Falling Squirrel, Creative Bytes Studios, and Nejcraft have crafted an intriguing experience in The Vale: Shadow of the Crown. This unique audio-based action RPG places you in the shoes of Alexandra, a blind princess suddenly thrust into an unexpected adventure. As your elder brother ascends to the throne, you are relegated to overseeing a distant castle on the kingdom’s edge. However, this seemingly simple journey takes a drastic turn when an invading army ambushes your convoy as you head to what was supposed to be your new home. Now, survival depends on your courage and the sharpening of your skills as you navigate through The Vale, a mysterious valley challenging both beginners and seasoned gamers alike with its multiple difficulty levels: Casual, Normal, and Hard.
With The Vale available on Nintendo Switch, players have a couple of options for controls. Whether you prefer the Joy-Con controllers or the touchscreen, the game offers adaptability. During downtime, the left analog stick guides your movement, while the right allows you to pivot. Combat, however, brings a more intense interaction. You can unleash melee attacks with the right analog stick, charge up for powerful strikes, or engage your foes from a distance with a bow, courtesy of the ZR button. Defensive maneuvers require quick reflexes, with blocks executed by holding the left analog stick towards an impending attack.
Throughout your adventure, executing attacks and defenses accumulate favor, empowering you to cast powerful spells. Imagine igniting your weapon to blaze with destruction or erecting a fiery shield that erupts in flames as needed—these capabilities stem from the ZR and ZL buttons, respectively. As long as you remain attuned to the audio cues, the battles will become manageable, offering a satisfying rhythm of attack and defense.
Revisiting The Vale: Shadow of the Crown, the narrative once again focuses on Princess Alexandra’s unexpected journey after her brother’s elevation to King. With your assigned role at a remote castle turned perilous by an ambush, your task is to harness your resourcefulness and navigate the unpredictable terrain toward safety.
To truly immerse yourself in Alexandra’s world, a good pair of headphones is essential; the game cleverly uses audio as a guide through its roughly 5-6 hour campaign, ensuring an engrossing experience. Priced at $19.99 for the Nintendo Switch, The Vale: Shadow of the Crown promises an innovative and rewarding journey.
_Disclaimer: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of The Vale: Shadow of the Crown provided by Nejcraft._
