Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 60
  2. Negative: 0 out of 60
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  1. Oct 1, 2025
    100
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a must-play video game for fans of the series and newcomers alike. It has extreme complexity in the Digivolution and Personality system, but it is also super easy to get your hands on and play.
  2. Oct 1, 2025
    95
    Digimon Story Time Stranger combines nostalgia for fans of the anime series with fun combat and an emotional rollercoaster of a storyline. It’s the perfect entry point for new fans, and one that shouldn’t be overlooked.
  3. 95
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a must-play game for anyone who has ever wanted to be a DigiDestin. From deep and engaging combat to a Digivolving system that I became addicted to again, like I did with Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth and Hacker's Memory. Time Stanger took every system, element, and pixel from the first games and built something truly amazing. Running around Japan, the Digital World, or just a sewer, you feel a rush of excitement. Every new encounter, skill upgrade, Digivolution, and new area feels right and bursting with fun. I cannot recommend this game highly enough to anyone, and if you have never experienced Digimon before, this is the perfect time to jump in. The Digiwater is fine.
  4. Oct 10, 2025
    92
    Do I recommend Time Stranger? Yes, but that’s a qualified yes, if largely considering how things are as of the time of this writing. I fully recommend it if you’re a Digimon fan, like RPGs, and are open to wild, emotional rides. At full price? That’s also a qualified yes, but that’s solely because of how strong a year it’s been for games in general. I’m not going to go on at length, you’ve lived through 2025, just the same as I have — congratulations on making it this far, incidentally — it’s really just a matter of money and tastes, and the year still isn’t over. I don’t love Time Stranger as much as I do a few other games I’ve played this year, that list will come at the end of the year, God willing, but I do still love it. You might want to wait for it’s first sale if you have other concerns, it is a Bamco title and they tend to do those on a fairly common basis, but do give it a shot, at the very least.
  5. Oct 3, 2025
    90
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is easily the strongest Digimon game we’ve had so far. It works just as well as an entry point for newcomers as it does for long-time fans, thanks to how much care it puts into building a digital world that doesn’t feel soulless. Between experimenting with digivolutions and min-maxing stats, or just chasing after your favorite partners while diving into a combat system with depth, there’s always something engaging to do. The story leans a bit too hard into familiar anime tropes, but it never drags down what is otherwise the most complete vision of Digimon we’ve seen since Digimon Survive.
  6. Oct 2, 2025
    90
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane—it's a JRPG that knows exactly what it wants to be: grand, addictive, and exciting. With a story that blends mystery and epic, a brilliant digivolution system, and a vibrant Digiworld, it not only honors the franchise's legacy, but establishes itself as one of the best games of the year. An irresistible invitation for veterans and a magical gateway for those who have never experienced the universe of digital monsters.
  7. Oct 1, 2025
    90
    There’s even a seemingly Persona-inspired Velvet Room-type setting in this game – a go-between dimension where you can spend time raising Digimon on a farm, or spelunking into new virtual dungeons...It all adds up to a game that feels incredibly ambitious, wild, and free. Media.Vision has created an adaptation of Digimon that grasps the core of the franchise, and stretches it in every direction. Any idea the team had, it was absorbed into Time Stranger – and the game is all the better for it. It’s constantly surprising, and incredibly creative.
  8. Oct 1, 2025
    90
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is a standout entry in the Digimon franchise, blending rich storytelling with an expansive Digivolution system that rewards strategy and patience. Set across dual timelines, the game introduces emotionally engaging characters, deep combat mechanics, and a highly customizable team-building experience that longtime fans and newcomers alike can appreciate.
  9. Oct 1, 2025
    90
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a perfect entry point for newcomers to the Digimon world, without alienating long-time fans.
  10. Oct 6, 2025
    89
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is one of those rare games that should appeal to both veterans of the franchise and absolute newcomers. A decent story, great music and appealing visuals are icing on the Digimon cake, a delicious and satisfying take on the turn-based JRPG battle formula. With a little more edge and deeper mechanics than its Poké-cousin, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is addictive, fun and definitely the best game in the Digimon Story series.
  11. Nov 18, 2025
    85
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is a beautiful entry in the series, standing out for its story, the number of creatures, and its combat system. However, it’s somewhat held back by its slow pacing.
