13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

 PlayStation 4
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 383 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 339 out of 383
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 383
  3. Negative: 23 out of 383
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  1. DeeFar
    Nov 26, 2020
    10
    This is my GOTY of 2020. But it not designed for everyone, if you like Japanese culture at 80s and 90s, this is the perfect game for you.
  2. Jho88
    Dec 31, 2020
    10
    Easily in my top 10 games of all time, although definitely not for everyone. If you're up for a narrative-heavy sci-fi mystery focused on Japanese high schoolers, this is absolutely a must-play!
  3. sohronery
    May 3, 2022
    10
    Must play masterpiece with 10/10 story telling. Visual novel and tactical mix works pretty well but the split is about 80/20 for the gameplay.
  4. tbouniverse
    Aug 3, 2021
    10
    This game was a first for me because playing through it I wasn't able to grasp what was happening with the story but I just couldn't put it down. ​I got so invested that I had to see it through the end. I especially loved the battles since they are very addictive and requires good strategizing as you progress. Playing on INTENSE is advised, for me, I felt genuine accomplishment clearingThis game was a first for me because playing through it I wasn't able to grasp what was happening with the story but I just couldn't put it down. ​I got so invested that I had to see it through the end. I especially loved the battles since they are very addictive and requires good strategizing as you progress. Playing on INTENSE is advised, for me, I felt genuine accomplishment clearing the stages. Music was great as well, want to point out the Inaba song (Seaside Vacation) and the final battle theme (DEOXYRIBOSE) for being out of this world good!

    This game may not be for everyone, it starts off slow, but if you stick with it, you'll be rewarded with a fantastic ride.
    ​
    When I finish a good game, I feel like "aw well, it was a good ride", but when I finish a great game, I genuinely start missing it and feel a bit empty, left wanting more; 10/10.    … Expand
  5. DrGerm
    Apr 19, 2021
    10
    This is a difficult game to describe, and is definitely something you need to put a little time in to see if this is your sort of game and get into the story. However, after about an hour or two, if this is your thing, I think you'll be hooked as well.

    I would describe this as a game consisting of 3 sub-games. The most important aspect is the story. I am barely in to the genre, but I    This is a difficult game to describe, and is definitely something you need to put a little time in to see if this is your sort of game and get into the story. However, after about an hour or two, if this is your thing, I think you'll be hooked as well.

    I would describe this as a game consisting of 3 sub-games.

    The most important aspect is the story. I am barely in to the genre, but I think you would categorize it like a Light Novel. It also reminds me a little of the old Myst style games, a little. I don't want to give anything away, you just have to play through it a little and see for yourself. Let's just say, if you like Sci-Fi at all, and then if you like anime style art, throw in some mystery, then you'll love it. Every character is enjoyable and has a story.

    There is a quasi-real time strategy combat but don't let that turn you off if you're not into RTS. It is not hard (on normal difficulty), very satisfying, and contributes to the story telling.

    Lastly, there is an encyclopedia of sorts, kind of a "collect them all" sub-game. Again, this serves very well to support the story. Essentially, if you just play the game, you'll unlock everything in due time. Reading each entry helps to flesh out the world, and it serves as a great way to go back and easily re-live scenes.    … Expand
  6. neffu
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    It's difficult to find a game with a good story. Even the story driven games tend to be bland and generic. This one however is really great and worth the try. The battle system is a bit simplistic, but it serves as a nice change of pace as well. Game is pretty chaotic and that may turn some people off, especially at the beginning where you are seeing things happening on the the screen butIt's difficult to find a game with a good story. Even the story driven games tend to be bland and generic. This one however is really great and worth the try. The battle system is a bit simplistic, but it serves as a nice change of pace as well. Game is pretty chaotic and that may turn some people off, especially at the beginning where you are seeing things happening on the the screen but they are so random and seem mostly unconnected, that it's a bit of a struggle to get enraged. But if you give it a chance and you reach the point the stories start to make sense and create one big narrative, you'll feel it's the best thing ever.… Expand
  7. Chickenph
    Nov 23, 2021
    10
    It’s a definite 10/10 *if* you can enjoy a game with a lot of story (and some tower defense that’s fun and pretty easy). There’s a lot of effort put into the world, the story, the animations. Watch some gameplay videos and you'll know if it seems interesting. It’s misleading to call it a visual novel because you play through the story instead of just clicking through text.

    The graphics    It’s a definite 10/10 *if* you can enjoy a game with a lot of story (and some tower defense that’s fun and pretty easy). There’s a lot of effort put into the world, the story, the animations. Watch some gameplay videos and you'll know if it seems interesting. It’s misleading to call it a visual novel because you play through the story instead of just clicking through text.

