Terra Battle (iOS) Review

When starting up Terra Battle for the first time, gamers might come in with different expectations. Some might feel a wind of warning due to it being free-to-play with all the flaws that usually follow, while others might come in expecting a high profile experience fit for Mistwalker Studio. The reality is a mix of both. While there are stereotypical pay-to-win models within, this is one that does not really rely on it so much as to ruin the high quality game that rests within.

What Terra Battle offers is a great tactical RPG with a system that is actually best done on a smartphone. The action is controlled by moving the heroes shown as squares on the screen around by touching them and sliding them from place to place. However, there is a timer that dictates how long each one can be moved, rather than being restricted to a number of squares, as in Fire Emblem titles or Final Fantasy Tactics. This creates a very skill demanding experience that rewards both quick reflexes and a high level of forethought behind each and every move. The unique battle system in Terra Battle takes away all need for actual buttons and puts focus on what the iPhone does best: touch controllers.

This, mixed with the great menus and party customisation within, creates a complex experience that can be enjoyed in small five minutes doses - the perfect fit for the system of choice and the free-to-play model.

There is only one issue in Terra Battle that is a slight annoyance, yet one that is a necessity for a free-to-play release. That is the energy system that makes it so that when playing a stage there is a downtime before the next one can be played if there is not enough energy. This is, however, expected and one great thing with Terra Battle is that while this exists, its highly pick up and play gameplay masks it. It is perfect for short sessions on the bus or during queues rather than for extended sittings and during these moments, the pay-to-win elements will rarely - if ever - become an issue. It also helps cover up for another weakness of the game, its repetitiveness. While the gameplay in Terra Battle is fun, it is also one best experienced in small doses.

Terra Battle is, in the end, a great free-to-play experience that is one of the better games out there on the iPhone to date. There are some typical pay-to-win mechanics within but they seldom ruin the game and it is not too expensive to use it for faster progression. Terra Battle is, however, for normal use, fully functional without buying even a single product and there is nothing the player can't enjoy within this enjoyable, strategically complex tactical RPG from Mistwalker Studio - one title that can be strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys the genre.