  12. Oct 1, 2025
    85
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger has a lot to offer as a monster-taming RPG. A heartfelt story lies at its core, despite some dissonance regarding its target audience, and the gameplay mechanics are polished and thoroughly entertaining. You could find yourself spending hours and hours playing the game and experimenting with customization alone! I had a great time playing the primary story campaign in particular, and found myself growing to care about the characters. As far as an interactive Digimon experience goes, I think that sentiment proves just how much Digimon Story: Time Stranger ultimately delivers.
  13. Oct 1, 2025
    85
    Digimon Story Time Stranger stands out as an interesting title that returns to the roots of the JRPG and monster-collecting genre. Its story, while a bit convoluted, feels like a brand-new chapter of the series and manga, complete with charming characters. The gameplay is deep, accessible, and customizable, offering a fair degree of challenge. For those who were disappointed with Digimon Survive, this is the game they were waiting for.
  14. Oct 1, 2025
    85
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is a great turn-based RPG that delivers everything fans expect from the franchise. With a good story, Portuguese subtitles, a vast cast of Digimon to choose from, additions to the already great combat system, and several quality-of-life improvements over the previous title, if you have any interest in the series, you will enjoy what it has to offer.
  15. Oct 1, 2025
    85
    If you're a die-hard fan of this franchise and have played the other titles in the Digimon Story series, you definitely shouldn't miss this one. And if this is your first time with the brand, but you love the genre, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to check it out. In fact, there's a demo available to clear up any doubts.
  16. Oct 1, 2025
    85
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is not a turning point for JRPGs by any means. However, as a Digimon game, it excels with its ambitious storytelling. That which truly shines though is its Digivolution system, which is deep, engaging, and will keep you hooked for dozens of hours. Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise or looking to reconnect with it, Digimon Story Time Stranger won't disappoint.
  17. Oct 1, 2025
    85
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is easily the best Digimon game to date. Fans of the series - or RPG fans in general - should at the very least check out the demo.
  18. Oct 12, 2025
    84
    Digimon Story Time Stranger excels in a lot of ways, especially with its ridiculous amount of Digimon that are great fun to experiment with. Although I'm a newbie to the series, I must admit that this lovely RPG adventure made me a fan.
  19. Oct 1, 2025
    84
    Digimon Story Time Stranger Digivolves into the game fans of the series have long deserved. Bandai Namco delivers a deeply addictive parenting and combat RPG that will make the hours fly by.
  20. Feb 3, 2026
    80
    Given my limited knowledge of Digimon, I was not expecting to enjoy Digimon Story: Time Stranger all that much but it really surprised me. The game has a good story and it’s just overall a good turn-based RPG. The game is quite long and it has a lot Digimon to filter through if you’re going for adding them all to your list. If you like RPGs such as SMT, be sure to give this game a try. Even if you don’t know anything about Digimon, you can easily pick this game up and enjoy it like I did.
  21. Nov 3, 2025
    80
    Time Stranger marks an exciting new chapter in the Digimon Story series, packed with fresh and refined features that every monster-taming and battle enthusiast will appreciate. Once the story gains momentum, it proves to be engaging and well-written — but even before that, there’s so much to explore and do with your Digimon that you’ll hardly know where to begin.
  22. Oct 19, 2025
    80
    One of the most positive surprises of the year is here: Digimon Story Time Stranger manages to impress even those who are unfamiliar with Digimon, despite some minor hiccups. It’s a solid turn-based role-playing adventure that even Pokémon fans shouldn’t pass.
  23. Oct 16, 2025
    80
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is highly recommended for fans of the series and JRPGs alike. Despite several issues that still need fixing, it offers a heartfelt story, classic and solid combat, and a captivating digivolution system.
  24. Oct 15, 2025
    80
    We need more heartful games like this one, that makes us smile with each new character and leaves us emotional while the plot is unveiled. Digimon goes further than generation and languages. It's a franchise that has always been about personal and collective growth, and the importance of friends and bonds. Time Stranger collects all of these elements and repackages them beautifully.
  25. Oct 10, 2025
    80
    Digimon fans starving for a game with a proper budget can finally have their fill. Digimon Story: Time Stranger is everything that those who grew up alongside Taichi and Agumon once dreamed a game could be. The story, though it sometimes stumbles with its time-travel theme and clunky script, has a glorious conclusion, and there's nothing better than filling your roster with 400+ Digimon. However, those who are just looking for a new turn-based JRPG might not find much here to hold their attention, especially since the first hours feel unappealing for anyone who doesn't care about Digimon.