    The graphics are really pretty, and there are a lot of different locations. The gameplay in the story sections involves talking to people, a little interacting with things, and presenting topics to people. It’s very streamlined so you don’t waste time trying out every option like in adventure games. It’ll highlight any option that you need to use, and give you an onscreen indicator that you have a topic you need to present to someone.

    The story involves time travel, high school, conspiracy theories, a cat, mech battles, gangs…I mean, it’s a fun story that touches on a lot of topics and genres. You play through short episodes that continue each character's story, and after the prologue you choose what character's story to play next.

    The tower defense sections are cool and I’m not usually a huge tower defense fan. They’re pretty easy on normal difficulty, and I enjoyed using the different abilities. Like, some characters control mechs that are for close-range damage, so you can make them jump in the air and do AOE damage. If you don’t enjoy it, you can set the difficulty on easy and just rush through it.

    I looked at screenshots and didn’t get why I kept hearing rave reviews of “This game deserves to be way more popular,” but I bought it and agree. The story is enjoyable to follow and slowly understand, and it’s presented in a way that feels like you’re playing through a season of a cool show. It’s a special game that just has that game magic you can’t explain.    … Expand
  8. mcoci
    May 3, 2021
    10
    -Fantástico como juego de estrategia, con muchísima personalidad y altamente adictivo.
    -la parte de novela gráfica no se queda atrás, muy intrigante y plagada de referencias de cine de los 80/90.
  9. itamarJr
    Apr 28, 2022
    10
    Essa é um experiência única de um jogo, essa jornada é maravilhosa em tds os sentidos, o jogo é cheio de plots( o melhor é que, por vc ter uma certa liberdade para avançar na história, alguns desses plots ñ são inteiramente explicados jogando com um só personagem, vc precisa ver cada perspectiva diferente pra ficar boquiaberto pela sensação incrível que é entender 100% cada segredoEssa é um experiência única de um jogo, essa jornada é maravilhosa em tds os sentidos, o jogo é cheio de plots( o melhor é que, por vc ter uma certa liberdade para avançar na história, alguns desses plots ñ são inteiramente explicados jogando com um só personagem, vc precisa ver cada perspectiva diferente pra ficar boquiaberto pela sensação incrível que é entender 100% cada segredo revelado), o jogo é cheio de referências a outras obras de ficção científica, o que deixa ainda mais prazeroso pra quem curte essa temática, o combate tb é legal ( achei que ñ gostaria mt, mas quando vc joga é uma delícia), eu simplesmente recomendo essa obra pra qualquer um, vc percebe que esse é um jogo feito com muito amor pela Vanillaware(Dificilmente deve ter outro assim), qualquer um que jogou esse jogo fica chateado por ñ ter vendido no mínimo dez vezes mais doq vendeu, eu preciso dizer uma coisa: esse jogo possui um dos melhores roteiros dos jogos da história com certeza, vou guardar com mt carinho os momentos que passei nessa carta de amor para os amantes dos jogos.… Expand
  10. here_and_there
    Oct 16, 2020
    10
    Old school anime, giant mecha, sci-fi, time travel, a stellar cast, a brilliant intricate story, wonderful art style and aesthetics. You have it all. One of the most interesting games I ever played.
  11. weskergamer
    Feb 27, 2021
    10
    This is the best video game of 2020 in my opinion. A really well written story and characters. It starts slow but by the end of the game you will feel time well spent. The balance between the gameplay and story is very innovative to the point that you can take a break from the gameplay and go to the story and vice versa. It is a game that respects your time a lot. I wish more people wouldThis is the best video game of 2020 in my opinion. A really well written story and characters. It starts slow but by the end of the game you will feel time well spent. The balance between the gameplay and story is very innovative to the point that you can take a break from the gameplay and go to the story and vice versa. It is a game that respects your time a lot. I wish more people would play this game, it's a masterpiece… Expand
  12. IIIOK
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Игра, которая доказывает, что в игре графика не главное. Сюжет и его подача - великолепны, проработанные персонажи не дают скучать ни на секунду. Гемплей-боевка - ААА проекты иногда такого не могут. Музыка - всегда во время и нужный посыл несет. Игра - просто шедевр игрового искусства.Игра, которая доказывает, что в игре графика не главное. Сюжет и его подача - великолепны, проработанные персонажи не дают скучать ни на секунду. Гемплей-боевка - ААА проекты иногда такого не могут. Музыка - всегда во время и нужный посыл несет. Игра - просто шедевр игрового искусства.
  13. TheGameGrinder
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    Best yet from Vanillaware and one of my favs this year. With their signature art is an impressively deep and unique story with all sorts of crazy twists and turns - gameplay included! Great characters, acting, and music. Loved it!
  14. marvell2k
    Mar 10, 2021
    10
    I was hesitant to pick up this game as I'm not very much into visual novel style type games (although there is a RTS element). I found it on sale on the PSN store and said why not. I sat on it for a few weeks before starting the game.

