VanillaWare RTS with sumptuous Japanese aesthetics, blending fantasy and a magic academy. The real-time familiar summoning system on a timeline is brilliant. One of the most original and beautiful strategy experiences on PS2, carried by exceptional art direction.
Your verdict
Category
Real-Time Strategy1 player12+
Description
A real-time strategy game by Vanillaware released in 2007 by Nippon Ichi, designed by George Kamitani. Players guide Lillet Blan, an apprentice witch trapped in a time loop who must master five schools of magic to break the curse. Sumptuous 2D visuals and writing full of humor.
GrimGrimoire review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Hand-painted frescoes by Vanillaware, shimmering spells and fabulous creatures: the screen looks like an illuminated manuscript in motion. The finesse of the 2D animation and the richness of the hues dazzle at every moment. This pictorial beauty, dense and refined, stands as a jewel of interactive animation.
First-production Shokai Seisanban printing of Vanillaware's real-time strategy game, designed by George Kamitani at Nippon Ichi. Renowned for its sumptuous 2D visuals, the title saw its value climb with the studio's later recognition. This shorter first Japanese pressing draws Vanillaware collectors mindful of the exact edition, value resting on both the game's art and the scarcity of the initial run.
Is GrimGrimoire still worth playing in 2026?
A real time strategy game from Vanillaware, GrimGrimoire deploys its summoning battles on gorgeously illustrated two dimensional planes, where an apprentice witch relives five days in a magic academy on a loop to unravel a mystery. Vanillaware's sublime art direction, the rune system to balance and the time loop mechanic win over fans of atypical strategy. The short length and an uneven difficulty weigh on it. A title for fans of original RTS and games with a strong artistic signature.
