RPG Grinsia Review
iPhone App
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RPG Grinsia Review

Our Review by Kevin Stout on March 27th, 2012
Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: LAGGY
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Grinsia is a decent RPG with some lag problems.

Developer: Kotobuki Solution Co.
Price: $4.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Game Controls Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarhalfstarblankstarblankstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarhalfstarblankstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar

Grinsia plays like most iOS RPGs. Move around, fight, collect items and equipment, progress through a story. It does have some unique RPG elements, similar to another game I recently reviewed by the same developers, Fantasy Chronicle. This game is worth buying for players that can overlook some lag.

The unique elements in the game include allies that react differently to each event (giving a slight replay value by changing up party members), differences in the game during day and night (in game), and a treasure skill system (certain treasure items give abilities).

While there’s no disputing the Grinsia is a well-made RPG, it has some problems that, as an app, I can’t ignore.

Every time I went to do something as simple as using an item, equipping a weapon or armor, saving the game--any use of the menus in general, really--those actions had to be done twice. The game sort of asks players to confirm the action they’ve already chosen. It’s an understandable precaution considering it’s a touch screen device, but unnecessary. I play plenty of games that are more confident in my ability to press a button than Grinsia. Those games work out fine.

The main problem with the game is the lag. If I was playing the game on an antiquated iOS device (let’s call the 3GS antiquated), I would understand the lag. But on my iPhone 4, there should be no lag at all for this type of game. The graphics are nice for a top-view RPG, but it’s nothing like Infinity Blade (which runs smoothly on my iPhone 4).

During fights, there’s no lag at all. But moving about the world causes enough lag to be on the border of annoying and unplayable. The game is playable, but it will annoy even the most patient of players. The game description claims players have the ability to lower graphics quality in the menus, but I couldn’t find the option. I looked for quite some time. I believe the developers forgot to insert the option.

Grinsia is a decent RPG and will probably be fun for anyone who enjoyed Fantasy Chronicle and other games by this developer. But be wary of the lag problems. It’s currently on sale for 45% off at $4.99.

Gameplay footage in the video below.


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iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

RPG Grinsia screenshot 1 RPG Grinsia screenshot 2 RPG Grinsia screenshot 3 RPG Grinsia screenshot 4
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