  26. Oct 7, 2025
    80
    Overall, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is one of the best ways to experience the franchise, and both Digimon fans and JRPG enthusiasts in general will find this to be a remarkable game that they will enjoy for many hours.
  27. Oct 5, 2025
    80
    If you're a fan of classic shounen Digimon vibes, sixth-generation JRPGs, or monster-collecting games, then Time Stranger is definitely a game you shouldn't miss.
  28. Oct 3, 2025
    80
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is ambitious within the core of the saga. It aims to expand the combat experience with multiple gameplay layers, supported by a story that pushes mystery and exploration to the forefront, all while encouraging players to collect nearly 450 Digital Monsters. Highly appealing for longtime fans, and though not flawless, it proves just how much the series has matured over the years.
  29. Oct 2, 2025
    80
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is a spirited, if occasionally ropey, JRPG adventure with buckets of heart and a sinewy monster taming system. Fans of the franchise will feel right at home amongst its luscious environments and intense set-piece battles. However, those wary of simplistic, earnest anime melodrama may find the narrative grating.
  30. 80
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger manages to avoid mundane JRPG-formulas and even adds some fresh ideas to the genre. There are still some minor issues, but they don't take away from the fun the digivolution is adding and the massively improved pacing, compared to its predecessor.
  31. Oct 1, 2025
    80
    Digimon Story: Stranger is not only one of the best representations of the brand, but it is also a solid, deep, and very fun JRPG.
  32. Oct 1, 2025
    80
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger might be one small step for the RPG genre, but it's definitely one giant leap for the Digimon series, which is enjoying a resurgence with this game taking the center stage. The newest installment in the Digimon Story series manages to be both what longtime fans have been waiting for and the perfect entry point for others, a carefully crafted licensed video game with a storyline that offers thrilling moments that rival those of the anime. Ready to jump into DigiWorld?
  33. Oct 1, 2025
    80
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger builds on its predecessors to deliver one of the best Digimon RPGs to date. It has a much more engaging story this time around thanks to its clever time travel setup and a charismatic and lively cast of Digimon characters. Even though its human cast pales in comparison, it didn’t stop me from wanting to see this time-hopping adventure all the way through its roughly 30-40 hours campaign. The turn-based combat is fairly straightforward, but the nuances in type matchups and the tinkering you can do with your party’s evolutions and movesets adds quite a lot of depth. So while this adventure has a few minor hiccups, it’s one that made me very glad to be back in the Digital World once again.
  34. 80
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is finally a great Digimon-themed JRPG. While it looks a generation older, it makes up for it with a really well-crafted battle and evolution system and a huge catalog of Digimon.
  35. Oct 1, 2025
    80
    Digimon Story Time Stranger certainly doesn't push the boundaries of the genre, but it captivates as a competently executed JRPG until the credits roll – especially with its exemplary complex focus on collecting and training the titular monsters. If you also have a connection to the original, Time Stranger is sure to make you more than happy, as Media.Vision and Bandai Namco deliver what is probably the most well-rounded game of the franchise to date.
  36. Oct 1, 2025
    80
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger may start off slowly, but it soon unfolds into a rewarding RPG with challenging Titan battles, deep progression systems, and a heartfelt story. Fans will appreciate the familiar themes and the well implemented vibe of the anime, while newcomers can enjoy a solid, content-rich adventure that captures the spirit of the Digimon universe.
  37. Oct 1, 2025
    80
    By the time I finished Digimon Story: Time Stranger, I enjoyed it far more than when I started. It takes a lot of time to get going, but once the wheels start spinning, it's a series of twists and turns that has a strong emotional core attached to it. The final boss fight is a perfect encapsulation of tying thematic ideas to mechanical systems and one that might go down as my favorite for the year.
  38. Oct 1, 2025
    79
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is not the bold breakthrough capable of dismantling Pokémon’s dominance, but it does mark an important step in the franchise’s maturation. It’s a game that shows courage in trying to build a modern structure more attentive to players’ needs, only to stumble on technical and design choices that drag it back by years.
  39. Oct 2, 2025
    78
    A deep, time-traveling JRPG that combines mystery, emotional storytelling, and a superbly strategic combat system with an addictive Digimon breeding mechanic, although its repetitive dungeons, uneven pacing, dated visuals, and some questionable monetization prevent it from fully realizing its grand ambition.
  40. Oct 1, 2025
    76
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a good JRPG that every player needs to discover, thanks to a very enjoyable combat system.
