"The Vale: Shadow of the Crown," crafted by Falling Squirrel, Creative Bytes Studios, and Nejcraft, presents a novel twist on the action RPG genre. In this intriguing game, you step into the shoes of Alexandra, a blind princess, navigating a world shaped by sound rather than sight. Let’s dive into the adventure that awaits in "The Vale: Shadow of the Crown."
This immersive game introduces you to Alexandra’s story shortly after her brother ascends to the throne as king. As a result, you find yourself appointed warden of a small castle on the distant edges of the kingdom. However, your journey to this new home takes a perilous turn when an invading army ambushes your convoy during a river crossing. Now stranded, it’s up to you to use your unique skills to survive the challenges ahead.
Your quest to reconnect with your brother will lead you through the twisting paths of The Vale—a daunting valley filled with obstacles. The developers have thoughtfully included three difficulty settings: Casual, Normal, and Hard, ensuring that players of all experience levels can enjoy the rich narrative and gameplay this title offers.
Regarding controls, if you’re playing on the Nintendo Switch, you have the choice to use the Joy-Con controllers or opt for the console’s touchscreen in Portable or Tabletop Mode, including on a Nintendo Switch Lite. In non-combat situations, your left analog stick handles movement, with the right stick allowing you to pivot. When it’s time to fight, the right stick becomes your weapon—slide it in the direction of your opponent to strike. For stronger attacks, hold the right stick in position, charge the attack, and release. When using a bow, employ the ZR button to aim and fire, while the left stick is used defensively to block enemy strikes.
As you engage in battles, the favor you accumulate unlocks powerful spells at your disposal. An example is a spell that engulfs your weapon in flames by pressing the ZR button, boosting damage for a limited time. Alternatively, pressing the ZL button summons a fire shield spell, surrounding you with a fiery barrier that can swing combat in your favor thanks to its explosive capabilities. Staying attuned to the audio cues is vital, ensuring your time in combat is strategic and efficient.
"The Vale: Shadow of the Crown" stands out with an audio-centric gameplay approach. Playing through this adventure with headphones will significantly enhance your experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the auditory clues designed to guide and aid you. Expect around 5 to 6 hours of gameplay as you navigate the intricacies of this fascinating world and strive toward safety.
Available on Nintendo Switch, this unique RPG is priced at $19.99, offering an engaging and challenging experience like no other. The atmospheric soundscapes and gripping storyline promise an unforgettable journey in the realm of "The Vale."
Disclaimer: This review of ‘The Vale: Shadow of the Crown’ is based on a Nintendo Switch copy generously provided by Nejcraft.
