Eternights

On the whole, though, Eternights feels like a fairly original game. It’s always nice to see a game try out some new genre combinations – and, as this shows, it’s especially fun when the game in question mostly pulls off the combo.

Eternights starts in familiar territory, as a cast of likable characters build relational bonds, just as the apocalypse nears. But this is no Persona clone, with Studio Sai pushing the plot and action in remarkably different directions. It’s evident that a great deal of care and consideration went into one of the best surprises of 2023.

An awkward fusion of dating simulation and action. Though the attempt to combine two vastly different genres at opposite ends of the spectrum was innovative, it does not seem to manage a seamless integration. The dating simulation part was surprisingly better than expected, ironically leaving a sense of disappointment.

What distances it from Persona – and it really is similar in many ways – is the detail and design of the monsters, as well as the real-time combat. There are a huge number of systems at play here, combos, special moves, elemental effects, partner skills, and special skills all work together to help you take down what can be fairly difficult bosses. The downside of a condensed story is that you won’t be as close to the characters by the end but it did what it wanted to do effectively, and I’m excited to see what else comes from the team.

Eternights is commendable but contentious, an intimate apocalyptic action-adventure that reaches for greatness with limited resources. For every unsophisticated story beat or half-baked mechanic, a pleasant surprise or diversion appears to take its place, a dynamic which should motivate almost anyone intrigued by the premise to see the story through. It all makes Eternights a fine first date, but it might not be marriage material.