Review of Breath of Death VII The Beginning Reanimated on PC Steam

Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated is a delightful homage to classic JRPGs, brimming with charm, wit, and nostalgia. Developed by Shadow Layer Games this reimagined version of the Zeboyd Games  cult hit from 2010 revitalizes the original with improved visuals, enhanced mechanics, and additional content that makes it a must-play for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Story and Humor

The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have been replaced by undead creatures and other mythical beings. You play as a silent skeleton warrior, who embarks on a quest to uncover ancient secrets and bring peace to the world. Along the way, He is joined by an eclectic cast of allies, including Lita, and Erik, a vampiric scholar. The story doesn’t take itself too seriously, leaning heavily on self-aware humor, clever puns, and parody of RPG tropes.

The dialogue is sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny, with countless references to gaming culture. The game pokes fun at genre conventions, such as the clichéd hero’s journey and random encounters, while also delivering a surprisingly heartfelt tale about friendship and redemption. The new content in Reanimated includes expanded dialogue and additional cutscenes, which add depth to the characters without losing the comedic edge.

Gameplay

Breath of Death VII adheres to the traditional turn-based combat system but introduces modern twists to keep things engaging. Battles are fast-paced, with an emphasis on strategy. The combo system rewards players for chaining attacks, encouraging thoughtful planning over brute force. Additionally, the difficulty can be adjusted, catering to both casual players and hardcore RPG enthusiasts.

Exploration is straightforward, with dungeons filled with puzzles, treasure, and optional challenges. One notable improvement in Reanimated is the inclusion of quality-of-life features such as an auto-battle option, streamlined menus, and a save-anywhere system. These updates make the game feel more accessible and less grind-heavy compared to its predecessor.

The skill tree system allows for meaningful customization, letting players tailor each character’s abilities to suit their preferred playstyle. This feature adds a layer of depth to character progression, ensuring that battles remain fresh throughout the roughly 6-8 hour campaign.

Visuals and Audio

The original Breath of Death VII featured charming yet simple 8-bit graphics, and Reanimated takes this aesthetic to the next level. The revamped pixel art is vibrant and detailed, breathing new life into the game’s quirky world. Character sprites, environmental designs, and battle animations have all been polished, creating a more visually appealing experience while retaining the retro vibe.

The soundtrack, composed by HyperDuck SoundWorks, is another standout feature. The chiptune-inspired music captures the essence of classic RPGs while incorporating modern flair. Each track perfectly complements the game’s tone, whether it’s the upbeat overworld theme or the intense battle music.

Final Thoughts

Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated is a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with innovation. It respects the legacy of classic JRPGs while introducing enough new ideas to stand on its own. The humor, engaging combat, and polished presentation make it a joy to play from start to finish. While the game’s short length may leave some players wanting more, it’s a tightly crafted experience that never overstays its welcome.

Whether you’re a fan of retro RPGs or just looking for a lighthearted adventure, Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated is a journey worth taking. Shadow LAyer GAmes has truly delivered a love letter to the genre, and it’s one that deserves a place in every gamer’s library.