561 people found this review helpful
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Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 76.7 hrs on record (70.4 hrs at review time)
Posted: 24 Jul, 2021 @ 7:20am
Updated: 24 Nov, 2021 @ 11:06am

Oh boy, have i waited to review this one. 70 hours in, all achievements.

First of all, lets start by clearing up some doubts. No, the game is not a souls-like just because it looks like code vein. In fact, the only similarity are the aesthetics. I say it because I've seen many people confused about this. Also, i don't even know why i should be saying this, but the game does not have any kind of fan service AT ALL. So don't start playing with the wrong ideas.

So what kind of game is Scarlet Nexus?
Well, it's more of an JRPG. A mix of a Visual novel and an action packed game. It means, you will most of the time learn what the story is about through dialogues. Whereas the combat part, works as an entertaining way of accessing the new dialogue and part of the story.
The battle segments are quite linear and straight forward, but you will be able to free roam a bit. Meaning you will be able to go back to places you have already visited, most of the times at least. Also a thing worth mentioning is that, you will have teammates but they serve mostly as support, so don't expect them to do anything besides healing you sometimes. The game also provides you with the so called "Stand by" phases, where you can give gifts, interact and bond with your friends, in order to upgrade their skills and to have character events.
Finally, there are two main characters, each with their own perspective of the same story. It does not matter which one you pick first, you will then be able to pick the other and start a new game plus, keeping all objects and levels you earned on the first playtrough. Normally, some cutscenes will be the same, specially when both MCs are together, however you can sometimes hear their thoughts, which will add some difference to it.

Now let's break it down a bit. This part will be based purely on my experience with the game.

1) The story.
I think it's actually pretty good. Emotional and interesting, one of the best aspects of the game.

2) Combat system.
The strongest and greatest side of Scarlet Nexus by far. It's extremely fun. You are able to perform different attack variations combining environmental objects and some really nice skills that your teammates have to offer.
Now, you are able to pick up to two companions to have with you, but you are able to use all friend skills, whether they are in the party or not.

3) Side-quests and free roam.
As i said before, you will be able to free roam a bit. Now, it is pretty much useless, unless you are going for a 100% completion. Free roam allows you to grind XP and to accept side-quests. Talking of which, they are absolutely trash. SQ are the worst aspect of the game. Many of them are extremely stressful and the rewards are not even worth it, except you want that 100%.

4) Bonding and gifts.
In my opinion, this is actually good. It lets you discover some of your friends past in a fun way. And bonding levels don't require too much grinding, so it is not something painful to do. A few gifts will usually do the trick (bonding goes up to level 6).

5) Visuals and soundtracks.
You can search for a quick video on how it looks. It's anime themed so don't expect awesome graphics. But it does look good. Soundtracks are quite good, nothing really awesome but all in all good.

6) Customization.
Not many different outfits at the moment. But there are a ton of add-ons you can put on all character which actually look pretty nice.

7) Bugs.
Honestly i don't remember having any issues with the game. Only one crash. Besides that, no problems at all.

8) Key binding.
I played with a controller, i believe it's more comfortable this way. Many games like this usually have trash keyboard binding. But i can't really tell.

I think that sums up pretty much everything. Personally i loved the game and i can easily recommend it. But you have to be sure what kind of game you are buying first.

P.S.: there are no missable achievements for this one. And also, for those who are interested, there is an anime too. (re-edited for sales badge)
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25 Comments
76561199763973621 4 Sep @ 3:52am 
Dang, your review tho! It's packed with so much good stuff. I could never write like that. You're incredible! 🤩👌
✘ FacuVg ✘ 21 Oct, 2021 @ 4:35am 
I swear, they are so bad. Don't even bother unless you want the achievement.
But i guess, the side quests may be a bit helpful if you want to raise bonding levels. Though in the end, the better way is to just give gifts.
Airrick 21 Oct, 2021 @ 1:21am 
Playing right now. You're right the side quests are complete shit . I stopped bothering to attempt them after I first tried it.
Elímínv†e 6 Oct, 2021 @ 4:42pm 
:okey:
VesterNier 19 Sep, 2021 @ 7:09am 
Nice
Lt_Maverick 22 Aug, 2021 @ 1:54pm 
Yeah, I know. But I have to limit how much I spend on games now. lol. I have too many and many I haven't played. I did go with Sekiro but it doesn't support ultrawide which is an instant no for me.
Jesse James 22 Aug, 2021 @ 1:31am 
No fanservice?
No buy.
:RuneScapeguy:
:steamthumbsdown:
Gilgamesh 21 Aug, 2021 @ 7:25pm 
This game is a JARPG, and probably the best one of all time. Best combat by a mile. Best hideout of any RPG ever if you ask me. The hideout is magical.

The visual design is incredible. Calling it a visual novel does not do it justice. If anything it's like a visual MANGA. The way it works is they actually fully model all the characters into hand-crafted scenes and poses each "panel," then take a live screenshot of it and render it in the UI. So it even copies all their gear and accessories over.

In many ways this ends up being actually MORE expressive than a lot of JRPGs with full animations because the animations tend to be very stiff or limited. Each image uses highly detailed poses and facial expressions. Then they can afford to animate the main cutscenes to an INSANE degree of mastery, it's an extremely ingenious way to save money while arguably even enhancing the overall strength of the game's immense style.
✘ FacuVg ✘ 21 Aug, 2021 @ 11:43am 
@Lt_Maverick i'm glad my review is useful to you. But you've said it yourself, Sekiro is a completely different game. Choosing between SN and Sekiro is strictly related to what your preferences are!

@Monkee Thank you!
Monkee 21 Aug, 2021 @ 9:47am 
Great straightforward review, appreciated.