    This game is an absolute gem. It's a love letter to Scifi Movies/Literature/Manga/Anime in every sense of the word. It deserves all the praise it's    I was hesitant to pick up this game as I'm not very much into visual novel style type games (although there is a RTS element). I found it on sale on the PSN store and said why not. I sat on it for a few weeks before starting the game.

    This game is an absolute gem. It's a love letter to Scifi Movies/Literature/Manga/Anime in every sense of the word. It deserves all the praise it's getting and then some!    … Expand
  15. TrophyEmpire
    Sep 28, 2020
    10
    Are you like me? A fan of Giant Mecha anime set in the 80's? Like giant kaiju threatening your very future? Prefer a dash of fanservice with harem style anime undertones? Love visually appealing works of art? 13 Sentinels is a game that satisfies all this and more. The story is the well laid foundation which supports this unique title and it unfolds in a way I have never quiteAre you like me? A fan of Giant Mecha anime set in the 80's? Like giant kaiju threatening your very future? Prefer a dash of fanservice with harem style anime undertones? Love visually appealing works of art? 13 Sentinels is a game that satisfies all this and more. The story is the well laid foundation which supports this unique title and it unfolds in a way I have never quite seen before in a video game, popping in and out of characters thoughts as other characters carry on conversations in the background. It sounds complicated, but in this game they made it work! A rich tapestry of backstory intricately woven rivals, even surpasses the best offerings in the JRPG field.

    Character design is well done and endearing. Very likable characters, well drawn with personality enhancing animations galore. The environments are richly painted and brimming with light.

    When it comes to controlling your mechs, the game switches to a strategy style top down battlefield. In this area it falls slightly short of it's stellar story mode. Don't get me wrong, it's still cool, but the battlefield would have been enhanced by adding models for the mech and kaiju instead of simple flashing panels of green and red. I would have liked it to have more of a front mission style look, but there is no denying that even here there is an unmistakable sense of style, despite no on battlefield models, somehow it still works and I found myself liking this mode a lot! Nitpicking small flaws won't change my overall score for this game, too much of what it does right outshines anything else.

    Don't look up spoilers, this game is a rare treat that comes along hardly ever, one of those magical experiences that you will enjoy most the first time through. It's different, well written, made with crafted expertise and a genuine love for it's subject matter. And it shows. This game was made with love, and I love this game!    … Expand
  16. francegame
    Apr 6, 2021
    10
    Very interesting plot of the game! Incredible beautiful art! For the sake of such exclusives it is worth buying a playstation!
  17. XV_
    Oct 25, 2020
    10
    Vanillaware is one of a kind company. They always seem to do the one thing that nobody is willing to do or better-said risk to do. Their work had always struck me as honest and filled with heart and soul. Although their art-style and storytelling is consistently great, their game mechanics are the part that at times struggles to hit the mark or to be on par with the other two said aspects.Vanillaware is one of a kind company. They always seem to do the one thing that nobody is willing to do or better-said risk to do. Their work had always struck me as honest and filled with heart and soul. Although their art-style and storytelling is consistently great, their game mechanics are the part that at times struggles to hit the mark or to be on par with the other two said aspects. 13 Sentinels not only raised the bar way too high in regards to storytelling and art direction, while it may look deceiving, they've made a solid, raw and satisfying combat system that complements its story beautifully, both mechanically and narratively, to deliver a balanced and masterfully crafted experience.

    13 Sentinels is a departure from Vanillaware's latest works that were more on the lines of side-scrolling action adventures, although here the adventure is navigated within the 2D realm, it is a different kind of game, it is more reminiscent of GrimGrimoire, but we will get there. Weird as it sounds, it stars 13 protagonists, and while it may also sound like the majority of them would be just side-stories or padded plot, every single one of them is interesting and necessary to the overall story. They're even thematically different between them; one could feel like a detective story while the other could be a slice of life comedy-drama anime, the range is vastly wide. Vanillaware is not a stranger in regards to having even five protagonists but in 13 Sentinels, they balanced it so well that every character has a lot of moments to shine, and it's never focused on the exploits of only one character; they're like cogs in a well-greased clockwork.

