Bloomtown: A Different Story

Despite a few minor issues, Bloomtown: A Different Story is a game that'll stick with you long after you put it down. The blend of comforting and creepy is masterful, and the game presents a surprising amount of challenge in places. With everything from boss fights and puzzles to intricate crafting and skill-building, there's a lot to get excited about here. Bloomtown was clearly made with a lot of love and attention to detail, and it's the perfect pick for anyone who enjoys rich stories paired with riddles and tricky, turn-based combat.

A promising start makes way for an RPG of ample qualities but one too many critical set-back's.

Bloomtown: A Different Story is everything I want from a video game. A hugely enjoyable story, slick script, bombastic battles, and the freedom to interact with the world in odd and inventive ways. It's pretty much essential.

Bloomtown: A Different Story wanted to be a lot of things. A relaxing summer vacation, an adventure filled with mysteries to solve, a real-life sim, and an RPG with neat combat mechanics plus a creature capture system. It's not bad (far from it), but by trying to juggle too many balls in the air, it fails at remaining engaging for more than a couple of hours, as it becomes obvious that there's not much depth underneath the beautiful pixel art wrapping.

Bloomtown: A Different Story follows a number of familiar beats to fans of turn-based combat, monster taming, and wholesome community RPGs. It cleverly weaves the contrasting elements together into a game that feels rich and original, with a storyline that doesn't shy away from the dark or solemn.

Bloomtown: A Different Story may wear its inspirations out in the open but it still manages to pull itself together to be its own game thanks to some impressive character writing and solid gameplay.

Bloomtown: A Different Story is a very special game, and one of 2024's hidden gems. While its premise and combat won't come across as the most original at a glance, the sheer care and skill at which the developers combine those familiar ingredients, from its fluid animations, engaging narrative, earwormy soundtrack and surprisingly deep combat, all come together in an exceptional package. If you wanted a bite-sized Persona game that you can finish in a reasonable timeframe, or are just a fan of turn-based RPGs in general, Bloomtown: A Different Story is a very easy recommend.

Bloomtown: A Different Story is a pixelated RPG that takes heavy inspiration from the Persona series. While some cosy gamers may enjoy it and its music, there are some gameplay elements that drew me out of my immersion.

Bloomtown: A Different Story is a brilliant spin on Persona with a different perspective and narrative that’ll keep you coming back for more. Some people come for the story, some will love it for the battle, but a select few will absolutely adore it for everything it is. You’re in for a hell of a ride with this adventure and the chaotic goodness from the demonic side of things.

A fascinating mix of summertime innocence, interesting game systems, and unique vibes