Scarlet Nexus

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 308 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 218 out of 308
  2. Mixed: 61 out of 308
  3. Negative: 29 out of 308
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  1. Mvko
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    For me this was one of the best games I've ever played, the story is very engaging, I personally found the gameplay fun, there are many types of enemies even though They are very similar, I wasn't a fan of anime games but this one really impressed me, so I think it's worth trying
  2. MrPresident
    Sep 9, 2023
    6
    Okay game in most regards but ultimately quite forgettable. It's still worth playing if you can get it for cheap and have nothing else. But I had grown quite tired of it near the end.

    The main thing it had going was a pretty good gameplay loop. But the story and characters weren't doing it for me.
  3. Brix_b4_chix
    Jul 31, 2023
    5
    The story can’t possibly be followed. It jumps from one place to the other with no explanation.
    The enemy designs make no sense either. A pair of women’s legs on heels that stop at the waist and are topped with a flower pot? They are all completely random and do not match each other in any way.
  4. AsrielDreemur
    Jul 22, 2023
    5
    As much as I want to like this game, it suffer with a lot of bad QoL issues in the game. The first 5 hours of the game was really good and I thought it will be a solid 8/10, but the longer I play this game, the more I feel like the game is far from enjoyable.

    Without spoiling anything, all I can say is that the story is just mid or even cringe at certain moments, frustration continue    As much as I want to like this game, it suffer with a lot of bad QoL issues in the game. The first 5 hours of the game was really good and I thought it will be a solid 8/10, but the longer I play this game, the more I feel like the game is far from enjoyable.

    Without spoiling anything, all I can say is that the story is just mid or even cringe at certain moments, frustration continue to pile up as you see certain part of the story where the characters could solve the problem easily by just talking but decided not too with poor and unnecessary drama that drag throughout the game. Some characters are just obnoxious and the dialogue are really uninspiring most of the times. The game also provides players with a homebase in between missions where you can talk and give gifts to the other supporting cast, but comparing it to other games like "Fire Emblem" and "Persona" the system is just inferior.

    When it comes to combat, it plays really well in the beginning and it seems like the game have more to offer. But the more you play, you will start to realized that the combat feels unpolished or just unsatisfying. As you progress the stages, more enemies will keep on stacking to the point where you have no idea what you're looking at the screen as the screen will be clustered with too many enemies. There's also the issue with subpar AI allies that does nothing to help you, and many of the quest just gets really repetitive after a while.

    As for the pros, the game aesthetics is really good and I love the take of Neo Japan in the future. Despite the lack of enemy varieties in the game, the design of the enemy in the game are really unique, and you can view the portraits of the enemy you defeated. There's decent amount of unlockable cosmetic for your characters and the "brain field" combat mechanics is really new and different. There's also new game plus, so it really does help your second playthrough to be much easier as there's two MC which each of their own side of the story, but after playing through both of them I won't recommend that much as the story is not the best to put in simple term.

