Reverse: 1999 stands out as a free-to-play strategic RPG that combines time-travel elements with turn-based combat. Set against a backdrop of a mysterious "Storm" that reverses eras, this game invites players to navigate historical periods while assembling teams of Arcanists to battle threats and uncover hidden truths. Available on PC, it blends gacha mechanics with card-based strategy, drawing from influences like Slay the Spire for its combat depth.
Gameplay
In Reverse: 1999, the core gameplay revolves around acting as the Timekeeper, who travels through different eras affected by the "Storm." You team up with characters like Sonetto from the Foundation to locate and rescue Arcanists sensitive to these temporal shifts. Combat uses a turn-based system where players build teams and deploy arcane skills through card mechanics, emphasizing strategy in spell-casting and enemy defeats.
Mechanics focus on weaving incantations for victories, with Arcanists drawn from various times and regions. These characters, once labeled as mages or wizards, bring unique abilities to battles, requiring thoughtful team composition to counter foes effectively. The gacha system allows collecting these Arcanists, enhancing progression through upgrades and strategic pairings.
Game Modes
The game centers on a story-driven campaign that spans the 20th century, from the Roaring '20s to the late 1990s. Players engage in missions involving time travel and combat encounters, all tied to unraveling the "Storm" mystery.
Beyond the main narrative, gameplay includes team-building challenges and battles that test strategic depth, though no distinct multiplayer modes are highlighted. The focus remains on single-player progression with RPG elements like character development and skill usage.
Story and Setting
Reverse: 1999 weaves a narrative around an alternate history where the "Storm" erases people from timelines. As the Timekeeper, you explore eras with full English voice acting featuring authentic accents, adding immersion to interactions with Arcanists from diverse backgrounds.
Visuals mix retro and modern styles, incorporating pop art and classical influences for a distinctive look. This setting supports the RPG framework, where saving Arcanists from being "sifted out" drives the plot forward.
Is It Worth Playing?
With Very Positive reviews on platforms like Steam, where 94% of recent feedback is positive out of 145 reviews, Reverse: 1999 appeals to fans of strategic RPGs and gacha games. Its turn-based card combat offers engaging challenges for those who enjoy planning moves and building teams.
If you prefer narrative-driven experiences with time-travel themes and don't mind free-to-play monetization, this title provides solid value. Released in October 2024, it maintains strong player reception, making it a worthwhile choice for strategy enthusiasts seeking something fresh in the genre.
