Citizens of Earth (Wii U, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita & Steam)

Citizens of Earth

Developer(s) – Eden Industries

Publisher(s) – Atlus

PEGI – 12

Developed as a love letter to the Super Nintendo classic EarthBound, Citizens of Earth is a turn-based RPG set in a modern universe with immersing gameplay and jab after jab at US politics. Although I didn’t find it quite the game it could have been, I found that there was enough to keep me fairly engrossed from beginning to end.

Graphics – 7/10

In some ways, the developers did make an effort to deviate away from the obvious EarthBound influence. Portrayed through things like its modern setting and use of psychedelic backdrops during fight sequences, to make something a little bit more unique. Most notably in the game’s visual style, which adopts more of a cartoony feel to it. In turn. This coincides with a lot of the childish and naïve personalities of many of the characters. Including the main character the Vice President of Earth. There is also variety in set design as well as the enemy roster. Which includes such opponents as hecklers and political protesters. In itself, adding to the game’s quirky sense of humor.

Gameplay – 8/10

In terms of gameplay, it seems to be influenced not only by EarthBound. But also by Pokémon in the form of the game’s many playable characters. And also South Park: The Stick of Truth, in that friends, can be added to the player’s profile. But in this instance, they come with many more benefits. Overall, the game is very satisfying to play. And offers a very different take on the genre. The fact that the main character doesn’t even fight alongside his recruited citizens is also another jab at politicians in itself.

Controls – 8/10

The map system in the game can be quite needlessly complicated at times. This can especially cause problems in a turn-based RPG. Players need to know where they go next, and where certain side quests may be. And what exactly they need to do to activate or complete them. It was pretty disappointing to learn that not all of these had been handled as well as they should have been in this game. Especially as this was published by Atlus, one of the lead developers of RPGs in Japan, pioneering the Megami Tensei series, which I will be getting into later. But otherwise, there are no other issues with the control scheme, thankfully.

Lifespan – 6.5/10

The game can last within the region of around 20 to 25 hours. Whilst this isn’t unforgivable, is still somewhat underwhelming. It’s below par for a game of its kind, since, as I’ve pointed out on numerous occasions before, they can be made to last significantly longer than that. From 80 to 100 hours to give a figure. I had encountered the same problem with the likes of South Park: The Stick of Truth and Child of Light. Hopefully, developers will take note of this and look to make improvements in the future.

Storyline – 7/10

The story of Citizens of Earth revolves around the newly appointed Vice President of Earth recruiting as many citizens as possible to join his cause and fight his battles for him. Though it may not be as intricate or as well thought out as Shigesato Itoi thought out the story of EarthBound, the developers still incorporated the same kind of witty humor. And jabs at the Western culture that Nintendo did with their Super Nintendo masterpiece.

Originality – 6/10

Even though this game is very much heavily and openly based on a classic, it’s certainly not a lost cause in terms of originality. It does differ from many other turn-based RPGs with certainly gameplay mechanics, general visual style, and in its enemy roster. There aren’t many other games that also tackle the issue of politics like this does either.

Happii

In summation, Citizens of Earth is a pretty enjoyable game, but it’s far too short for me to be able to call it a classic. My biggest hope is that in light of Atlus picking this game up after a failed Kickstarter campaign to get it going, there will be a sequel to this game, which will be made bigger and better than its predecessor, because overall, it’s a very good idea, and it shouldn’t go to waste.

Score

43/60

7/10 (Fair)

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