Akuma Rise on Nintendo Switch continues KEMCO’s long-running output of retro-inspired JRPGs, this time developed in collaboration with Exe Create.
Released on Nintendo Switch via the eShop (reviewed as a Switch release), the title leans into classic turn-based mechanics while distinguishing itself visually with an unusual palette dominated by purple and pink hues.
A memorable line associated with the game’s presentation — originally phrased as "Rise up, come on and go with me" in promotional material from B.E.R. — can be succinctly rendered as a straightforward call for players to rise up and join the adventure, setting an energetic tone for the experience.
Story and setting
Akuma Rise opens with protagonist Kaine awakening on a beach with no memory, a familiar JRPG trope.
The narrative places players in the Shadow Realm — a demon-dominated world that has lost its Overlord and now faces internal conflict and incursions from the Radiant Realm.
The premise drives exploration across an overworld of villages, sidequests, dungeons, puzzles, and random encounters.
Combat and systems
Combat is a traditional turn-based system augmented by several distinguishing mechanics.
Party members use standard attacks and more powerful orb skills, which are powered by equippable orbs that grow stronger through use.
Characters can also build and expend POW skills for high-damage effects.
A core tactical element is the 3x3 grid for party and enemy placement: attacks can target single squares or multiple tiles, rewarding thoughtful positioning and skill selection.
Boss encounters in Akuma Rise are often vulnerable to strategy rather than brute-force over-leveling, and the grid mechanics meaningfully factor into those fights.
Progression and monetization
Akuma Rise includes paid DLC options that speed experience gain and increase damage, providing optional shortcuts for players who prefer to ease progression.
The base game, however, is noted as relatively accessible in difficulty without requiring paid boosts.
Presentation and tone
Exe Create’s writing style is lively and occasionally broad, with party dialogue that aims for high entertainment value.
Over the course of the adventure, party dynamics and story beats become more engaging, and the cast coalesces into a likable group despite some familiar character tropes.
Verdict
Overall, Akuma Rise is a competent, comfortable retro JRPG that will appeal most to fans of KEMCO’s catalog and players who enjoy classic turn-based systems with modest tactical twists.
The original review assigned a 7/10, calling the game "Good": it blends dependable genre mechanics with a distinct visual identity, even if it does not radically reinvent the formula.
Released on Nintendo Switch via the eShop (reviewed as a Switch release), the title leans into classic turn-based mechanics while distinguishing itself visually with an unusual palette dominated by purple and pink hues.
A memorable line associated with the game’s presentation — originally phrased as "Rise up, come on and go with me" in promotional material from B.E.R. — can be succinctly rendered as a straightforward call for players to rise up and join the adventure, setting an energetic tone for the experience.
Story and setting
Akuma Rise opens with protagonist Kaine awakening on a beach with no memory, a familiar JRPG trope.
The narrative places players in the Shadow Realm — a demon-dominated world that has lost its Overlord and now faces internal conflict and incursions from the Radiant Realm.
The premise drives exploration across an overworld of villages, sidequests, dungeons, puzzles, and random encounters.
Combat and systems
Combat is a traditional turn-based system augmented by several distinguishing mechanics.
Party members use standard attacks and more powerful orb skills, which are powered by equippable orbs that grow stronger through use.
Characters can also build and expend POW skills for high-damage effects.
A core tactical element is the 3x3 grid for party and enemy placement: attacks can target single squares or multiple tiles, rewarding thoughtful positioning and skill selection.
Boss encounters in Akuma Rise are often vulnerable to strategy rather than brute-force over-leveling, and the grid mechanics meaningfully factor into those fights.
Progression and monetization
Akuma Rise includes paid DLC options that speed experience gain and increase damage, providing optional shortcuts for players who prefer to ease progression.
The base game, however, is noted as relatively accessible in difficulty without requiring paid boosts.
Presentation and tone
Exe Create’s writing style is lively and occasionally broad, with party dialogue that aims for high entertainment value.
Over the course of the adventure, party dynamics and story beats become more engaging, and the cast coalesces into a likable group despite some familiar character tropes.
Verdict
Overall, Akuma Rise is a competent, comfortable retro JRPG that will appeal most to fans of KEMCO’s catalog and players who enjoy classic turn-based systems with modest tactical twists.
The original review assigned a 7/10, calling the game "Good": it blends dependable genre mechanics with a distinct visual identity, even if it does not radically reinvent the formula.
