategy Notes

This article is about the R18 work "Senki Ruruka" by the doujin circle "Plus Kazetto".
This simulation RPG boasts charming artwork and well-crafted gameplay.
With its detailed explanations and helpful tips, this game is especially recommended for SRPG beginners.
My completion time on Normal mode was approximately 13 hours.

Game Overview (No Spoilers)

This is the story of Ruruka, a tomboyish witch, and Rikuru, a vampire who was forced to become her servant, as they embark on adventures to conquer dungeons in various locations.
During their journey, they encounter various troubles, and the story unfolds as they gain a diverse group of companions.
The unfolding of Ruruka and Rikuru's innocent romance is also one of the enjoyable aspects of the story.

However, this game is primarily a simulation RPG, and not primarily focused on R18 elements.
I would recommend this game to anyone who wants to really get into the game.

You can choose between "Easy" and "Normal" difficulty levels.
Neither option involves character loss.
If you're not particularly bad at SRPGs, choosing Normal difficulty should be fine.
For those who are familiar with the game, even the normal difficulty setting might feel relatively easy.

The units you deploy are mostly fixed, with only a few maps where you can freely choose your units.
Therefore, there's no need to worry about who to raise.
Between chapters, there is a base screen where various events can be triggered from the information gathering screen.
Furthermore, it includes all the elements typically found in orthodox SRPGs, such as item exchange using bonus points and class changes.
There are no edgy or eccentric elements, but every aspect of this work is meticulously crafted.

Review (no spoilers)

I was able to complete the game successfully until the very end.
The difficulty level wasn't particularly high, but I felt that the later stages offered a decent challenge.
That being said, it wasn't overly difficult, and overall, I thought it was easy to play.
While some stages are difficult if you try to collect all the treasure chests, you can still clear them without any problems even if you ignore them.
Rather than having to conserve valuable weapons, the game gives the impression that you can use them without worrying, which was also a comfortable aspect.
One system I found particularly innovative is that when you put a worn-out weapon into your inventory, all weapons of the same type are combined into one, and their usage counts are added together.
I didn't really want to equip weapons with fewer uses than a single digit, so being able to put them in stock and bundle their uses together was surprisingly convenient.
It was a system I hoped would be adopted in other works as well.

The graphics on the stage maps are meticulously crafted and beautiful, and a variety of situations are provided.
Since the maps aren't very large and are quite compact, you won't feel stressed when moving your units.
Also, the background music features many catchy tunes, and personally, I think they were all great songs.

To reiterate, overall, it was a game that I could play without any stress.
I would definitely recommend this to players who want to enjoy a reliable experience by paying for a game.

Strategy Notes

This game provides very detailed explanations for each map, so I won't be writing a walkthrough for each stage.
I'll be writing about my thoughts and feelings regarding the strategy guide.

About class changes

You can change classes after reaching level 20 without any problems.
Some units may have two types of advanced classes available.
You can choose based on your preference, but personally, I think choosing a class that increases your mobility will make things more comfortable.

Luluca and Rikuru will receive special class change items at the end of Chapter 12.
After obtaining it, change its class once it reaches level 20.
Shikaku will receive a special class change item at the end of Chapter 13's side story.

Prepare plenty of keys for the treasure chests.

In this game, there are many treasure chests placed on the map.
To open it, you'll need Ray's thief's key or a treasure chest key.
I got the impression that you'll need more treasure chest keys than you might think, so it's a good idea to keep several in stock.

I'll be using my special attack weapons a lot.

This game features many weapons that deal massive damage to specific classes.
Weapons specifically designed to target mounted enemies didn't see much use, but heavily armored enemies appeared consistently.
Prepare plenty of them and make sure to give them to any units that can use them.
Towards the end of the story, monster-type special attacks become useful.

Character usage impressions

Since the units that can be deployed are often fixed, let's try to level them all up evenly.
There are several maps where units start far apart, so be careful not to end up with any units that are significantly weaker than the others.

・Luluka
This unit has powerful magic attacks.
Because her skills provide support effects to those around her, I want to actively send her to the front lines to fight.
Their defensive capabilities aren't lacking, so I get the impression that accidental deaths are relatively rare.
After class change, you will be able to use staves as well.

Recruit
Overall, their stats improve well, making them a reliable ace.
By acquiring the bloodsucking skill, you can become self-sufficient and even harder to kill.
Since you can only equip swords, weapons that reverse elemental weaknesses, such as "Spear and Sword," or "Sword Breakthrough" with a range of 1-2 are useful.

・Wotter
This unit is the only one that can use a bow, making it very useful in many situations.
Increasing your strength allows you to perform powerful attacks even with a bow, making it very effective.
The "long-range bow," a weapon with a range of 3, was very useful.
The advantage is that you can monopolize all the bow equipment that becomes available.

Clarice
Initially, they are a valuable asset as the only healer.
After class change, you can also use light magic, making you a valuable magic attacker.
However, their destructive power is inferior to that of dedicated magic units, so it's best to limit their use to a supplementary role.

・Shikaku-kun
This wall unit boasts incredible defensive capabilities.
Since their mobility is low, it's more comfortable to use "easy-to-move-in shoes" to improve it.
Since it's difficult to attack twice with this ability, equipping it with a special attack weapon will stabilize its ability to annihilate enemies.
Since its magic defense is somewhat low, caution is needed if the opponent has a mage.

Ray
I'm primarily a lock-picking specialist, but I'm also reasonably capable in combat.
While its strength and defense are relatively low, its speed is outstanding, allowing it to attack twice even when equipped with heavy weapons.
If you equip them with a special attack weapon, their low strength won't be a concern, and they'll be able to perform well.

・Churaco
He's a powerful fighter who can hit big with each blow.
Due to the characteristics of axe weapons, their accuracy is low and it's difficult to land two hits, giving the impression that they are somewhat difficult to use.
However, suicide attacks using "heavy infantry crushing" have immense destructive power and are very appealing.
Keep in mind that they have the monster attribute, and send them to the front lines to fight.

Gain
This is a well-balanced mounted attacker overall.
Once your speed increases and you can attack twice, you can confidently send your units into battle.
The ability to use a variety of weapons makes it easier to gain an advantage in matchups, which is a major strength.

・Kazuha
As the only flying unit, it's useful for collecting treasure chests and other items.
While its combat capabilities are somewhat questionable, it should be able to perform well if equipped with the right special attack weapons.
Class changing to a Mage Falcon and giving it magic will broaden its range of effectiveness.

・Lil'Lane
This is a replacement for the re-action team.
While the Song of Double-Edged Sword carries risks, the ability to force any unit to attack twice is a significant advantage.
By wearing comfortable shoes that allow for easy movement, you can enhance your mobility and keep up with the front lines.
You'll be able to use a knife later in the game, but it's a good idea to carry healing items and keys with you in case of emergencies.

・ Mirror
He's an axe user with swordsman-like abilities.
With stats that compensate for the drawbacks of using a heavy and hard-to-hit axe, you can fight comfortably.
The exclusive weapon "Jet Black @ Sickle Weasel" is useful because it deals extra damage to two types of enemies.
Since you'll have plenty of it, let's use it up instead of saving it.
Once you change classes, you can even use dark magic, making it an excellent means of indirect attack.

・Kuuma
With high magical power, you can deliver powerful, impactful attacks.
It's a little difficult to attack twice, but if you compensate for its speed and physique, you should be able to fight comfortably.
After class change, you can also use staves, which are very useful as they offer increased healing power.
Dark magic often boasts high attack power and is therefore very powerful.
It's at a disadvantage against light magic, so be careful about that.