Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Dancing Dragon Games
- Publishers: Degica Games
Skyborn: A Journey Through Magic, Metal, and Mystery
Released in 2014 for the PlayStation Vita, Skyborn is a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) developed by Sting and published by XSEED Games. The game follows the story of Claret Spencer, a young mechanic who lives in the floating city of Elysia. Elysia is ruled by the Skyborn, a race of winged humanoids, and Claret has always been content with her life of repairing airships and other machines.
However, Claret’s life is turned upside down when she meets Aeron, a mysterious cravat-wearing customer who arrives at her shop with a broken airship. Aeron is a member of the Resistance, a group of rebels who are fighting against the Skyborn’s rule. Claret is initially hesitant to get involved, but she eventually agrees to help Aeron repair his airship.
As Claret works on the airship, she learns more about Aeron and the Resistance. She also begins to question her own beliefs about the Skyborn. She has always been taught that the Skyborn are benevolent rulers, but she now begins to see that they are not as perfect as she thought.
Claret’s journey takes her all over Elysia, from the floating slums to the Skyborn’s palace. She meets a variety of characters along the way, including other members of the Resistance, as well as Skyborn who are sympathetic to their cause.
As Claret learns more about the Skyborn and the Resistance, she must decide where her loyalties lie. She must also confront her own beliefs about the world and her place in it.
Gameplay
Skyborn is a turn-based JRPG with a unique battle system. Players control a party of up to three characters, and each character has their own unique abilities and skills. Players can use a variety of attacks and spells to defeat their enemies, and they can also use special abilities to buff their allies or debuff their enemies.
The battle system is fast-paced and engaging, and it requires players to think strategically in order to succeed. Players must also manage their resources carefully, as they can only use a limited number of abilities and spells per turn.
Characters
Claret Spencer is the protagonist of Skyborn. She is a young mechanic who is initially content with her life of repairing airships. However, she eventually becomes involved in the Resistance’s fight against the Skyborn. Claret is a strong and determined young woman, and she is always willing to fight for what she believes in.
Aeron is a member of the Resistance. He is a mysterious and enigmatic figure, and he is often reluctant to share his past. However, he is a skilled fighter and a loyal friend. Aeron is determined to overthrow the Skyborn and create a better future for Elysia.
Other characters in Skyborn include:
- Fiore: A young woman who is a member of the Resistance. She is a skilled archer and a close friend of Claret’s.
- Leo: A young man who is a member of the Resistance. He is a skilled swordsman and a loyal friend of Aeron’s.
- Arno: A Skyborn who is sympathetic to the Resistance’s cause. He is a high-ranking official in the Skyborn government, and he is secretly working to undermine the Skyborn’s rule.
- Zephyr: The leader of the Skyborn. He is a powerful and ruthless ruler, and he is determined to maintain his power at all costs.
Setting
Skyborn is set in the floating city of Elysia. Elysia is a beautiful and technologically advanced city, but it is also a city of great inequality. The Skyborn live in luxury, while the humans live in poverty. The Resistance is fighting to overthrow the Skyborn and create a more just society.
The game’s world is full of interesting and diverse locations, including:
- The Floating Slums: The slums are home to the poor and downtrodden of Elysia. They are a dangerous place to live, but they are also a place of community and hope.
- The Skyborn Palace: The palace is the home of the Skyborn. It is a massive and opulent building, and it is a symbol of the Skyborn’s power.
- The Airship Graveyard: The graveyard is a vast expanse of floating wreckage. It is a dangerous place to explore, but it is also a place of great beauty.
- The Ancient Ruins: The ruins are the remnants of an ancient civilization. They are a place of mystery and wonder, and they hold the secrets of Elysia’s past.
Themes
Skyborn explores a variety of themes, including:
- The nature of power: The game explores the nature of power and how it can be used for good or for evil. The Skyborn are a powerful race, but they have used their power to oppress the humans. The Resistance is fighting to overthrow the Skyborn and create a more just society.
- The importance of freedom: The game also explores the importance of freedom. The humans of Elysia are living under the oppressive rule of the Skyborn. The Resistance is fighting for their freedom, and they are determined to create a better future for themselves.
- The power of friendship: The game also explores the power of friendship. Claret, Aeron, Fiore, and Leo are all close friends, and they are willing to fight for each other no matter what. Their friendship is a source of strength and hope in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Skyborn is a beautiful and thought-provoking JRPG that explores a variety of important themes. The game features a compelling story, a cast of memorable characters, and a unique and engaging battle system. Skyborn is a must-play for fans of JRPGs and for anyone who enjoys a good story.
Review Score
7.5/10