Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga

Being a fan of tactical RPGs such as Fire Emblem, Langrisser, and Shining Force, I was very curious about and cautiously optimistic about Symphony of War. However, as soon as I got into it I knew I was in for a great time. I would give an overall score of 8.5/10 to this game and here is my explanation.

Gameplay & Depth (9/10)
The combat system is really fun. It's complex but not too hard to learn, so I could plan my moves and feel good about controlling my units. The unit squad is where Symphony of War stands out. I spent a lot of time thinking about unit setups, gear, and plans, often more time in the camp menu than actually fighting. The game feels very strategic, and each map is like a puzzle. The game pushes you to try new things and get better. The leveling system, with New Game+, kept me playing, as I found new plans.

Story & Writing (7/10)
The story is okay and keeps me interested. The characters are likable, and the world is pretty well thought out. I did notice that the writing could be uneven at times, feeling a little plain or too quick. The bond system was interesting but didn’t stick with me, but it gave the unit chats some extra feel.

UI & Accessibility (6.5/10)
The area where the game could really better itself lies here. The interface is sometimes slow and difficult to navigate, feeling crowded and having nested menus that delay decision-making. Important information is hidden in menus, and the affinity system, while intricate, was difficult for me to grasp initially. I was using outside sources like guides and videos to fully understand it, which is not a good idea for every player. A simpler UI alongside the better tutorials could reduce the learning curve for the first timers.

Performance & Balance (8/10)
Generally, the game is very smooth, however, the enemy’s actions can sometimes take too long which is particularly the case in the longer fights; this might result in losing concentration. The difficulty can sometimes be irregular—some maps are hard in a good way, while others are a bit punishing or too easy according to the strength of your squad. Very small bugs and some UI problems exist but they were not a hindrance to my experience.

Sound & Art (8/10)
The music fits well—big and moody without being too much. The pixel art looks good, even nostalgic, with good sprites and animations that make the fights feel real. It’s the right look for this type of game.

Final Thoughts
Symphony of War is a diamond in the rough that succeeds in combining the old school tactical gameplay with depth and polish of the new age. It’s not without flaws, and the UI, tutorials and pacing are areas that can be improved but the main experience is so attractive and addictive that I can’t help but return to it. If you like planning attacks, making your units your own, and if you miss the old games but want something new, check this one out.
Overall: 8.5/10