Utawarerumono: ZAN

The main pros of the game

• Engaging Combat System: Players appreciate the transition to a Musou-style combat system, noting that it is agile, entertaining, and captures the essence of the characters from the original visual novels. The combat mechanics allow for unique moves and combos for each character.
• Fan Service: The game serves as a nostalgic experience for fans of the series, providing additional time with beloved characters and elements from the original story.
• Visual and Design Quality: The 3D design and adaptation of character movements are well-executed, contributing to a visually appealing experience.

The main cons of the game

• Story Adaptation: Many reviews express disappointment in the game's narrative, stating that it abridges the story of *Mask of Deception* too much, effectively summarizing key arcs and lacking depth. This makes it less accessible for newcomers to the series.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Players note that the game can feel monotonous due to the repetitive nature of side missions and scenarios, which often involve fighting the same enemies in similar environments.
• Technical Issues: Users report various technical problems, including inconsistent frame rates (hovering around 57-59 fps), resolution inconsistencies, low-quality UI text, and various graphical bugs. Some feel that the port lacks sufficient customization options for graphics and controls.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Depth in Strategy: Critics feel that the game lacks tactical depth, with many players suggesting that it doesn't compare favorably to other Musou games in terms of scale and enemy variety.
• Customization Options: Players desire more options for customizing control schemes and graphic settings, which are limited in the current port.
• Content Variety: There is a call for more original content or additional story arcs to be included, as the current format feels lacking compared to the extensive narrative of the original visual novels.

Summary

• Overall, *Utawarerumono: ZAN* is viewed as an enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise, but it falls short in storytelling depth and gameplay variety, particularly for newcomers. The game is recommended primarily during sales due to its high price relative to its content.

Summary generated on: January 12, 2026