One Word Review: Time-warp
Breath of Death VII transported me back to a time when I could push a button on my console and the game would start. There was a point during my playtime where I walked downstairs, at my Mom's house and grabbed a pop out of her fridge and returned to my game and I really felt like I had taken a jump back in time. This game brings back memories of renting games from the local video store. It reminds me of a time when I didn't think about getting laid 24/7. It reminds me of a time when JRPGs were still relevant for a majority of gamers out there.
This game is a throwback to a previous time, or, for some, a time that still exists in Japan but most Westerners have moved past. I am not sure if it is the nostalgia factor or the price tag, but there must be a reason that people have been so drawn to this game. I agree with many other reviewers about this game's foibles: It is too short. (But, it is only a few bucks.) The story is fun, but a little simple. (But, it's fun, unique, and it is over pretty quickly, which is great, because most RPGs last too long.) The weapons and battle system are too simple. (I like simple RPGs. I would still classify Dragon Quest as one of my top 3 RPG franchises.) The game is good. It isn't going to change the world. It does have some qualities that some people may not like, but so does every game.
Breath of Death VII is a funny, simple story that gets the player from point A to point B. There is some funny dialog in the game. (I especially found myself laughing at Erik whenever he interjected, in his French accent, "LE BRAINS!" Fans of the original Dragon warrior will like this game and if you are one of those people then you are looking at a great walk down memory lane. Anybody that doesn't have a fond recollection of those old NES/SNES RPGs then you might not like this game, but for less than a cup of coffee you can give the game a chance. If, like me, you just want to hit the A button while you are watching a TV show or ballgame, then this game is a lot of fun.
I can't wait to boot up Cthulu Saves the World and have another trip down memory lane, except this time it will be memories of reading Lovecraft in the library at my school.