After a summer 2015 release on mobile iOS and Android devices, Ambition of the Slimes has since seen life on the PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch. The tactical role-playing game is now playable on Steam for $4.99 / £3.99 / 4,99€.
Ambition of the Slimes’ conceit centers around reframing the usefulness of slimes–typically low-level fodder in RPG’s. Japanese based development studio, Altairworks, added versatility to the tried and true mob filler of yesteryear. In this indie game, slimes are capable of multiplying, using magic, and several special abilities including the “Claim” feature. Opponent’s bodies can be controlled through the use of this “claim” command in an effort to devise new strategies.
While Ambition of the Slimes has seen releases on many platforms since 2015, its critical reception is little more than middling. With a Metacritic average of 59 on 3DS, critics aren’t feeling the slimes’ ambition. Only three critic reviews appear for the Switch version while the iOS meta page has two.
As an example of the divide between critics, Nintendo Life awarded the 3DS release an 8 out of 10 while concluding “Ambition of the Slimes is a lovable little game. It takes a classic concept — the grid-based strategy-RPG — and infuses it with a fun new conceit…Even better, it runs with that idea to deliver fun twists on the gameplay…Add in a fun old-school presentation and a heap of personality, and Slimes is an easy recommendation for SRPG fans looking for quick, quirky fun“.
While on the lower end, Nintendo World Report scored it a 4 out of 10, ending the review with “Ambition of the Slimes is a frustratingly mediocre game. I wanted to enjoy the experience, but I think I’ll stick to pasting Goomy going forward rather than try and fight through more maps in 8-on-1 battles. And it’s not even the worst strategy RPG I’ve played this year“.
