Introduction
Today we are going to look at another mobile game! AnimA is an Action RPG available on the Google Play Store that caught my attention due to its promising gameplay and enticing graphics. In this review, I will delve into various aspects of the game, including gameplay mechanics, graphics, sound, and overall player experience.
What did I think before playing AnimA?
In my quest for the best Action RPG on mobile, AnimA piqued my interest as a potential contender, especially after the disappointing experience with Diablo Immortal. The initial impression was positive, with hopes of finding an engaging and immersive gaming experience. For more information, I decided to check the Google Play Store Page!
The Google Play Store Page
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ExiliumGames.Anima&hl=en_US
The graphics on the Google Play Store page truly captivated me for a mobile game. The variety of classes available and the potential for combining them added to the intrigue, making it seem like a promising adventure
Rating
I rated AnimA with a 7.7 before playing.
This seemed to be a great game, perhaps even more fun than I anticipated!
Story
The central plot revolves around the player’s character, a hero tasked with defeating the looming threat that endangers the realm. As players navigate through different dungeons, they gradually uncover the overarching narrative, revealing the origins of the darkness that plagues the world.
Rating
I rate the story of AnimA with a 5.0
While the narrative provides a framework for the gameplay, some players, like me, find the story to be somewhat generic and lacking in depth. The game’s focus on action and gameplay leads to a somewhat detached storytelling experience, with the emphasis placed more on combat and exploration.
Gameplay
The combat in AnimA is fluid and satisfying. Players engage in real-time battles, unleashing a variety of skills and attacks on hordes of enemies. The game succeeds in delivering a visceral combat experience, with responsive controls that make it enjoyable to take down foes. However, the overpowered nature of some skills can create imbalances, impacting the overall challenge and strategy in combat.
One of the strengths of AnimA is its character progression system. Players earn experience points to level up and gain skill points that can be invested in a skill tree. The variety of skills and classes provide a sense of depth, allowing players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyles. However, the issue arises when there are too many skill points and not enough skill slots, creating a dilemma for players in choosing the most effective skills, and racking up unused skill points.
While the core gameplay is enjoyable, the multiplayer functionality leaves much to be desired. Connecting with friends proves to be a significant challenge, limiting the social aspect of the game. The absence of a trading section further hampers the cooperative experience, as players are unable to engage in meaningful exchanges with each other.
One notable drawback in the gameplay is the heavy reliance on microtransactions. The need to purchase in-game storage with real money disrupts the flow of progression, creating an unwelcome paywall for players who wish to enhance their inventory space. This can be a significant source of frustration for those seeking a more balanced and fair progression system.
While the core mechanics are solid, some aspects of AnimA can become repetitive over time. The presence of the same monsters in different dungeons may lead to a sense of monotony, and the lack of diverse challenges or enemy types could impact long term engagement.
Rating
I rated the gameplay Anima with a 6.6
In summary, AnimA’s gameplay offers a mix of enjoyable hack-and-slash combat, character progression, and customization. However, certain issues, such as imbalanced skills, multiplayer challenges, and a reliance on microtransactions, hinder the overall experience. Addressing these concerns could significantly enhance the gameplay, making AnimA a more satisfying and well-rounded Action RPG on the mobile platform.
Sound and Graphics
Graphics
In terms of graphics, AnimA shines for a mobile game. The visuals are impressive, showcasing detailed designs and vibrant colors. However, the repetition of the same monsters can diminish the overall visual variety.
Sound
While the sound in AnimA is fun, it tends to become repetitive over time, failing to maintain the initial excitement throughout extended play sessions.
Rating
I rated the sound and graphics of AnimA with a 7.0
All in all, it can be quite enjoyable!
What did I think after playing AnimA?
One of the primary concerns after playing AnimA is the prevalence of microtransactions, particularly the need to purchase in-game storage with real money. This aspect can be frustrating for players who seek a fair and balanced progression system, as it introduces a paywall that affects the flow of the game. The annoyance is exacerbated by the fact that storage space is crucial for collecting loot, a fundamental aspect of the game.
The negative experience with the multiplayer functionality stands out prominently. The inability to connect with friends and the lack of a trading section diminish the cooperative and social aspects of the game. This not only hampers the potential for enjoyable shared experiences, but also limits the possibilities for player interaction and collaboration.
The frustration of being unable to play with my wife due to multiplayer issues adds a personal and emotional dimension to the negative experience I felt during playing. Cooperative gaming is often a significant draw for players, and when technical issues prevent shared enjoyment, it can lead to a sense of disappointment and missed opportunities for bonding over the game. This is also why I stopped playing, and my wife too.
Discovering that some skills are overpowered and that there is a loophole for leveling up too quickly can be disheartening. Skill imbalances can detract from the strategic depth of the gameplay, as certain abilities may overshadow others. Additionally, the existence of a leveling loophole may compromise the sense of achievement and progression for players who prefer a more challenging and balanced experience. I won’t post the loophole!
Despite the aforementioned issues, there is a recognition that the core gameplay mechanics are enjoyable. The hack-and-slash combat, character progression, and customization offer a solid foundation for an engaging gaming experience. However, the overshadowing problems, particularly those related to microtransactions and multiplayer functionality, detract significantly from the overall enjoyment.
Rating
I rated AnimA with a 7.1
I feel very mixed about this game, while good on one hand, it is bad on the other hand.
What are my personal thoughts about AnimA?
While I found enjoyment in AnimA and invested a significant amount of time into it, the absence of crucial gameplay mechanics and the prevalence of microtransactions lowered my overall satisfaction. The game holds potential but needs improvements to reach a more balanced and enjoyable state.
Rating
My personal Rating of Anima is a 7.0
Fuck those multiplayer issues!
Last Words
Pros
- Impressive graphics for a mobile game
- Varied classes with the potential for combinations
- Core gameplay offers an enjoyable experience
Cons
- Troublesome multiplayer functionality
- Excessive microtransactions, especially for storage space.
- Overpowered skills and an imbalance in skill points.
- Repetitive sound
AnimA has the potential to be a standout Action RPG on mobile, thanks to its engaging gameplay and impressive graphics. However, significant issues with microtransactions, multiplayer functionality, and skill balance hinder the overall experience. With improvements in these areas, AnimA could become a more satisfying and well-rounded gaming option for mobile enthusiasts.
The Final Rating
6.7
Please let me know what you think of AnimA in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to see you in the next review!
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rezonono
The game doesn't look that bad but the microtransactions give me hives 🙂
supersven
Yep, they are bad!
Christoph
The game design and Sounds remind me of old games from my youth.
supersven
It does sound like an old school game!
metalhead8489
not to bad, its a decent game
supersven
Except for the microtransactions!
Twigas_Hobbes
Somehow I feel like there is no decent mobile game without microtransactions :-/
My feeling might be wrong though but anyway...
supersven
I will try to find one!
emperoru
looks mid
DonCarlos
This game seems still lightyears better than Diablo Immortal.
supersven
That is an understatement.
Jaromir Krzyszczak
interesting one, thanks for the review!
Nicole
Looks like it could be pretty good quality and satisfying for people who love those hordes of enemies games! Too bad about microtransactions putting up such a barrier 🙁
supersven
And not a small barrier either!
long shade
Good review! This one looks interesting.
twigalucie
Microtransactions... the bane of every good mobile game... I get they need to make money, but I'd prefer if they went the route of more ads than microtransaction barriers...
Alamar
always gameplay (not skin) microtransactions = not good