The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily, a turn-based strategy game released last year, is garnering praise for its unique blend of joyful absurdity and clever mechanical design. The game, which was initially overlooked by some, has been highlighted for its unapologetically unique approach and engaging narrative.
At the heart of the game are its protagonists: Lady Scarlet, an egomaniacal aristocrat accused of murdering the Emperor, and Lily, a streamer who inadvertently becomes involved. Their dynamic evolves from a transactional arrangement for attention to a genuinely supportive and teasing partnership, a departure from common tropes. This relationship underpins the game's narrative progression, with in-game actions and cutscenes reflecting their developing bond.
While the game presents as a JRPG with character stat improvements and skill acquisition, its core lies in strategic decision-making. Players lead armies across a campaign map dotted with towns and strongholds. Unlike many strategy games, players do not produce units, meaning they are perpetually outnumbered. The primary objective is to occupy enemy strongholds, a task complicated by limited army capacity in towns, creating strategic chokepoints.
Lily's airship plays a crucial role, capable of immobilizing nearby enemies with Scarlet's broadcasted message, a mechanic that serves to manage enemy numbers and buy time. This ability, along with others that capture enemy generals, consumes energy and requires careful management. The decision to capture or kill enemy generals significantly impacts the game's endings and Scarlet's stats, with the latter effectively acting as a self-imposed challenge mode.
Combat itself is limited to three turns per battle, after which an army must retreat if not victorious. This constraint encourages strategic thinning of enemy ranks rather than outright annihilation, especially as armies connected to a headquarters can receive limited, but interruptible, healing. Battle mechanics involve managing "Morale Points" (MP) pooled across all units, balancing damage output with defensive capabilities, and setting up powerful abilities that often activate later in the engagement. Army movement is dictated by mobility stats, necessitating forward-thinking order placement.
The game's limitations are presented as a strength, fostering deliberate and considered moves. The absence of simultaneous multi-location attacks, for instance, emphasizes the importance of town army capacity and map planning. While some limitations may initially feel unrealistic, they contribute to a streamlined experience, preventing the game from becoming overly complicated. Players must plan movements and anticipate enemy actions two turns ahead, with natural fluctuations in the front line due to limited healing and airship downtime.
Player forces do not require direct management or customization, shifting the focus to strategic positioning. Recoverable losses and the unique "Dead End Theater" for defeated protagonists Scarlet and Lily, where they can discuss strategy and flirt even after death, further contribute to the game's forgiving nature and distinctive tone. This "just roll with it" attitude extends to the narrative, which unfolds organically with light foreshadowing and a humorous, ironic touch.
The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily is lauded not only for its strong strategy design and challenging yet accessible campaign but also for its personality. The game embraces its own silliness, fostering an environment where players are invited to enjoy the experience. Scarlet's transformation from a stock villainess to a charismatic character is a key element, driven by her enjoyment of the chaos and her willingness to listen to Lily. This infectious fun extends to other characters and even the background civilians, whose real-time commentary on the unfolding chaos adds another layer of dark humor.
The airship's live battle feeds and growing follower count, coupled with fan commentary, create a unique juxtaposition of 19th-century aristocracy and modern internet culture. These hundreds of comments, while present, do not detract from the gameplay but rather enhance the comedic effect, capturing the essence of candid online reactions. The game's carefully judged limitations, combined with its consistently entertaining presentation and sheer personality, make it a standout recommendation for players seeking a challenging and exceptionally lovable strategy experience.