Is Scarlet Nexus Worth It? A Detailed Expert Analysis

The Short Answer

Yes, Scarlet Nexus is absolutely worth playing for fans of stylish action RPGs and anime-inspired games. With its slick psychokinetic combat, engaging dual storylines, and vibrant world, Scarlet Nexus delivers a polished and exciting experience from start to finish.

Game Overview

• Genre: Action RPG
• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Release Date: June 25, 2021
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Scarlet Nexus is a brand new IP from Bandai Namco Studios that blends anime visual flair with fast-paced psychic-powered combat. As a new recruit in the Other Suppression Force (OSF), you‘ll use abilities like psychokinesis and invisibility to battle mutant creatures called Others in a futuristic Japanese setting.

Story and Setting

The game takes place in New Himuka, a futuristic city in a far future version of Japan. Humans have developed extrasensory psionic abilities through the power of the human brain. However, the emergence of mutant Others that feed on brains threatens humanity.

To combat this threat, the Other Suppression Force (OSF) was formed, drawing from youth with powerful psionic abilities. You play as new OSF recruit Yuito Sumeragi or Kasane Randall, with the story following both perspectives.

Their stories intertwine to reveal a complex conspiracy involving secret human experiments, powerful corporate interests, and the truth behind the Others.

Gameplay and Progression

Combat is real-time and fast-paced, combining physical attacks with psychic abilities like psychokinesis, invisibility, and more. Chaining combos and utilizing your teammates‘ buffs adds depth. Bosses provide an enjoyable challenge.

While levels are linear, they offer branching paths and puzzles rewarding exploration. Progression involves leveling up your stats and talents, crafting healing items and upgrades, and bonding with teammates to learn new powers.

Presentation

Scarlet Nexus uses a stylish anime aesthetic with clean, futuristic environments and flashy effects. The soundtrack features fast-paced J-rock and pop tracks fitting the tone.

Critical Reception and Sales Data

Scarlet Nexus received generally positive reviews at launch, with critics praising the combat, story, and anime-inspired aesthetic. Here‘s a sampling of review data:

The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide as of April 2022. It reached 2 million players across all platforms.

Scarlet Nexus was also the 5th best selling game in the US in June 2021, its launch month. This indicates solid sales momentum for a new IP.

In-Depth Analysis

Here is a deeper dive into Scarlet Nexus‘ key strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths

• The real-time combat system is fast, fluid, and impactful thanks to the blend of physical and psychic abilities.
• Using psychokinetic powers like lifting objects, manipulating elements, or turning invisible adds unique flair.
• Balancing combos, powers, healing, and your teammates‘ support buffs gives combat depth without being overwhelming.
• Boss battles are a highlight, requiring learning patterns and smart ability use.
• Exploring environments rewards you with crafting materials, items, and lore expanding the game world.
• Vibrant anime visuals and a killer soundtrack reinforce the gameplay experience.
• Yuito and Kasane offer two meaningful perspectives on the story.
• New Himuka is an imaginative setting combining sci-fi and Japanese elements.
• The story expands from a basic kill-the-monsters plot into an intricate conspiracy tale.

Weaknesses

• The overall gameplay loop falls into repetition at times.
• Enemy variety could be more diverse.
• Bond episodes vary in quality.
• The final act feels a bit rushed.
• PC ports had some technical hiccups at launch.

Audience and Replay Value

Best For

• Action RPG fans, especially those who enjoy real-time combat vs turn-based
• Anime aesthetic lovers
• Those looking for an immersive standalone story
• Players who appreciate mobility and flashier powers in combat
• Collectors wanting to find all items and unlocks

Replayability

Beating Scarlet Nexus once takes around 30 hours. However, playing through the game twice by experiencing both Yuito and Kasane‘s stories essentially doubles the content.

There are also unlockable EX missions, cosmetics, and challenge modes providing additional replay value. Achievement and trophy hunters can get 30+ hours from completing everything.

Overall, Scarlet Nexus succeeds in delivering a polished, stylish action RPG experience. For fans of the genre, its slick combat, engaging story, and anime aesthetic make it absolutely worth your time and money.