After several long years of development, Unicorn Overlord has finally arrived. Developed by Vanillaware, the studio behind the critically acclaimed 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Unicorn Overlord is a high fantasy adventure full of swords, sorcery, and intrigue. Reviews are now live for the game, and the general consensus is positive for this elegant tactical-RPG.
Like other games from Vanillaware, Unicorn Overlord blends the unique art direction of that studio with intricate gameplay systems as you explore the land and assemble an army of adventurers to help you reclaim your kingdom. On GameSpot’s sister site Metacritic, the game currently has a “Generally Favorable” Metascore of 88 from 13 reviews, with outlets praising the marriage between fun gameplay and captivating visuals.
Unicorn Overlord
- Game: Unicorn Overlord
- Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
- Developer: Vanillaware
- Release Date: March 8
- Price: $60
If you’re interested in checking out the game, a demo for it is available on the Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation storefronts. For more, you can check out the highlights below from several outlets that sunk dozens of hours into Unicorn Overlord.
IGN — 9/10
“Reflecting on the incredibly diverse and remarkably creative world I explored across my 45-hour journey, any issues I had with Unicorn Overlord ended up feeling like nothing more than nitpicks. The tactical combat system is unique and complex while also being easy to understand, expertly blending mechanics from many of its peers with smart new additions of its own.” — Eric Zalewski [Full review]
CGM — 9/10
“With a wealth of character permutations, a large cast of characters, and a well-realized story, Unicorn Overlord excels in delivering a tactical roleplaying game experience that lives up to the greats while continuing to expand Vanillaware’s portfolio of concept art come-to-life videogames in a new light.” — Zubi Khan [Full review]
The Gamer — 90/100
“As a long-time TRPG fan, Unicorn Overlord is everything I wanted it to be and more. I suspect that some people will read this review and think that it sounds tedious, but that’s the thing about games that deliver such a focused experience: they aren’t going to appeal to everyone. However, by being so specific in everything it does, Unicorn Overlord ensures that those who do ‘get it’ will be thinking of it fondly for decades to come.” — James Kennedy [Full review]
Noisy Pixel — 8.5/10
Unicorn Overlord distinguishes itself in the tactical RPG landscape with its strategic depth and immersive worldbuilding. Vanillaware’s creation shines through its complex combat system, where unit formations, skill settings, and strategic planning are key. Despite a sprawling cast that sometimes dilutes character impact, the gameplay’s strategic intricacies and the detailed, visually rich environments ensure a compelling experience. This game is a notable entry for both newcomers to tactical RPGs and seasoned strategists, highlighting Vanillaware’s mastery in blending beautiful art with deep gameplay mechanics. — Orpheus Joshua [Full review]
Kotaku — Unscored
“This is not a game that is trying to be a narrative masterpiece; it is trying to be a mechanical marvel, and it accomplishes the latter in spades. The endlessly inventive and incredibly well-designed tactical systems at play in Unicorn Overlord make it a thrilling challenge to tackle. It isn’t just a game that longtime fans of Vanillaware should pay attention to, it’s for anybody wanting to play the next great tactics RPG. Unicorn Overlord is the game you’ve been waiting for.” — Willa Rowe [Full review]
