It’s been a sizzling minute for the reason that final Digimon sport graced our screens, however the wait is almost over – Digimon Story Time Stranger will likely 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 seek out out what evolutions await.
An intriguing story, set inside beautiful 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 start line in Tokyo led to an encounter with some Digimon inside a deadly underground part, a damaged and deserted workplace area, and ultimately a fraught battle on prime 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. Positive, Tokyo has its charms, however the Abyss Space’s stunning and unapologetic depiction of the Digimon tradition ranks as some of the spectacular sights within the collection up to now. Between the clear swimming pools, shimmering rock formations, and a gaggle 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 likely be blissful 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 making an attempt to find why they haven’t left their dwelling.
There are nonetheless loads of light-hearted laughs
Even when the stakes are excessive, Digimon Story Time Stranger doesn’t overlook 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 the idle animations of your social gathering members, its joyful voice appearing, humorous dialogue selections 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’ll be able to experience among the Digimon in your workforce by way of the DigiRide possibility. Does it make traversing the atmosphere any faster? Solely in some instances. However is it enjoyable to see your agent hop on Leomon’s shoulder as you romp by a kaleidoscopic land of surprise? 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 Information mammal Patamon, Vaccine sea beast Gomamon, or Virus little satan DemiDevimon.
As common, this can be a light intro to the ‘rock-paper-scissors’ attribute system that units up the turn-based battle mechanic – Vaccine is robust in opposition to Virus, Virus is highly effective in opposition to Information, and Information is finest in opposition to Vaccine. However on prime of that, they will possess 4 different attributes and 11 parts akin to Water, Plant, and Darkish, which means there are an enormous mixture of how your 450+ Digimon can form up. Which interprets into assorted and strategic fight to determine the right way to exploit your enemy’s vulnerabilities.
DigiAttacks, new Character 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’ll be able to typically keep away from them or set off pre-emptive strikes by urgent R2 for a DigiAttack, which might immediately defeat weaker foes.
I additionally obtained to play with the Character system, which is designed to make every Digimon extra particular person. Relying on the place your beastie strains up inside the 16 completely different character sorts, bracketed into Philanthropy, Valor, Knowledge, and Amicability, you’ll profit from stat and talent perks. For instance, ‘Pleasant’ provides Defence and Assault buffs when coupled with the Sluggish Starter character talent, which gives assault boosts from spherical 4 onward.
These personalities will be modified based mostly on mini conversations you’ve got along with your Digimon, too. Throughout quiet moments, you’ll be able to have interaction 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. After 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 will 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 at all times obtained 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 obtained to discover the In-Between Theatre, a multi-dimensional area populated with odd faceless beings and managed by recurring character Mirei Mikagura. Whereas the Theatre could possibly 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 a lot 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 obstructions and likewise obtain hints when noteworthy gadgets had been close by.
There’ll be a lot extra to find throughout time and area when Digimon Story Time Stranger releases on October 3 on PS5 – and based mostly on my experiences you’re going to have the time of your digital life.
