Maschera -the Incidents- (Free SRPG) Introduction, Impressions, and Strategy Notes

Preface

This is a simulation RPG created using Simulation RPG Maker 95.
While many games are made with SRPG Studio, this one undeniably has a slightly dated feel.This game is fantastic in terms of graphics, story, and engaging dialogue.
The graphics, in particular, utilize multiple single images, giving a sense of incredible attention to detail.
The story isn't complete and is only partially available, but I still think it's worth playing.
(In terms of map count, Chapter 1 has 4 episodes, Chapter 2 has 9 episodes, and the extra episodes have 4 episodes, for a total of 17 stages.)

Game Overview

This is a classic simulation RPG where you progress through the story and conquer tactical maps.
I didn't time it precisely, but it took about 5 to 6 hours to complete.

Unusually for an SRPG, this story is set in modern times.
The protagonist is a cynical, passionate young man with a twisted personality.
The story begins with Cynical himself becoming mortally wounded after getting caught up in a battle between those who have gained supernatural powers by wearing "masks."
A nun appears before him, forcing him to choose whether or not to wear a mask in order to survive, and he finds himself thrown into the battle of those who wear masks.
The story is characterized by a blend of serious plot developments and sharp, humorous exchanges, making it a very enjoyable read.

The difficulty level seems to be average to slightly difficult.
It's not that the game is particularly malicious, but it's difficult enough that you'll struggle unless you thoroughly understand the characteristics of both your allies and enemies.
The side stories, in particular, are quite difficult, and I got the impression that it would be tough unless you've properly leveled up your characters in the main story before attempting them.

Additionally, there's a special one-on-one battle called a "sword fighting battle" along the way.
This will be explained in more detail during the game, but it's a battle where you try to read each other's moves and play a kind of rock-paper-scissors with a three-way stalemate.
This battle alone is so engaging that you can easily get completely absorbed in it.

Review (no spoilers)

In short, you'll be overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of the graphics.
The artist himself apparently considers this work a study piece for practice, which is probably why so many different materials are used.
Although this work's story is incomplete, it is considered "finished," so the possibility of a sequel being produced is low.
Despite that, I found this game to be so appealing that I would recommend playing it.

Since the game was created using Simulation RPG Maker, players accustomed to games made with SRPG Studio might find it a little confusing at first.
The slightly sluggish operation and the fact that basic controls are mouse-only were somewhat frustrating.
However, all the necessary information, such as the enemy's range and weaknesses, is clearly displayed in the status screen.
Even in the scenario selection part in the latter half, there are features that allow you to return to the selection part after making a choice,Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure that guests do not experience any inconvenience.
Therefore, when you actually play it, you'll find it surprisingly comfortable and addictive.

Each character is unique and possesses their own distinct charm.
There's a relatively large amount of humor, so there's quite a contrast between the serious and comedic scenes.
While the mood swings are quite pronounced, I personally really like this style.

Strategy Notes (Contains Spoilers)

Basic Tactics

This game has a difficulty level that's just right: you can't win by blindly controlling your character, but you can clear it if you think carefully about your strategy.
Below, I will describe the basic tactics.

Recovery kits and vitality potions can be bought at the shop, so don't hesitate to use them.
You shouldn't have too much trouble with money.

Theresia has a range of up to 2 and high combat capabilities.
Therefore, the easiest way to use them is to deploy them on the front lines and wear down the enemy with counterattacks.

Observe their weaknesses carefully and use techniques that exploit those weaknesses in battle.
The enemy's attack power is fairly high, so it's important to fight in a way that avoids taking damage from their counterattacks.

User experience by character

·cynical
Initially, she's weak, so her role is to finish off enemies that Theresia has weakened.
As they gradually develop as physical attackers, they become reliable front-line fighters.
The wind-element area attack, Flame Slash, is cost-effective and easy to use.
However, its power is somewhat lacking against enemies that are not its weak point.

・Theresia
He's an ace player with excellent offensive and defensive skills.
Let's actively push forward and wear down the enemy with counterattacks.
If recovery is not possible in time, we will use existence restoration.
I think healing kits will suffice for any other healing skills.
By learning the wide-area attack, Grim Reaper's Despair, you can become an even more effective attacker.

Alfonso
This archer type excels in attack range, boasting high mobility and a range of 3.
However, since they are weak in both offense and defense, it is dangerous to put them on the front lines.
It's safest to support from the middle of the line, such as finishing off any enemies that were missed or using items on allies.

・Freezing rain
Although she's a ninja and seems like a front-line fighter, she's actually more of a magic-user type.
Although it's vulnerable to enemy fire, its attacks, such as the ice-elemental Shirabyoshi and the long-range kunai, are powerful, so focus on chipping away at its health from a distance.

・Kyukon
He's a physical attacker, but his defensive capabilities are somewhat lacking.
Even its normal attacks are quite powerful.
The Four Divine Fists is a unique technique whose attribute changes depending on the direction in which it is activated, but it is useful when enemies are lined up in a row.

Lucia
I'm a healer.
Since you have sufficient healing skills and SP, you should be fine as long as you focus on healing.

Map-specific strategy points

Chapter 1 Strategy Guide
Theresia's normal attack has a range of 2, so the basic strategy is to weaken the enemy with Theresia and then finish them off with Cynical.
Enemies that self-destruct are dangerous unless you defeat them with Theresia's Grim Reaper's Laughter.
You'll take a lot of damage from area-of-effect attacks, so adjust your positioning accordingly.

In the one-on-one battle with Flame End at the end of episode 1, you can't win by fighting him in a normal way.
By defeating the flames surrounding the room, damage zones will spread to the floor where the boss is located, and you'll chip away at its health with that damage.
As you defeat the flames, your attacks will start to connect, so once you've taken care of them all, heal up and then attack with your skills.

Chapter 2 Strategy Guide
It's important to frequently replenish your healing items and kunai at camp.
Since there's often only enough space for one person to directly attack the enemy, having multiple means of indirect attacks will make battles much easier.
Let's go ahead and fight with the more energetic one, cynical or Kyugai.

The Shadow Knight that appears at the end of episode 3 has very high attack power and is dangerous.
It's best to attack from a distance first, as its weakness is the Ice Rain Shirabyoshi.

The Durahhan in episode 7 is quite strong, so it's safer to lure him in from the front and then have someone escape by going around his side.
It seems highly unlikely that you could defeat them in a fair fight.