Rock on!
It's that time again for a new episode of Chichuki Plays, the show where I go hands-on with upcoming games and show them off. Usually, it's about an hour or so but I don't want to spoil too much of the game for you. This time we're looking at Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands on the Nintendo Switch 2. Fans of turn-based RPGs will be in for a treat with this one. The battle victory theme and animation might be one of favorites all-time in an RPG so check that out!
I may have mentioned int he past that I really like turn-based RPGs. Deathbulge is an interesting take on the RPG formula. We play as the band, Deathbulge, as we struggle with day-to-day things as well as getting our band back together for the battle of the bands contest. We owe thanks to our friends and fellow band, Platinum Scrumptious, that we even knew there was a battle of the bands contest in the first place. That being said, at the start of the game we play the role of Faye, getting her two bandmates back into the band. however, it would appear that after we join the Battle of the Bands, we become cursed where we can deal with everything with the power of music. We can attack with different music and be attacked by different music, thus the battle mechanics of the game.
The combat is pretty interesting because both sides have the same type of attack bar. In some RPGs, you'll be able to see the attack order but, in this game, you'll be able to see the gage, but whoever gets to the end firs is the one who attacks first. You'll be able to mess with the gage in terms of making things better or worse such as setting fire to it creates a burn. Depending on the length of the fire, that's the length of the burn. In contrast you can have haste cast on your gage and make things move faster for your team. When we get our second party member, Ian, the combat takes a little getting used to. Faye is faster than Ian and Ian moves slower on the gage. It took me a little bit to figure out that Faye moves faster on the gage and then switch to Ian when it's closer to the end. Different characters take different damage as well. Think Pokémon rules where there are attacks, you're weak to and attacks you're string against. These differences didn't mess with me too much in regular fights, but the first boss encounter took a little strategy to beat.
The game also has equipment as well as quests you can complete. It wouldn't be an RPG without quests to solve and equipment to buy. You can also find new band patches throughout the world that you can equip to your party. These could help you in battle, depending on your battle style. I have to say that I really like the writing in the game. It really feels like Deathbulge is an up-and-coming band and are just a group of kids at the same time. I also love that you kick in doors when you enter a location and then see it in the wall. OR my favorite interaction thus far is seeing the door kicked into a guy's TV on the wall.
Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands is a fun RPG that reminds me a lot of the popular cartoon Adventure Time in terms of humor and art. Fans of classic turn-based RPGs should give this a look. I'd like to thank the devs for a review code. Make sure you check out the hands-on video below!