Azure Dreams

Mechanics

The gameplay in Azure Dreams is based on three pillars. The first of these is the exploration of the tower, the subsequent stories of which are generated procedurally - each time we cross its threshold we have to take into account the need to face different challenges. The dangers waiting for Koh are above all the opponents - the higher the hero manages to reach, the more powerful adversaries we have to face; the ubiquitous traps are also a threat. While traversing the building, we carry out our actions in turn-based mode - this applies both to moving around the environment, as well as attacking, using objects or activating the traps we have set.

Over time, the protagonist gains more and more powerful equipment (in the form of shields and melee weapons), spells, as well as monster eggs. The latter are important because after leaving the tower he can sell them for a considerable amount of money or decide to keep them - with time friendly monsters emerge from them to help him in clashes. What is most interesting, unlike Koh, who travels through the subsequent floors of the Monster Tower always starts on the first level, the experience gained by the allied creatures is not lost, so that after each expedition they increase not only their combat potential but also the capabilities of the hero himself.

The Monster Tower can be escaped in one of three ways - perishing (which leads to the loss of all equipment), sacrificing a monster that accompanies us (although this requires a special item), or finding an item called the Wind Crystal.

The second pillar is the development of the city of Monsbaiya, within which we can build various buildings (such as a theatre, hospital, racetrack, gym or casino). Nothing stands in the way of perfecting the main character's house, enriching it with various decorations, lamps, TV, chairs or even a motorcycle; this is where the hero can raise found monsters. The third pillar is the opportunity to romance female characters - the city is inhabited by eight girls, with whom Koh can become friends and, over time, fall in love; success is ensured primarily by giving them gifts (for example, in the form of flowers). Interestingly, although in the Japanese version of the title it is possible to get married to a chosen girl, the edition, which has found its way to the western markets, has been deprived of this option.

Technical aspects

Azure Dreams's visuals adopt manga style and present a level comparable to other jRPGs. Hiroshi Tamawari is responsible for composing the soundtrack that accompanies us in our struggles.