Azur Lane: Crosswave Review – Navigating Anime Seas

Game Name: Azur Lane: Crosswave
Developer: Idea Factory, Compile Heart, Felistella
Initial Release Date: February 17th, 2021
Genre: Action RPG
Platforms: Switch, PlayStation 4, PC

What is Azur Lane: Crosswave

Azur Lane: Crosswave brings the popular Chinese mobile game, Azur Lane, to life in a console action RPG format. Developed by Idea Factory, Compile Heart, and Felistella, the game transforms real-world warships into animated female characters, known as Kansen. The game is set in a World War II-era environment, with a unique twist – the nations are represented by these girl-like ships and are part of a friendly coalition rather than enemies.

Gameplay Overview

The game’s narrative stars Shimakaze and Suruga from the Sakura Empire, hosting a Joint Military Exercise with other naval powers. The story, while lighthearted, lacks depth, quickly moving through events with little investment. The gameplay comprises short missions, where players control up to three ships at a time, with others providing support. The combat is straightforward, involving movement, aiming, and firing with different types of Kansen like destroyers and aircraft carriers.

Character Design and Visuals

One of Azur Lane: Crosswave’s highlights is its character design and visuals. The Kansen are beautifully drawn, each reflecting the personality of the real-life ship they represent. The game skillfully blends these designs in its visual-novel style event scenes and 3D combat. However, the audio elements, including voice acting and sound effects, are less impressive and do little to enhance the gaming experience.

Combat Mechanics and Difficulty

The shift to 3D combat retains key elements from the mobile version, with players managing attacks, skills, and dodging. Initially, the game is relatively easy, but as the difficulty increases, players can use materials from battles to upgrade their Kansen. The combat tends to be repetitive, but the game’s upgrade system and character variety add some engagement.

Additional Content and Replayability

Azur Lane: Crosswave offers additional content like side episodes and a photo mode, but these add little to the overall story. The game doesn’t strive for complexity or depth, instead providing mild entertainment for a few hours. This simplicity may appeal to some players, particularly fans of the original mobile game.

Verdict

Rating: 6/10

Azur Lane: Crosswave is a visually appealing game with unique character designs and straightforward gameplay. However, its lackluster narrative, repetitive combat, and limited replayability hinder its potential. It’s a game that will mainly appeal to fans of the mobile version or those who enjoy light-hearted, anime-style RPGs.