    Overall, the game has potential but tons of missed opportuities that causes me to not like the game as much and insufferable at times. I wanted to like this game, but with the lack of good story, mid voice acting and just tolerable combat system, I don't think I could recommend Scarlet Nexus to anyone else.    … Expand
  5. hazukimio
    Jul 4, 2023
    7
    The first 15 hours of Scarlet Nexus were very enjoyable, whether it was the perfect fit with the ps5 controller or the refreshing feeling after playing a gorgeous combo, I thought Scarlet Nexus was an excellent JRPG. But the subsequent process of stacking enemies, the lack of enemy types, and some of the insulting plot, made me suffer.
  6. TheProphet334
    Jun 27, 2023
    6
    I just recently completed it and it's not that crazy of a game not going to lie.
    The powers and combat are decent and well designed.
    The story is all over the place and it should not have lasted that long. Side Quests are not a thing or basically fetch quests not really worth it, the hangouts with characters are okay it's nothing big tbh. I can't really say much other than it was    I just recently completed it and it's not that crazy of a game not going to lie.
    The powers and combat are decent and well designed.
    The story is all over the place and it should not have lasted that long.
    Side Quests are not a thing or basically fetch quests not really worth it, the hangouts with characters are okay it's nothing big tbh.
    I can't really say much other than it was rather meh like genuenly meh.    … Expand
  7. MrEBE
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    This game is a gem !! But it reveals its full potential after 8-10 hours of play!!
    Amazing visuals at 60 fps, amazing gameplay, good plot !
    I place it high in my TOP 50 all-time! Just that ! It's been a long time since I had trouble putting the controller down! I'm going to platinum it, play both characters (2 playthroughs, for both side of the story! ) - It's OBVIOUS. It even has a    This game is a gem !! But it reveals its full potential after 8-10 hours of play!!
    Amazing visuals at 60 fps, amazing gameplay, good plot !
    I place it high in my TOP 50 all-time! Just that !
    It's been a long time since I had trouble putting the controller down!
    I'm going to platinum it, play both characters (2 playthroughs, for both side of the story! ) - It's OBVIOUS.
    It even has a healthy dose of metroidvania (use new skills to access new areas in past levels!)
    Available in PS+ Extra    … Expand
  8. Jaidenbrkl1
    Mar 22, 2023
    9
    Being compared to P5S, it is miles better. A new original story from Bandai Namco that turns out to be a fantastic game.
  9. DSouls_guy
    Mar 15, 2023
    9
    Very cool game, I love the cell shading and the smooth frame rates! I hope there will be a sequel. If you like anime or just great jrpg's then you will enjoy scarlet nexus.
  10. plasma_shake
    Feb 28, 2023
    8
    From God Eater to Code Vein, and now Scarlet Nexus. Though those game may not connect to each other directly, the improvement Namco made is obviously real. Wish their next game could take another step.
  11. kylemccoy131
    Jan 26, 2023
    7
    It's gets kinda "anime cringe" at times, but it's fun if you like action-rpg's. I found the QTE's overbearing at times, and most of the side characters to be lackluster. But the world itself is well realized and the combat is fun, though it does outstay its welcome.
  12. Tr0nikus
    Jan 3, 2023
    8
    Only issue I had was not being able to see the clothing and items on your character before buying them. This is a glaring oversight. Otherwise great game, can't wait for the next installment. Perhaps less dialogue and interstitials and more action.
  13. Winged_hussar__
    Aug 29, 2022
    8
    Only after finishing the passage, I can summarize. Management in the game is crooked, but you can get used to it. The music is great, the storyline is just fine. On the whole, I can say: it is impossible to call the game even average, but it is not a masterpiece either.
  14. Radiant_
    Aug 26, 2022
    10
    Easily my favorite game of all time. Combat is an excellent story good. The only complate I have is cutscenes. There are just slideshows. Some characters are also pretty bad, but it doesn't matter to me. I recommend it to everyone who loves JRPGs, crazy rollercoaster stories, and 10/10 combat
  15. Tortor
    Aug 8, 2022
    2
    Photo mode icon ruins this. Who's bright idea was it to have such a giant alert right in your face telling you about photo mode for every single cut scene?

    Its absolutely obnoxious. It stays there, forever and like there's no way to get rid of it. No setting, nothing. It seriously makes my blood boil that such a poor planning with that was. This could have been an amazing game but my eyes    Photo mode icon ruins this. Who's bright idea was it to have such a giant alert right in your face telling you about photo mode for every single cut scene?

    Its absolutely obnoxious. It stays there, forever and like there's no way to get rid of it. No setting, nothing. It seriously makes my blood boil that such a poor planning with that was. This could have been an amazing game but my eyes constantly go to staring at that awful Photo Mode icon on every cut scene.

    I know it's petty but honestly I can't even watch any of these cut scenes or get into the story because I'm just so distracted by that darn icon in the corner telling me about photo mode when I'm trying to pay attention.    … Expand
  16. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    Aug 5, 2022
    4
    i uninstalled after an hour. Controller wasnt working, junky floating controls, bad whiny writing. Mehh
  17. Psychroclasm
    Jul 7, 2022
    5
    It's like concept artists took assets to a video game company and said "Do something with this." and they got story writers who thought the "Two Brothers" bit from Rick and Morty was revolutionary. The combat system feels so underdeveloped, given that it's nothing new to the genre, and it aches for a MUCH longer list of combos. The windowed style of conversation vs actually animatingIt's like concept artists took assets to a video game company and said "Do something with this." and they got story writers who thought the "Two Brothers" bit from Rick and Morty was revolutionary. The combat system feels so underdeveloped, given that it's nothing new to the genre, and it aches for a MUCH longer list of combos. The windowed style of conversation vs actually animating cutscenes still doesn't make sense to me, and I can't tell if it was a very poor stylistic choice or a budget measure.

