Rise of the Third Power

An enjoyable, if flawed, classically-styled JRPG experience.

I really wish I could rave about Rise of the Third Power. I’m a fan of the developer, and I enjoy retro-styled games. Nevertheless, I don’t feel this one lived up to my hype, nor that it reached the same heights as Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition. That said, if you enjoy the genre and are looking for a game to get lost in for a few hours, it’s hard to say no for the low price point of $19.99. Ultimately, I’d say this one is worth a shot, but that you should most definitely play Ara Fell as well.

Overall, I loved Rise of the Third Power. Looking like a classic JRPG but playing to a tune all of its own, it has everything from well written characters and a well paced experience over to a very well designed battle system and amazing music to support it all.

Ignore the retro RPG trappings of Rise of the Third Power; this is a great game regardless of whether you're approaching it for nostalgic purposes. Its story is just fresh enough, its turn-based combat unique enough, to keep you firmly planted in 2022, not 1992.

Rise of the Third Power is a fun RPG inspired by classics of the genre that only suffers from its excessive linearity. It features an excellent combat system and a story that, despite falling into certain clichés, is supported by the strength of a very entertaining and concise text that delivers exactly what you want without going overboard.

Rise of the Third Power is best suited to those looking for an RPG that requires a lot of thought and attention and have plenty of free time at their gaming disposal. The plot is very good in this game and the upgrade system is quite refreshing. But the battle for me was a slow grind to get to grips with. Maybe I’m just stuck in my retro RPG ways. But that’s not to say it won’t click with those that have the time to spend on this. I liked what this game was trying to achieve. I think the developers have done a very good job trying to step out of the traditional RPG formula. That in itself deserves extra praise in my book.

Rise of The Third Power is a charming retro-inspired JRPG, that offers an entertaining plot, a great cast of characters and a unique battle system. However as good as it is, it doesn't offer something new within the genre and borrows a lot from its predecessor. But fans of the genre should still look to pick up this 35-hour rollercoaster as it's a solid JRPG.

‎Rise of the Third Power is a game that has left me with a very good taste in my mouth, although it is true that its equipment system and skills have not ended up liking me, in general it is a game that I have enjoyed a lot during this analysis. ‎‎It is a title that has managed to hook me from minute one‎‎ thanks to its story and its gameplay, and if the games I mentioned at the top of this list are among your favorites, without a doubt you should give Rise of the Third Power a try.‎

I wonder if the writing enamoured me so much that it hampered my enjoyment of the rest of the game. The combat and dungeon crawling is fine, above-average even, but it often felt like an impediment to Rise of the Third Power’s excellent story. Nevertheless, I had a great time with Stegosoft Games’ latest offering. The team's love for the JRPG genre is shining through, and their ability to spin a great narrative helps the work lift well beyond what you usually get from "RPG Maker"-like projects.

Rise of the Third Power is an excellent old-school RPG that manages to feel fresh and exciting. Intermittent pacing issues aside, this is one adventure that you'll thoroughly enjoy so grab a bottle of booze, kidnap a princess, and save the land from an encroaching war.