It’s been a scorching minute because the final Digimon recreation graced our screens, however the wait is sort of over – Digimon Story Time Stranger will probably be advancing the collection in recent methods when it hits PS5 on October 3. I used to be fortunate sufficient to spend a while with the monster-taming RPG to search out out what evolutions await.
An intriguing story, set inside gorgeous sights
My introduction to this new period of Digimon was bookended by two separate story beats. The primary was the opening of the sport, the place I selected Dan Yuki (after which later Kanan Yuki, however my alternative didn’t have an effect on the story) of ADAMAS, a secret organisation charged with investigating and fixing anomalous phenomena. And it simply so occurs there’s one in Shinjuku.
A trek throughout my place to begin in Tokyo led to an encounter with some Digimon inside a dangerous underground part, a damaged and deserted workplace house, and finally a fraught battle on high of a skyscraper.
Whereas this created a great basis for the sport, the second story part was a comparative explosion of vibrant fantasy, letting me discover the Digital World’s Abyss Space. Certain, Tokyo has its charms, however the Abyss Space’s lovely and unapologetic depiction of the Digimon tradition ranks as probably the most spectacular sights within the collection up to now. Between the clear swimming pools, shimmering rock formations, and a bunch of Digimon revering MarineAngemon singing and dancing, it was an unforgettable set-up that really confirmed off the shiny, anime-style visuals.
It has a mature facet
The Digimon collection isn’t any stranger to deep themes and subjects, so followers will probably be completely happy to listen to that even this curated playtest confirmed indicators that Time Stranger isn’t going to shrink back from large questions. Between the 2 story sections, there have been already clear indications that there’s an exploration of interspecies warfare between the Digimon and Titans, the strain of societal expectations, and even the navigation of psychological well being once I was visiting Shellmon and attempting to find why they haven’t left their house.
There are nonetheless loads of light-hearted laughs
Even when the stakes are excessive, Digimon Story Time Stranger doesn’t neglect its Saturday morning cartoon influences, both. Any brooding is balanced by its want to have enjoyable and ship a lightness of contact, whether or not it’s by way of the idle animations of your get together members, its joyful voice appearing, humorous dialogue decisions when speaking to NPCs, or the power to gather quite a lot of incidental playing cards and costumes.
To not point out that, sure, you may trip a few of the Digimon in your crew through the DigiRide possibility. Does it make traversing the atmosphere any faster? Solely in some circumstances. However is it enjoyable to see your agent hop on Leomon’s shoulder as you romp by way of a kaleidoscopic land of marvel? Oh sure.
Beginning out with acquainted RPG parts
Digimon Story Time Stranger’s tried and examined battle system has loads of familiarities to get you began. My first encounter with the lovable digital monsters supplied me a alternative between the Knowledge mammal Patamon, Vaccine sea beast Gomamon, or Virus little satan DemiDevimon.
As regular, it is a mild intro to the ‘rock-paper-scissors’ attribute system that units up the turn-based battle mechanic – Vaccine is powerful towards Virus, Virus is highly effective towards Knowledge, and Knowledge is greatest towards Vaccine. However on high of that, they will possess 4 different attributes and 11 parts comparable to Water, Plant, and Darkish, which means there are an unlimited mixture of how your 450+ Digimon can form up. Which interprets into various and strategic fight to determine the best way to exploit your enemy’s vulnerabilities.
DigiAttacks, new Persona system, and extra
What’s extra of a shock is the intricacies added to the battle system. For one, enemies at the moment are seen on-screen, so you may generally keep away from them or set off pre-emptive strikes by urgent R2 for a DigiAttack, which might immediately defeat weaker foes.
I additionally acquired to play with the Persona system, which is designed to make every Digimon extra particular person. Relying on the place your beastie traces up inside the 16 totally different character sorts, bracketed into Philanthropy, Valor, Knowledge, and Amicability, you’ll profit from stat and talent perks. For instance, ‘Pleasant’ offers Defence and Assault buffs when coupled with the Gradual Starter character talent, which offers assault boosts from spherical 4 onward.
These personalities may be modified primarily based on mini conversations you could have along with your Digimon, too. Throughout quiet moments, you may interact along with your friends, who will ask curious questions. My Leomon enquired if I used to be being reckless and that possibly I ought to take a break. Once I replied with gratitude, they responded that they merely didn’t need me to break down, which then turned their character to Philanthropy.
One other time, my Dinohyumon requested the surprisingly philosophical query if we are able to overcome something by being courageous, to which I responded that “different issues mattered, too”. He sighed with “ugh, that’s robust,” and I used to be given the choice to exchange an previous character talent with the brand new one in every of First in Line, so in subsequent battles, he all the time acquired to behave earlier than everybody else. Useful.
So many mysteries to uncover
Within the close to couple of hours I performed, it was clear that Digimon Story Time Stranger was rife with secrets and techniques. I briefly acquired to discover the In-Between Theatre, a multi-dimensional house populated with odd faceless beings and managed by recurring character Mirei Mikagura. Whereas the Theatre may very well be used to journey to different areas, there have been clearly different makes use of and parts it was hiding beneath its luxurious décor.
There have been additionally plenty of good little gameplay parts to maintain issues recent, together with an exciting chase sequence the place I needed to escape from a brutal MetalGreymon, and the power to make use of R2 when exploring to blast by way of obstructions and in addition obtain hints when noteworthy gadgets have been close by.
There’ll be a lot extra to find throughout time and house when Digimon Story Time Stranger releases on October 3 on PS5 – and primarily based on my experiences you’re going to have the time of your digital life.
