Natural Doctrine (2014)

Kadokawa Games, NIS America

Main
28
hours
Main + Extra
46
hours
Platinum
63
hours

Strategy role-playing gamers be ready, as this game will truly test your ability to conquer the evils that lurk in the sprawling networks of mines and ruins in the areas surrounding the fortress city of Feste. Seasoned explorers and novices alike venture underground into dangerous caves to collect the coveted material known as Pluton. During your first trip down into the depths of one of these mines, you and your new explorer friends quickly realize that things may be more dire than you had imagined as you encounter a brand-new type of evil lurking below the surface. You and your newfound friends must strategically defeat these new difficult foes and warn the kingdom of their presence before it's too late.

Platforms

PS3 PS4 Vita

Genres

Role-playing (RPG) Simulator Strategy Tactical Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Themes

Fantasy

Media

Critic Reviews

MMOGames

By Nick Shively
65

While Natural Doctrine does use an innovative combat system and has can be a very enjoyable experience, that feeling of accomplishment is sabotaged just before the game becomes fun. On the positive side of thing, this game doesn't have to be doomed and at its core it has a lot of potential to be great. However, the blatantly unfair AI mechanics in combination with the relatively diluted multiplayer experience really hurts Natural Doctrine in the end.

14 Jan, 2015 Read full review

GearNuke

By Danial Arshad Khan
74

Hardcore fans of the Strategy RPG genre may find Natural Doctrine to be very enjoyable given that they invest time into it. The game is very lengthy so make sure to set aside some time before plunging into the game's world.

10 Jan, 2015 Read full review

Cubed3

By Albert Lichi
70

As is, this is a demanding strategy RPG that will turn away casually interested parties. The outrageous difficulty is admittedly a preference for some gamers, and those who are hungry for these types of games will not be disappointed. Natural Doctrine is a raw example of pure strategy with such delicate situations amidst a roaring hurricane.

06 Jan, 2015 Read full review

The Digital Fix

By Darrell Shayler
70

There's a thin line between rock-hard gameplay and a broken game and while Natural Doctrine runs up to that line repeatedly it manages to never actually cross it. What it does manage, however, is to be a great example of the genre while also doing very little to bring it into the twenty-first century. The enjoyment found here depends on the gamer coming to it; one gamer's excruciatingly difficult and confusing is another's deep and complex, and it's the latter group NISA are going after with everything they asked for. It would just be nice if they could give a little extra too.

01 Dec, 2014 Read full review

Worth Playing

By Chris "Atom" DeAngelus
70

Natural Doctrine is a tough game to judge. It's strange and convoluted, it has sub-par graphics, and the story is quite weak. It basically carries itself entirely on the gameplay, which is frequently difficult to the point of frustration. If you can get past that and wrap your head around the mechanics, it's a remarkably fun strategy RPG. It rewards careful thought, proper planning, and smart positioning, and it feels incredibly satisfying to pull a victory from the jaws of defeat. It isn't going to be a game for everyone, and even die-hard SRPG fans may be turned off by the high difficulty level, but if Natural Doctrine clicks for you, you'll probably enjoy it.

20 Nov, 2014 Read full review

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