Resonance of Fate takes place in a world where the remnants of humanity live on a giant clockwork tower called Basel, powered by a machine meant to keep the air breathable. The trio of main heroes work as mercenaries for the ruling class, taking on jobs that at first seem episodic and only gradually paint a picture of a society that has handed its own fate over to a mechanism. The narrative is unusually calm, full of humorous scenes and quiet pauses, and the main story doesn't arrive until many hours in, which surprised plenty of players. But those who settle into the world will appreciate its restrained, industrial design free of fantastical excess.
The combat system is the main event and resembles nothing else. Characters shoot, but instead of direct control, the player plans a run along a path called a hero action, during which shots fire automatically and the characters are invulnerable, though at the cost of points that run out quickly. Damage is split into two kinds, one that only softens an enemy's stamina and another that then converts it into real harm, so victory requires switching weapons and planning the order of attacks. The result looks like a balletic action scene but is actually a very tough tactical game with a steep learning curve. On top of that comes detailed weapon customization and unusually extensive character dressing that genuinely changes their appearance. On the Xbox 360 the game ran solidly, and Motoi Sakuraba's music, with jazz and rock motifs, lends the whole thing an unexpected lightness.
Reception was mixed due to the difficulty and poorly explained rules, yet the game won over a devoted audience who see it as one of the most original combat systems of its generation. Today Resonance of Fate is recommended for players who enjoy a game willing to let them lose and force them to understand its own mechanics in depth. The reward is a feeling that ordinary Japanese RPGs rarely offer.
Game 75 of 259 for Xbox 360
