Bloomtown: A Different Story (2024)

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 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 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.