  41. Oct 27, 2025
    75
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger offers a great representation of the Digimon that longtime fans will surely appreciate. It’s a definite improvement over its predecessor, though some shortcomings remain, particularly its reliance on backtracking and boss fights that drag on due to excessively large health bars.
  42. Oct 3, 2025
    75
    Digimon Story Time Stranger left me with a case of Stockholm Syndrome. While the turn-based gameplay and nostalgia captivated me, some structural issues made me feel like I was in a toxic relationship with the game. Fortunately, most of the bugs that bothered me are present in the game's free demo, which is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. With that in mind, it's worth downloading the content and seeing if you're willing to make some compromises during gameplay to enter this magical digital world.
  43. 75
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger makes big strides for the RPG offshoot of its long-running creature collector series. Despite some small missteps in story and side mission pacing, it’s a vast, colourful and exciting world to visit, filled with all your favourite possible digital monsters. For RPG freaks out there, there’s also a lot of involved systems and mechanics that feed into one another and result in some wicked cool, tactile and punchy combat. You’re in good hands with Time Stranger. Come on in and hang with some adorable monsters. The water’s fine.
  44. Oct 1, 2025
    75
    Digimon Story Time Stranger may not be the J-RPG that revolutionizes the genre, but it's a solid and fun game. The story is reminiscent of a sci-fi shonen anime that touches on interesting themes, but the production has its ups and downs. The gameplay, from a role-playing perspective, is varied and layered, its main strength being the enormous range of monster collections and evolution. The only drawbacks are the lackluster exploration and quest structure, and the combat system is satisfying but not always challenging, especially for truly experienced role-playing players. However, given the production's ambitions, and especially for a Digimon fan, the end result is more than adequate.
  45. Oct 1, 2025
    75
    Digimon Story Time Stranger isn’t perfect, but it’s undoubtedly the most ambitious entry in the franchise to date — both in terms of content and the depth of its gameplay mechanics. It offers an intriguing narrative, excellent longevity, and the chance to meet and collect over four hundred Digimon (some of which can even be ridden), all while exploring, in alternating moments, both the real and digital worlds. That said, it’s undeniable that this isn’t a flawless title. From a technical standpoint, despite the refinements and overall visual appeal, its origins as a last-generation project are apparent at every turn. Moreover, despite all the new ideas and innovations introduced, dungeon exploration remains rather static and repetitive, and the combat system doesn’t reach the depth that fans might have hoped for — even if it is, admittedly, more technical than in the past. In short, there’s still work to be done — but the direction is the right one. “All together,” then, “all for the Digimon,” as the old anime theme song once said.
  46. Oct 1, 2025
    75
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a good turn-based JRPG that, in terms of content, feels like a true encyclopedia of our favorite digital monsters. With a bit more polish, it could have been a top-quality title, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that—especially if you’re a fan of the brand—you can still enjoy a pleasant adventure, perhaps overlooking some technical issues and a lack of variety in the dungeons. Featuring an impressive amount of content and an engaging gameplay system (though not without its flaws), Digimon Story: Time Stranger is highly recommended for those who hold Digimon close to their hearts, while it may lose appeal for other gamers—not so much because of its tie to a specific franchise, but rather due to some undeniable shortcomings that, while not ruining the experience, do clip its wings. A decent role-playing game that relies more on quantity than quality.
  47. Oct 1, 2025
    75
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is a must-play for fans of the source material that is ultimately held back on consoles due to performance issues, making it best reserved for PC players.
  48. Oct 1, 2025
    75
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is everything I could imagine a Digimon fan wanting. It's a fun adventure through a digital world, and all of your favorite collectible monsters are there for the ride. The combat system is fun and clear-cut, and it has just enough teeth to feel compelling. Customizing and creating your ideal Digimon is a whole lot of fun. The only real negative is that it feels a bit unpolished in places, and you need to have some of fondness for Digimon to get into the game. It's an excellent experience for fans, but perhaps it's one worth waiting until a few patches have rolled out.
  49. Nov 26, 2025
    70
    Digimon Time Stranger has, at its core, almost everything a Digimon fan could want. A huge range of over 400 Digimon with the best 3D models ever, gameplay mechanics that celebrate the franchise's history, depth in the digivolution system, and even the possibility of improving the relationship we have with our Digimon. I don't believe, therefore, that the uninspired story, generic characters, and lack of real challenge will deter hungry Digimon fans from Time Stranger, which remains one of the best and most promising entries in the franchise.
