Oswald’s Adventure is a classic JRPG made by Dede Bayi. Built with the RPG Maker engine, the game offers a warm story, puzzle-filled dungeons, and an adventure full of charm. All centered around the search for a missing sibling. Let’s talk about it!
Oswald’s Journey
Have you ever played a game that looks super simple at first, but it slowly pulls you deeper into its atmosphere? That’s exactly what Oswald’s Adventure does. It gently draws you into a world filled with mystery and nostalgia.
The premise is quite simple, a young boy searching for his missing sister. But it’s that simplicity that makes the game feel sincere and heartfelt.
The game introduces its world slowly but in a memorable way. At the beginning, you find yourself in a peaceful-looking village. But you can immediately feel that something isn’t right, yet you can’t quite prove it.
The villagers seem to know that something is off. But Oswald stays determined, focused on finding clues about his sister’s whereabouts.
Very Simple Visuals
The most noticeable and obvious thing about Oswald’s Adventure is its decision to use RPG Maker’s default assets entirely. Yep, no custom sprites, no custom tilesets, no additional illustrations.
Some people might think this makes the game look cheap or assume the dev is lazy, but honestly, it’s quite a bold move. In an era where indie games race to impress with unique visuals, this game goes against the flow. It confidently says, “Base assets can look great too if you use them well.”
And it works! Everything is arranged neatly and consistently, creating a clean, pleasant look.
Also read! Twilight Memoria Sun and Moon: Romantic yet Nostalgic RPG
The default RPG Maker assets actually make the game feel nostalgic too. Like playing those early 2000s RPG Maker community games made with pure passion.
Ever played RPG Maker games where the assets clash or don’t match at all? Oswald’s Adventure feels like a refreshing break from that. It reminds you that base assets can look good when used properly.
Classic JRPG
The main gameplay really feels like stepping back into the retro JRPG era. The turn based battle system is pretty quick paced, so it never drags. Every party member also has their own set of unique skills.
What makes it more interesting is how you recruit party members, by using Business Cards. You’re totally free to recruit whoever you want, or perhaps recruit no one at all? Yes, you can try finishing the whole game completely solo.
Each dungeon also has its own personality. Some are full of puzzles, some are labyrinth like, while some focus heavily on battles. And the pacing is just right, not too long, not too short.
Perfect for players who want an adventure but don’t have much time. If you’re busy, you can clear one dungeon per play session without any pressure.
And yes, the game can get a bit grindy. Some people may find that tiring I understand. But, if you’ve played old-school Final Fantasy games, the grind here will feel totally normal, even familiar.
Just run each dungeon twice and don’t escape from any fights. You’ll level up fast enough without doing exhausting extra grinding.
Also read! Scarlet Record: Ambitious Tactical RPG from Bandung!
Not as Simple as It Looks
Overall, Oswald’s Adventure isn’t as simple as it appears. Using the RPG Maker’s default assets, the game manages to deliver a neat, nostalgic, and wholesome experience. Without pretending to be something it’s not.
Sure, the grinding may not be everyone’s preference. But once you understand its rhythm, the game becomes surprisingly easy to progress through without stress.
RPG Maker indie games are often underestimated. But, games like Oswald’s Adventure prove they can deliver warmth and charm that even modern AAA titles sometimes fail to capture.
Not every game needs a huge world or overly complex plot to be enjoyable. Sometimes, a simple and honest game is exactly what you need to unwind from everyday life.
Try It Now!
