You know that feeling when you play a game and sense the love and dedication poured into it, as if there’s a soul behind the screen? That’s exactly how I felt playing Beloved Rapture. It’s a story of struggles and connections, of characters from different lifestyles, united by a common goal: preventing a catastrophe that could spell the end of life as they know it.
The game places you in the role of the determined Johan, a young man with a strong bond with his mother. Life in the quiet countryside of Veritas Mountain has always been peaceful, but everything changes on Johan’s 18th birthday. Alongside his best friend Zack, Johan dreams of leaving their serene village to seek new adventures and job opportunities. However, that same day, he’s thrust into a conflict far beyond his understanding. The Aeons, a mysterious and cult-like militia, begin to encroach on Veritas Mountain. Now, Johan must choose his path in this escalating conflict, stepping into the role of an unlikely hero.
In RPGs, the story is often the glue that holds everything together, and Beloved Rapture excels here. Johan’s journey is deeply emotional, confronting themes of family trauma, love, sexuality, and his inner struggles. It’s a narrative filled with moments of sorrow, passion, and self-discovery.
The gameplay complements this beautifully, offering a dynamic turn-based combat system with two modes: Active Mode, where enemies attack in real-time, and Wait Mode, which pauses time to let you strategize. While the Wait Mode is still in beta and has some minor issues, I stuck to Active Mode during my playthrough. Admittedly, the fast pace of Active Mode might be overwhelming for players who prefer more time to strategize, but the choice between modes is a thoughtful touch that accommodates different play styles.
One of Beloved Rapture’s standout features is its removal of random encounters and mandatory grinding, allowing you to progress at your own pace. The difficulty curve felt balanced for the most part, with the exception of the final boss fight, which I found overly punishing. The enemy repeatedly used a devastating ability that wiped out my entire party, making it nearly impossible to recover, even with strategic healing. I’ve shared this feedback with the developer, and I hope future updates address this issue.
Character progression is another highlight. Leveling up lets you assign bonus points to enhance specific attributes, allowing for personalized development of your party. While you can’t change weapons, you can evolve them, unlocking new powers and finishers. This isn’t a system for creating entirely new character classes, but it does give you freedom to fine-tune your party’s strengths. The game subtly nudges you toward optimal builds, which is helpful, though it leaves room for experimentation.
On the downside, the ending left me feeling disappointed. After 27 hours of gameplay, fully invested in Johan’s story, I felt the conclusion was rushed. It didn’t quite match the emotional depth or buildup of the rest of the game. That said, I understand the challenges indie teams face – small budgets, tight schedules, and countless obstacles behind the scenes. Despite its imperfections, Beloved Rapture radiates the passion of its creators, and that’s something truly special.
Fortunately, I was able to share my thoughts with the development team, and they assured me that an expanded final chapter is in the works, along with a DLC. This news left me incredibly hopeful and excited for what’s to come.
In the end, Beloved Rapture is a heartfelt homage to classic JRPGs, with a compelling narrative and engaging mechanics. Its focus on character development and mature themes sets it apart in the indie RPG space. While it has minor flaws in pacing and balance, the overall experience is unforgettable for fans of the genre.
[This review is based on the final game code for Steam, generously provided by Rapturous Studio.]