    Overall, it's an average game that's really disappointing with all the tools they could've used. I haven't seen the anime, but it has to be better than this.    … Expand
  18. onehitok
    Jun 24, 2022
    10
    Anime lovers uniteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
  19. Siyld
    Jun 17, 2022
    6
    I dig anime games but the combat itself got old pretty fast. Wish the characters got more different kind of unique outfits to be honest.
  20. Aashir52970
    May 29, 2022
    8
    A treat for Anime lovers....
    Pro
    1. Combat- Fast paced, addictive and a huge variety of moves at your disposal
    2. Story is well thought out
    3. Runs at fluid 4k 60 on PS5
    4. Psychokinetic and brain field powers are awesome
    5. Monster designs are creepy

    Cons
    1. Since there are two campaigns with lots of overlap, game gets repetitive towards the end
    2. A tad, too much dialogue, for my liking
  21. iMustang
    May 6, 2022
    10
    Scarlet Nexus was easily one of the best new JRPGs I've played in years. For an anime-style hack & slash to get the AAA style treatment is a rare treat and this absolute knockout hit all the right spots for me. Set in a world always at war with an mysterious entity called the Others, you choose one of two different characters at the beginning and see their unique story as the intricateScarlet Nexus was easily one of the best new JRPGs I've played in years. For an anime-style hack & slash to get the AAA style treatment is a rare treat and this absolute knockout hit all the right spots for me. Set in a world always at war with an mysterious entity called the Others, you choose one of two different characters at the beginning and see their unique story as the intricate plot of the world unfolds. Once you've beat the game as one character, you can then NG+ into the other character to see both sides to this wonderful connecting story. This always creates an air of mystery & excitement and keeps a good beat to the story, always wondering what you'll see next for your cast of characters, and wondering what you may learn when you play as the others. The story is definitely one of the biggest highlights of this experience with multiple layers of conflict that somehow find a way to still connect to one another, and gave us an opposing entity that may be one of my new favorite 'villains' I've ever experienced in gaming. The only element stronger than this game's fantastic story is it's wonderful cast of characters who all have unique personalities and individual goals, and with a similar support system to Fire Emblem give you extra Bond Episodes to spend more time with them and appreciate them more. By the end of my journey I ended up loving every party member I had, even if they weren't on my team throughout the game.

    Gameplay wise this game is the action genre at its finest. Always feeling rewarding to play even in the basic combat, this game goes a step further by making your main character(s) a psychic user. Throwing around objects and doing big combination attacks always looks as cool as it feels to do it, then goes to the next level when you do combinations with your party members to also use their powers. Teleportation, Duplication, Super Speed and more just give you more ways to enjoy playing this game, which is already enjoyable to do. As you play more you unlock more things you can do with each party member, and expand the detailed skill tree that's one of the best I've ever had in a game. Scarlet Nexus also makes excellent use of knowing when to have animated cutscenes so they can be more impactful, ultimately leading to a constant interest in what's happening.

