3.4.24 UPDATE:
I would recommend adding the "List of Redeemable Codes (Past and Current)" guide by Sky to your favorites. Here the devs drop limited time codes that get you free bootlegs. When a new code is posted to the guide, you simply go to your mailbox in your room or the Cafe, put in the code and you get a free bootleg instantly and sometimes an additional item. The codes generally last a few weeks before they are deactivated. This is a nice feature because getting bootlegs is definitely a grind. And now you know what the mailbox is for!

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I've had a lot of luck when trying out new genres the past couple of years. Cassette Beasts was no exception. This game constitutes my first JRPG and first Creature Capture game (nope, I've never played a Pokémon game).

I must admit this game has been a ton of fun. The music is quite catchy and the main song is very peaceful. It has an "I ❤️ the 80s" retro theme with its pixelated graphics, limited voice acting and character wardrobe. None of which took away from the gaming experience in 2023.

The gameplay is enjoyable with plenty to do on a large map... you can even play with a friend! Most of the tasks are fairly straight forward, but if you want to 💯 the achievements you will have to grind to find at least one of every bootleg type, obtain a copy of every beast and obtain additional info on every beast (there are a lot of beasts, evolutions and fusions). You can adjust the difficulty to your preferences, but I found the default to be very enjoyable.

The price is extraordinarily reasonable. At $19.99 you can feel good picking up this game at full price... on any sort of discount, it's a steal. In fact, the devs could have fairly priced it at $24.99- $29.99, but I do appreciate the lower price point.

I haven't said anything about the story or gameplay. Both are interesting and engaging. Most of you are better gamers than I, so suffice it to say, "you won't have much trouble naturally figuring out some of the less obvious elements as you progress through the game." ... battle strategy, chemistry, how/ where to find bootleg beasts,
etc... and for the things that weren't intuitive to me (like how the heck do you beat a ghost!? And where on New Wirrell is that gold coin??), steam guides and youtube videos have been a big help.

This one's a 10/10 for me. It's not a perfect game by any means, but the devs have given it a ton of love and it has been a real treat to play. I strongly recommend you give it a try.

3.4.24 UPDATE: I would recommend adding the "List of Redeemable Codes (Past and Current)" guide by Sky to your favorites. Here the devs drop limited time codes that get you free bootlegs. When a new code is posted to the guide, you simply go to your mailbox in your room or the Cafe, put in the code and you get a free bootleg instantly and sometimes an additional item. The codes generally last a few weeks before they are deactivated. This is a nice feature because getting bootlegs is definitely a grind. And now you know what the mailbox is for! ORIGINAL REVIEW: I've had a lot of luck when trying out new genres the past couple of years. Cassette Beasts was no exception. This game constitutes my first JRPG and first Creature Capture game (nope, I've never played a Pokémon game). I must admit this game has been a ton of fun. The music is quite catchy and the main song is very peaceful. It has an "I ❤️ the 80s" retro theme with its pixelated graphics, limited voice acting and character wardrobe. None of which took away from the gaming experience in 2023. The gameplay is enjoyable with plenty to do on a large map... you can even play with a friend! Most of the tasks are fairly straight forward, but if you want to 💯 the achievements you will have to grind to find at least one of every bootleg type, obtain a copy of every beast and obtain additional info on every beast (there are a lot of beasts, evolutions and fusions). You can adjust the difficulty to your preferences, but I found the default to be very enjoyable. The price is extraordinarily reasonable. At $19.99 you can feel good picking up this game at full price... on any sort of discount, it's a steal. In fact, the devs could have fairly priced it at $24.99- $29.99, but I do appreciate the lower price point. I haven't said anything about the story or gameplay. Both are interesting and engaging. Most of you are better gamers than I, so suffice it to say, "you won't have much trouble naturally figuring out some of the less obvious elements as you progress through the game." ... battle strategy, chemistry, how/ where to find bootleg beasts, etc... and for the things that weren't intuitive to me (like how the heck do you beat a ghost!? And where on New Wirrell is that gold coin??), steam guides and youtube videos have been a big help. This one's a 10/10 for me. It's not a perfect game by any means, but the devs have given it a ton of love and it has been a real treat to play. I strongly recommend you give it a try.