Terrain of Magical Expertise: Chapter 1 Demo is a free 2D action role-playing video game wherein you take part in an online game’s special event. Developed by TOMERPG, this indie simulation game features turn-based combat with QTEs (quick time events) for your party members’ cool-looking special skills. This version is only a demo but covers the first 5 stages of the game.

The white hat wonder

In Terrain of Magical Expertise: Chapter 1 Demo, a popular MMORPG called “TOME”  is currently hosting the “Campaign of Champions” event, which involves a huge cash prize—and this soon attracts the seedy kind of players. You play as someone who will not stand for any kind of cheating using hacking. One day, you were gifted a copy of the game by a mysterious friend who suddenly wants you to stop some conniving players from rigging the event.

This game uses your keyboard but also supports most handheld controllers. You don’t use your mouse here so some keybindings can be confusing at first. WASD is still for movement and navigating the menu, but the directional arrow keys have different purposes. In battle, Up is for items, Left is for magic techniques, Right is for strike attacks, and Down is for strategizing. In the overworld, however, Down is for confirming a choice and Right is for canceling. 

The turn-based combat here is a bit unique. Attacking can actually be boosted by tapping the corresponding buttons—strike attacks can let you deal two or more extra hits while magic attacks have you charging your spells. You can also defend against attacks with the Down key. Take note that your mana points are shared by the whole party. It’s only strange that the tutorial for this is on your second battle—and that there’s a timer for every turn.

Lots of fun

Overall, Terrain of Magical Expertise: Chapter 1 Demo is actually a promising game, with its colorful 2D visuals reminiscent of old fantasy cartoons and QTE turn-based combat. The writing for the dialogue and plot are quite solid for an indie game and the whole thing plays out like a game within a game—and due to the story, you even have access to extra skills like hacking. This is a recommended game for any RPG fan.