Developer: EXE Create
Publisher: KEMCO
Genre: JRPG
Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Also Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
KEMCO’s latest adventure is Ghost Sync, another retro-inspired turn-based JRPG. If you are familiar with KEMCO, you probably already know that the publisher consistently releases solid Retro JRPGs that aren’t usually exceptional, but often are enjoyable. You won’t find the best games of the genre, but you will still have a good time if you are itching for a JRPG and have already played the best that the Nintendo Switch has to offer. Ghost Sync continues the trend.
In Ghost Sync players fall into a world overrun with evil monsters. They will meet Lily, the game’s heroine who meets a possessed dog that throws them into an adventure that will uncover what is going on with the world. Throughout the game players will meet more people to add to their party, most of which who are rather diverse in personalities and styles. The story itself isn’t anything too unique, but female leads are always welcome in this genre, especially when they aren’t depicted as frail. There are plenty of great women in Ghost Sync, which is a nice change of pace.

While the story and characters are obviously vital parts of JRPGs, the gameplay is always what is going to make or break the game. Fortunately, Ghost Sync has a few unique systems that stand out from the rest of its retro-inspired peers. The battle system is your typical turn-based affair, which is welcome in today’s action-based JRPG climate. Ghost Sync utilizes an ATB bar, that allows players to take actions when they are up on the bar. Positioning on the bar can change throughout based on spells and abilities casted by players and enemies. Anyone familiar with this system will feel right at home. What sets Ghost Sync apart from other EXE Create titles is the possessing system. The ghost dog character is capable of possessing enemies and using their abilities, giving players plenty of ways to approach each battle. Lily and the other characters do typical JRPG attacks and spells. Lily is capable of summoning spirits for help, which leads to neat animations that one wouldn’t expect in a game like this.
Ghost Sync certainly isn’t a difficult game and doesn’t try to appeal directly to the “Hardcore” crowd like you would expect from a retro JRPG. The game is already easy, and the way the game approaches progression makes it even easier. There are simple skill trees where characters can gain access to new spells and skills. Equipment can also be leveled up, giving player plenty of ways to progress their characters. There are also guild quests that give players additional rewards if they choose to complete them. These are entirely optional, and while they are entertaining and give substantial upgrades, they certainly aren’t needed to complete Ghost Sync. This is an easy game to “Break” without much grinding necessary, so players who want a challenge might be disappointed with the Ghost Sync‘s curve.

Visually, Ghost Sync is about what one would expect from this title. Cute pixel sprites and environments fill the screen with color and personality. The actual character designs are admittedly generic, and no character really stands out. Everyone looks like someone that you can find in any typical JRPG. The same issue is present for the environments as well. While Ghost Sync certainly looks good, there isn’t anything that is actually exciting to see. The music completes the somewhat mediocre presentation, with tunes that aren’t offensive but also aren’t at all memorable.
Ghost Sync isn’t anything special, but it is a solid JRPG with a few good ideas. The difficulty and presentation leaves a lot to be desired, but at the low price, players can do much worse when looking for a new JRPG to play.
Ghost Sync
Like It
While it isn't exceptional, Ghost Sync has just enough good ideas and systems in place to give retro JRPG fans a solid experience.
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