  50. Oct 3, 2025
    70
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is the best Digimon game we’ve had. The graphics and nuance are absolutely stunning, and the game offers a solid turn-based JRPG experience. But with its pricetag, it feels like it’s missing just a bit of polish. For Digimon fans, though, Time Stranger is a must-play that will truly take you into the Digital World.
  51. Oct 1, 2025
    70
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a fun game with interesting gameplay mechanics that are unfortunately held back by simple enemy encounter design. Thankfully, the fun mechanics and respect for the concept of Digimon will still make this an enjoyable title for fans of the franchise. If you're craving a new story starring these beloved creatures, then you can't go wrong with picking this up.
  52. Oct 1, 2025
    70
    As it stands, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a massive step up from Digimon Story games before it, improving on just about every aspect. Huge amounts of work have gone into streamlining frustrations seen in prior entries, and it mostly delivers in its presentation, combat, and storytelling, but it falls short of feeling like the triple-A game it’s trying so hard to be. It’s a step forward for the series nonetheless, and likely the best Digimon game to date, which will hopefully lead to better, more polished, and better-funded games in the future.
  53. 60
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is a game that can be a lot of fun and engaging with its battles and everything related to Digimon evolution. However, the overall graphic quality, side quests, bosses, and linear design approach detract from the experience.
  54. Oct 1, 2025
    60
    The newest title in the Digimon Story series offers an awkwardly told story with underwhelming characters but solid combat.
  55. Oct 1, 2025
    60
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger does some things right, but its repetitive quests and dungeons drag the experience down significantly, to the point where it becomes almost a chore to play at times. Still, hardcore Digimon fans may be able to overlook even its most glaring flaws, as the game was clearly built with love for the franchise.
  56. Oct 1, 2025
    60
    The experience is a constant tug of war between its disparate good and bad qualities. But Digimon Story: Time Stranger thrives on its good, and save for the eyeroll-inducing DLC dilemma, its bad doesn’t feel intrusive so much as uninspired. A colourful cast of characters gradually comes into its own, resulting in one of the most compelling Digimon video games to date.
  57. Oct 1, 2025
    60
    Digimon Story Time Stranger is a solid, mature RPG with deep combat and a rewarding Digivolution system. However, its linear structure and abundance of microtransactions make it a game best suited for hardcore Digimon and SMT fans.
  58. Oct 1, 2025
    60
    Digimon Story Time Stranger should be the strongest RPG the series has produced. The evolution system is endlessly replayable, the story delivers big twists, and the presentation shows real care. Unfortunately, it narrowly misses the top spot thanks to its small maps, tedious training, and mechanics that never live up to their promise...It’s a fantastic monster-catching game at its core, but the world around it feels too restricted and the side content too shallow to match that depth.
  59. Oct 1, 2025
    60
    If Digimon Story Time Stranger just sat back and allowed its largely fantastic RPG systems to breathe, it could be counted amongst the finest of Digimon games. But instead, it gets bogged down in disappointingly linear design that limits combat and party-based progression at almost every turn. Despite being packed with such clear potential, Time Stranger ends up feeling like a frustrating misfire.
  60. Oct 3, 2025
    50
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger is very half-baked. After an incredibly slow start, and I'm the first to say that role-playing games take time and often grow enormously after a few hours, the colourful Digimon world is certainly fun to explore, but the disappointing technical aspects, the simplistic battles, the dull story, and the boring gameplay moments mean everything feels like half-baked fun at best.
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  1. Oct 6, 2025
    A very good JRPG, and the best Digimon's game ever. [Recommended]
  2. Oct 1, 2025
    Time Stranger sometimes awkwardly fumbles its way to the point it’s trying to make, but every time it shows its hand, it proves it’s willing to punch above its weight.
  3. Oct 2, 2025
    While it has room to improve, Digimon Story Time Stranger is exactly what I wanted from a Digimon game. Media.Visions understands that the fun and excitement that Digimon offers comes from its rich world and curious creatures. By giving life to them with mesmerizing colors, intense combat, and gorgeous animations, the studio evolves what a Digimon game can be and raises the bar of what we will expect from future ones.
  4. Oct 2, 2025
    Digimon Story: Time Stranger was on the verge of being an incredible game. It’s just those last few niggles that are holding back. Maybe the next Digimon title will be the one that truly catapults the franchise to greatness, but unfortunately, I can’t see into the future to confirm that.