Game Details

Size 685 MB
Region Japan
Genre Visual Novel
Format 7z / ISO
Year May 28, 2009
Console PSP

 

Utawarerumono Portable (2009) is the handheld version of the legendary tactical RPG and visual novel hybrid that launched a massive franchise. While it originally started as an adult PC game in 2002, the PSP version is an “All-Ages” port of the 2006 PlayStation 2 remake, which refined the mechanics and added full voice acting.

The Plot / Premise: The Masked Savior

The story is set in a world where people have animal-like ears and tails, living in a feudal, tribal society.

  • The Awakening: A man wearing an unremovable ivory mask awakens in a small village with no memory of his past or even his own name.

  • A New Identity: He is found and nursed back to health by a girl named Eruruu and her grandmother. They give him the name Hakuowlo.

  • The Rebellion: Hakuowlo soon realizes the village is being oppressed by a greedy and corrupt local lord. Using his natural talent for leadership and tactics, he leads a peasant rebellion that eventually spirals into a massive, continent-spanning war of nations and ancient secrets.

The Big Change: Console Refinement

The PSP version (based on the PS2 version) introduced several major upgrades over the 2002 PC original:

  • Full Voice Acting: The entire game is voiced by a high-tier anime cast (including Rikiya Koyama and Ryoka Yuzuki), which adds immense emotional depth to the visual novel segments.

  • “All-Ages” Content: All explicit adult scenes from the PC version were replaced with new story arcs and CG (Computer Graphic) illustrations that focus on character bonding and plot development.

  • Enhanced Battle System: The SRPG segments were overhauled with a “Chain Attack” system. During your turn, you must time button presses to execute combos, which makes the turn-based combat feel much more active.

  • New Story Arc: A specific side-story featuring the character Kamchatka was added to this version of the timeline.

 Key Features

  • Dual Gameplay Loop: The game is roughly 70% Visual Novel (reading and making choices) and 30% Strategy RPG (grid-based tactical combat).

  • Grid-Based Combat: You command a diverse army of units—from heavy-hitting samurai to magic-using mages and mounted cavalry—on a square-grid battlefield.

  • The Zeal System: Successful chain attacks build up a “Zeal” meter. Once full, it allows for a powerful Final Strike or an immediate extra turn.

  • Legendary Music: Features the iconic opening “Musouka” by Suara, which became a staple of the series’ identity.

Short Review: A Masterpiece of Pacing

The Good

  • Incredible World-Building: The transition from a small village “slice-of-life” story to an epic political drama is handled masterfully. You genuinely care about the village before the war starts.

  • Polished Art: The character portraits and CGs are vibrant and detailed, looking excellent on the PSP’s screen.

  • Tactical Depth: While not as complex as Final Fantasy Tactics, the chain-timing mechanic keeps the battles engaging and prevents them from feeling like a chore.

The Bad

  • Slow Start: It can take several hours of reading before the first major battle occurs. It is very much a “slow burn” experience.

  • Language Barrier: Since there was no official English release for the PSP, you would need to rely on fan translations or Japanese proficiency to enjoy the text-heavy story.

  • Censorship Side-Effects: Some fans feel that removing certain scenes makes the romantic progression between Hakuowlo and some female characters feel a bit abrupt.

Screenshots

Utawarerumono Portable PSP ISO
Utawarerumono Portable PSP ISO