Summary

Release Year: 2012
Genres: Adventure, Visual Novel
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Propeller
Publishers: MangaGamer, Propeller

Tokyo Babel (2012): A Hidden Gem of the JRPG Genre

Released in 2012, Tokyo Babel is a post-apocalyptic JRPG that tells the story of a group of survivors who are trying to rebuild their lives in the floating city of Tokyo Babel. The game was developed by Sting, a Japanese developer known for their work on the Dept. Heaven series and Riviera: The Promised Land.

Tokyo Babel is set in a world where the gates of Heaven have been closed and the realm of Hell has been consumed by flood. As a result, countless parallel worlds have withered away, and the surviving angels and demons have gathered at Tokyo Babel, a floating purgatory that they believe to be their final chance at salvation.

The player takes control of Tendou Setsuna, a young man who is saved from the ruins of his devastated world by Lilith, the Witch of the Night. Together, they embark on a pilgrimage across the seven layers of Tokyo Babel, hoping to ascend Jacob’s Ladder and reopen the gates of Heaven.

However, their plans are soon thwarted by a group of pilgrims who have been consumed by madness and are intent on wreaking havoc on Tokyo Babel. Amidst this chaos, Setsuna must find a way to stop the mad pilgrims and save the floating city.

Gameplay

Tokyo Babel is a turn-based JRPG with a unique combat system. Players control a party of up to three characters, each with their own unique abilities and skills. In battle, players can use a variety of attacks and spells to defeat their enemies.

One of the unique features of Tokyo Babel’s combat system is the “Union” system. When two or more characters are adjacent to each other, they can perform a Union attack. Union attacks are more powerful than regular attacks, and they can also trigger special effects, such as status buffs or debuffs.

Another unique feature of Tokyo Babel is the “Fate” system. The Fate system allows players to make choices that will affect the story and gameplay. These choices can lead to different endings, so players will need to carefully consider their decisions.

Characters

Tokyo Babel features a cast of well-developed and memorable characters. Each character has their own unique backstory and motivations, and they all play an important role in the story.

Tendou Setsuna: The protagonist of the game, Setsuna is a young man who is trying to find his place in the world. He is kind and compassionate, but he is also haunted by his past.
Lilith: The Witch of the Night, Lilith is a powerful sorceress who has saved Setsuna from the ruins of his world. She is a mysterious and enigmatic figure, but she is also fiercely loyal to her friends.
Gabriel: An angel who is the leader of the pilgrims. Gabriel is a devout believer in God, and he is determined to reopen the gates of Heaven.
Lucifer: A demon who is the leader of the mad pilgrims. Lucifer is a powerful and charismatic figure, and he is determined to destroy Tokyo Babel.

Setting

Tokyo Babel is set in a unique and imaginative world. The floating city of Tokyo Babel is a vast and sprawling metropolis, with towering buildings and a diverse population of angels, demons, and humans.

The game’s world is also full of religious symbolism. The seven layers of Tokyo Babel represent the seven heavens and the seven hells. The Jacob’s Ladder that the pilgrims are trying to ascend is a reference to the biblical ladder that Jacob saw in his dream.

Themes

Tokyo Babel explores a number of complex themes, such as the nature of good and evil, the power of faith, and the importance of hope. The game also raises questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of existence.

Reception

Tokyo Babel received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its unique setting, memorable characters, and engaging story. However, some critics found the game’s combat system to be too simplistic.

Despite its critical acclaim, Tokyo Babel was not a commercial success. The game was released in Japan in 2012, but it was not released in the West until 2013. By that time, the JRPG market had become saturated with other high-profile releases, and Tokyo Babel was largely overlooked.

Legacy

Tokyo Babel is a hidden gem of the JRPG genre. The game’s unique setting, memorable characters, and engaging story make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. Despite its lack of commercial success, Tokyo Babel remains a cult classic among JRPG enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Tokyo Babel is a unique and ambitious JRPG that deserves to be rediscovered. The game’s setting, characters, and story are all top-notch, and the gameplay is both challenging and rewarding. If you’re a fan of JRPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out Tokyo Babel.