    To balance the plot progression, you start playing with one character, and when you meet certain criteria like getting to a specific point on their plot or advancing through the "battle mode" you'll be unlocking the other characters one by one. Each character has a percent meter so you don't have to worry about not knowing which one to advance to get the "best and most cohesive playthrough". Nevertheless, one of the many brilliant aspects of 13 Sentinels is that there's not a right order to play it. In my case, I changed characters each time I finished their chapter (A "To be continued" will be displayed on the screen), and I never felt any narrative issue playing that way, furthermore, the sci-fi story is filled with twists, and its non-linear narrative only adds to its intriguing and confusing (on purpose) story.

    This is a Sci-fi work through and through, not even great for video game standards but every media standard, and because every campaign diverges from one another in terms of themes and atmosphere, you’ll be encountering a broad range of scenes, from wholesome and comic moments to truly horrific ones, it’s almost incredible how they get away in mixing all this stuff. Another part that was on the top of its game was the original Japanese voice acting, they’ve gathered quite the cast with both veterans and newcomers, and each of them gave their heart to their performances, delivering their scenes like they were born to act them.

    Although I find the battle mode as everything in this game incredible well done, it is also the part that I think a lot of people could be turned off since what you see on screen are not the mechas neither the Kaiju, but abstract representations of them, this is not a bad thing per se, and the game relies a lot on effects and sounds to make every punch and projectile feel like they’re crushing the enemies and they get away with this illusion. This I believe was a budget decision, but since the focus of the game is its story, it doesn’t affect the experience, and even if it leaned towards a more combat experience, this mode as it is, delivers solid battles and damn entertainment moments that stand on its own. Think this mode like a good indie movie with limited effects, not because the effects are “basic” or “simple” makes it a bad movie. By the way, I recommend that you play it on intense difficulty, since normal difficulty can be a little too easy, the intense difficulty delivers just the right balance to maintain the stakes at a good height.

    While 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a departure from anything Vanillaware has created before, it is also their best work to date, it is a well balanced and well packaged of everything you want in a Sci-Fi work and it goes beyond. It borrows some ideas and concepts for other media, mostly movies, and books, and makes its own thing, there are a lot of movie references (and surely other stuff) that are worth an entire study or article. The surprising part (as really anything in this game) is that they make them work in the game’s context, not only they've made them work, they owned them and created a timeless masterpiece that I believe in time it will pass to the hall of fame not only as a mandatory videogame but as a mandatory piece of Sci-fi.    … Expand
  18. jhuang3
    May 2, 2021
    10
    I heard the storytelling of this game is a masterpiece, and I was attracted by its graphic and characters, so I gave it a try. I would say I love this game, and I am also addicted to the battle part, which is unexpected, because I heard some negative comments on battle before I played it. Anyway, I like the mechanism of battle, I truly enjoy controlling different giant robots and useI heard the storytelling of this game is a masterpiece, and I was attracted by its graphic and characters, so I gave it a try. I would say I love this game, and I am also addicted to the battle part, which is unexpected, because I heard some negative comments on battle before I played it. Anyway, I like the mechanism of battle, I truly enjoy controlling different giant robots and use various skills to win a battle in city scale.… Expand
  19. TheYuniverse
    Nov 15, 2020
    10
    What a unique game 13 Sentinels is. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end.
    A masterpiece in every way. Visuals, audio, gameplay, story, characters.
    I've never played a game that tackles so many interesting subjects and manages to tie it all together in such a fun and frankly, mind-blowing way. This game handles AI, space colonies, terraforming, memory transplants, genetic    What a unique game 13 Sentinels is. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end.
    A masterpiece in every way. Visuals, audio, gameplay, story, characters.
    I've never played a game that tackles so many interesting subjects and manages to tie it all together in such a fun and frankly, mind-blowing way.
    This game handles AI, space colonies, terraforming, memory transplants, genetic engineering, robotics, nanotechnology, etc and you would never even think that just by looking at the trailers lol It's all in the backdrop of what seems like some high school romance drama!
    Anyways, for me, it's an unforgettable game, 10/10 and i hope it does financially well because it deserves all the success in the world. There's not enough games like this.    … Expand
  20. hzvonek
    Nov 21, 2020
    10
    This game shows what Vanillaware is really capable of given the proper time and budget. Without mincing words, it is a masterpiece. The narrative and character development is easily the strongest out of any of their previous games. The way that each of the 13 characters' stories intertwine is extremely fascinating and well-done. You would think you would get lost in all that is developing,This game shows what Vanillaware is really capable of given the proper time and budget. Without mincing words, it is a masterpiece. The narrative and character development is easily the strongest out of any of their previous games. The way that each of the 13 characters' stories intertwine is extremely fascinating and well-done. You would think you would get lost in all that is developing, but the way the adventure is constructed is very intuitive. As is expected with Vanillaware titles, the art-style is breathtaking and adds so much to the game's atmosphere, and I can not get enough of the 80's Sci-Fi aesthetic. Lastly is the combat which really surprised me. In trailers, it did look a bit shallow, but the RTS (real-time strategy) gameplay is so enjoyable. The RPG mechanics associated with the combat adds to its addictiveness as it is so much fun to improve your characters and watch them decimate enemies on the battlefield.

