Quartet GBAtemp review
Computer
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): August 25, 2025
- Release Date (EU): August 25, 2025
- Publisher: Something Classic Games LLC
- Developer: Something Classic Games LLC
- Genres: RPG
Game Features:
Quartet lets you start one of its four main protagonists’ stories in any order - an exiled mage stumbling upon a government conspiracy, a comical cook with hidden magical potential, a young woman entangled in shady dealings, and a sergeant who finds himself inadvertently helping the other side of a war he is engaged in. These initially unrelated plots unfold distinctly in different parts of the game’s world until they merge in a struggle to end the war with the power of magic at its core.
Four stories and a shared destiny
Quartet’s narrative mechanic to have separate playable protagonists with individual stories which then converge isn’t unlike Octopath Traveler. However, in Quartet, the heroes join forces earlier and completing their individual stories in the four opening chapters is more like a prologue before the start of the larger, main story across its 20h+ playtime.
Developer Something Classic Games has expertly executed this mechanic, making for a cohesive, non-linear way for the overarching plot to unfold. The opening chapters, focusing on the stories of the individual heroes, are also original, highlighting each character’s unique personalities and quirks. Each protagonist also has a sidekick of sorts with their own background. The narrative is heavily character-driven and its original premise, merging political intrugie with magical mysteries makes for a memorable experience. However, there’s not much in terms of side quests that could further flesh out the universe, as the main cast are front and centre.
Like Octopath Traveler, Quartet adopts a retro-styled aesthetic and adds modernised features. Each scene packs a richly detailed pixel art environment, with lively surroundings. Battlefields are uniquely animated when individual skills are used. Expressive characters make their sprites feel alive. The soundtrack is equally strong, with distinctive regional and battle themes that surpassed my expectations for an indie title. On a minor note, the default pixel font can be challenging to get used to at first, but the developers have added an HD font option to improve clarity.
Retro look, retro gameplay
While there is no sprawling open world in Quartet, its richly detailed and lively environment invites exploration. Whether it’s to converse with locals or browsing bookshelves, the universe feels alive with the little tidbits you gather from such interactions.
Exploration is rewarded as by trekking off the beaten path, you can find consumables, gear and tomes that can give permanent buffs to your characters. As this game does not rely on a skill tree but leans on equipment management, finding such items (instead of purchasing them) is always beneficial.
You will have to manage an active party of up to 4 active members. As you progress through the story, your party will host a total of 8 members. In addition, the game features 12 guest characters, some of whom will temporarily join your party, even uring combat. This makes for an interesting, non-linear approach to party setups.
True to its retro RPG inspirations, Quartet adopts turn-based combat. You can switch between characters during combat, and this has a tactical edge. Members who are not in the front line regenerate their spell points and you can switch mid-combat for more effective and deadly maneuvers.
Such strategising is key to Quartet’s combat mechanic. As each character come with their own skills, you will have over 50 skills - which can be supplemented by 100s of unique equipment - to combine for the most effective outcome. You will have to try offensive and defensive actions, identify what works best against particular enemy types. Sometimes regular attacks are best suited, but it's up to you to find the most effective approach.
Encounters offer a fair challenge, and feel satisfying. Unlike many of its retro inspirations, there are no frustrating random encounters. Enemies are visible on the screen and you can even escape some if you are in a bind. You will engage in enough battles across the game’s 24 dungeons, so do not feel like you are missing out by skipping one battle.
Between combat and story segments, you will occasionally engage with some light puzzles or side activities. These range from a card mini-game to helping NPC move stealthily. Such instances an additional layer of fun and sometimes challenge, further diversifying the gameplay.
Quartet: an unexpected indie gem
Quartet wasn’t a game on my radar and I wasn’t familiar with Something Classic Games’ work before. They did release a similar retro-styled RPG, and as their second title, Quartet is a polished, nostalgic experience for modern times that I am glad I did not miss out on.
I did find the lack of a map or quest log somewhat occasionally disorienting. The absence of meaningful side quests to further flesh out the universe feels like a missed opportunity. However, the main plot and strategic combat is compelling enough to make for a memorable experience.
Overall, Quartet honours the classic RPGs it is inspired from. Its four-character narrative design and tactical combat are expertly woven together, making it a must-play for fans of pixel RPGs.
Quartet - Classic JRPG Release Day Trailer
Verdict
- Original narrative with four interconnected storylines
- Satisfying stategic combat mechanic
- Charming pixel art and excellent soundtrack
- Lack of quest-tracking features
- Absence of meaningful side quests
