Steam Roundup: Sequence

Sequence takes a concept that Puzzle Quest made possible and makes something even better (at least, if you like DDR-style games). Instead of mashing RPG elements with Bejeweled, Sequence mashes RPG elements with Dance Dance Revolution, albeit a version played on your keyboard or controller. I can understand skeptibility at putting these two elements together but I was excited the moment I learned about this game. When it went on sale during the Autumn Steam Sale, I knew I had to pick it up and talk about it (it's also available as an Xbox Live Indie Game)

The gameplay consists of three separate "fields" with their own set of four arrows. Using a controller, you use the triggers to switch fields and the d-pad and face buttons to hit the arrows as they fall.

One field is the defensive field where the enemy you face in combat attacks you with arrows. It isn't a constant attack - there are brief periods of respite throughout the song. Colored arrows do more damage and each arrow you miss harms you. Switching to other fields doesn't pause the action so you constantly have to take a hit or two to get a spell off or regain your mana.

The spell field is used to cast one of your spells. The spells are arranged on a wheel that can be cycled through with the right stick. When you have a spell you want to cast (and have enough mana), you hit one of the bumpers to cast it. The spells are set patterns but the arrows themselves are randomized. If you succeed in hitting each arrow in the spell, it is cast. There are direct damage spells, damage over time spells, heals, and even more.

The third field is the mana field and it is here that you get your mana back (duh). Notes constantly fall in this field but missed ones don't penalize you at all. Each arrow you hit gives you a point of mana back to cast your spells. Having to cycle each of these fields give the game an interesting mechanic of having to take a hit every so often to cast a spell or get mana back and switching back and forth quickly becomes quickly necessary.

There is a story holding this all together and it is fairly good for what it is. Each of the game's seven floors has a boss encounter and it is before and after these fights that most of the story unfolds. Still images of various characters are shown with speech bubbles and are fully voiced. The voice acting can be a bit shaky at times but is good overall. The style of humor is odd, very unlike most other video games. It feels more realistic and not just dick jokes or fourth wall breaks.

In between boss fights, you can pick to fight one of three random enemies. You have to do this to receive materials to synthesize various weapons, armors, and the key to the next floor, allowing you to progress further into the story. Unfortunately, this is where the game gets a bit too repetitive. Each enemy has its own song at first and the drop rates for the various items is high enough. Later on, the songs start to repeat and the drop rates become extremely trying on your patience.

The music is of course a very important part of the equation and it is fantastic. It is a mix of rockish songs, poppier stuff, and a piano song or two. One of the songs got stuck in my head and has been there the last three days. I can't...get...it...out. A little more variety would have done a lot for the game but I can understand having a budget for only so many.

Sequence is an interesting concept and one I feel deserves as much credit as Puzzle Quest. In fact, it deserves more credit for taking an idea I actually enjoy (DDR) and putting it together with RPG elements. I would easily guess that most people have never heard of this and I urge you to give it a shot. The game is only $5 and can be found on Steam and Xbox Live Indie Arcade.