    This is my personal game of the year for 2020 (this review is being written before the release of Cyberpunk 2077, although this will likely not change my opinion here). There are so many twists and turns to look out for among the expertly written plot and narrative. Do not miss this title!    … Expand
  21. Trensch
    Feb 10, 2021
    10
    I beat this game a week ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it yet. The story is a wild ride with relatively few low points. The mystery had me hooked early on and never let me go. I found the turn based strategy combat enjoyable enough. It won’t blow your socks off but it breaks up the story nicely and never seemed to overstay its welcome. There are story beats inserted throughout theI beat this game a week ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it yet. The story is a wild ride with relatively few low points. The mystery had me hooked early on and never let me go. I found the turn based strategy combat enjoyable enough. It won’t blow your socks off but it breaks up the story nicely and never seemed to overstay its welcome. There are story beats inserted throughout the battles as well which helps tie the game play to the story.

    *Buyers Beware* if you are looking for a game filled with action, you will be very let down. If you are here for a great mystery-sci fi story then you will not be disappointed.    … Expand
  22. lonestar62
    Jan 3, 2021
    10
    I was shocked by how much I loved this game. It's definitely outside my typical genre but I decided to give it a try. It's easily in my top 3 games played in 2020, and maybe even this decade. I would definitely give this game a try if you're considering it!
  23. movinshadow
    Oct 22, 2020
    10
    Genius game, Story line and charecters is superb, graphics made like hand drawn with all love they have. )
  24. Kpackom
    Feb 18, 2021
    10
    A masterpiece of a game, although I would admit it's not for everyone.
    Visually and audio is superb, gorgeous and immersive, while combat part is purposefully left visually lacking which more games should learn to do.

    It's a mix between a visual novel and tactical mech wave defender and both parts are exquisitely well done.
  25. RpgGuru
    Feb 17, 2021
    10
    Best history ever made. Es una obra de arte, una joya, una experiencia inolvidable
  26. DanTheMan1992
    Sep 30, 2020
    10
    There's always one thing that impresses me with Atlus they make some fantastic & breathtaking RPG games & am just stunned of how amazing this game is =D i highly recommend this one guys & if you are new to RPGS go give 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim a good go trust me it's worthy every penny ^_^
  27. MiguelV2016
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    Best narrative ever seen in a "videogame" try to watch as less as possible in that way you don't ruin yourself this marvellous experience
  28. Cafe_8bits
    Feb 21, 2021
    10
    Probably one of the best PS4 exclusives. What a ride. This game is just perfect, and everyone who likes science fiction should give it a try! The story can be confusing, since is not playing on chronological order, but the fact that they could put 13 point of views of the events in the game together in this way is a testimony on how great is the writing here.
  29. Olkadan
    Jan 25, 2021
    10
    Great story and characters.
    The game entered my all time favorite list.
    More people should play it.
  30. Ibuki_7731
    Nov 6, 2020
    10
    Dear God the story in this game is grade A movie material. Not a lot of people will be a fan of the battle gameplay or the whole "piece the story together yourself" after completing certain conditions aspects. But it's an amazing journey. Would recommend getting solely for the story.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PS4 Game of 2020
33
#33 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 69
  3. Negative: 0 out of 69
  1. Edge Magazine
    Dec 31, 2020
    70
    No, it doesn't make any damn sense. But consider us compelled. [Issue#354, p.112]
  2. CD-Action
    Dec 18, 2020
    80
    “Huge mechs, a ruined city, and a hot female teacher in a latex suit”, is how one of the game’s characters described his visions. That’s, in a nutshell, the essence of this unique, crazy RPG where you face kaiju in turned-based combat one minute, and follow weird conversations of high-school students the next. And there is nothing wrong with that. [12/2020, p.70]
  3. Games.cz
    Nov 12, 2020
    90
    A game of two halves. One of them is an amazingly detailed and well-told sci-fi story, the other a fun, strategic RPG. And as a whole it works perfectly.
    Read full review
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