    Overall this game hit a perfect spot for me. Futuristic and problematic world, but not a dystopian one. A beautiful story of struggle with occasional loss, but never depressing or dramatic. Color choices of red and black and destroyed environments, yet somehow still a bright atmosphere. This game always fills you with hope and a cause to fight for, and even in the simplest settings a world I was happy to be in and explore. I could be happy just walking around the local cities or my hideout, seeing what my party members were up to, and enjoying the charming music. With an amazing soundtrack, incredible story, fantastic characters, and exciting combat, this game was a masterpiece to me from beginning to end. I really hope they continue this new IP with more entries, but even if they do not, I will always love Scarlet Nexus for the amazing journey it already is.    … Expand
  22. Oldman1917
    Apr 8, 2022
    10
    Now this is my favorite JRPG! Many years later, I felt like a teenager in a cool shonen like Naruto or Bleach. Cool story, good gameplay, addictive setting.
  23. Flounder
    Mar 29, 2022
    7
    Es ist ein lustiges Spiel mit lustigem Gameplay und einer ziemlich guten Geschichte, obwohl die Geschichte sehr, sehr unnötig in die Länge gezogen wird.
  24. iKickBullies
    Mar 25, 2022
    7
    I really wanted to love this game soooo bad. I preordered and almost never do digital preorders so that was something. The game really could have been alot better. But alot of the execution was questionable at best. The combat requires tooo much investment to start enjoying and feels lazy until your like 15 hours in and got your skill tree up. No reason you shouldn't be able to do thingsI really wanted to love this game soooo bad. I preordered and almost never do digital preorders so that was something. The game really could have been alot better. But alot of the execution was questionable at best. The combat requires tooo much investment to start enjoying and feels lazy until your like 15 hours in and got your skill tree up. No reason you shouldn't be able to do things like air dodging and vital normal maneuvers from the start. I can understand the ESP or whatever stuff, but that was very questionable and I think allowing for full control of AI partners would have made this soo much better. Allowing the combat to be a little more RPG in that element, a good example of what I mean is say FFVIIR where your AI can be switched to mid combat if you need there skills or want to use them. The story is okay and the characters are pretty generic run of the mill animesh characters. Some likable and some loveable but nothing unique or standout. I think not hating any is its accomplishment in that department lol. Either way, I will eventually get back to the game but it's not an amazing game by any feat. Just good… Expand
  25. Kaprawiec
    Mar 24, 2022
    10
    Wow, what a game! Its got story straight from best anime series, great combat and graphics (both remind me of Nier Automata). One of the best games of recent years, sleeper hit of 2021, my personal GOTY along with Returnal, Halo Infinite, Metroid Dread and Outriders.
  26. JackMcloed
    Mar 16, 2022
    6
    Combat is not great but Babylon's Fall has an average of 4. Yeah, that makes sense.
  27. WhiskyRed
    Mar 8, 2022
    3
    Okay combat, graphics, voice acting and music.
    Boring and uninteresting story and characters.
    I have played the game for 6 hours on Xbox Game Pass.
    I gave the game a fair chance and was interested at first, but the game failed to keep me interested.
  28. luminous15cf
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    Well, this game was a pleasant surprise for me. The gameplay is fun and the story is not cliche, it has really unique world and characters. I felt that the devs put a lot of love into this game and I loved it.
  29. Francisco_jenri
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Un excelente juego con una historia bastante buena, la cual te mantiene constantemente pegado a la pantalla aparte de tener una muy buena jugabilidad.
  30. kirkender
    Jan 6, 2022
    6
    The visuals are the best part. The enemy designs are fantastic. The story is run-of-the-mill nonsensical anime, and the characters are shallow. The gameplay is frenetic and unbalanced. The level design is uninspired made up of hallways with limited opportunities for engagement, that you have to do over and over and over again, and that's just in the first playthrough. I can see this seriesThe visuals are the best part. The enemy designs are fantastic. The story is run-of-the-mill nonsensical anime, and the characters are shallow. The gameplay is frenetic and unbalanced. The level design is uninspired made up of hallways with limited opportunities for engagement, that you have to do over and over and over again, and that's just in the first playthrough. I can see this series improving considerably with sequels, but this one is average at its best, and frustrating and boring at its worst.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
32
#32 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 68 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 68
  3. Negative: 0 out of 68
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Sep 9, 2021
    80
    Scarlet Nexus is a fun action RPG-lite that has a complex story and a bunch of unnecessary gaming mechanics that somehow work. If you like games like Astral Chain, you will not go wrong with Scarlet Nexus, especially as it’s being set up as a potential future franchise. The combination of telekinesis and action elements are nothing new, but SN does it beautifully by combining it with other different skills and magics. If you like Anime and brainpunk themes, Scarlet Nexus is for you.
    Read full review
  2. PlaySense
    Aug 5, 2021
    85
    An interesting story with well-developed characters and expert enemy design, that - however - does take a while to really get going. On top of that, not every sidequest is worth your attention. Don't let that stop you, though. Scarlet Nexus is a great game.
    Read full review
  3. PLAY
    Jul 28, 2021
    70
    This psychically gifted title has a killer look and telekinetically wielded right hook. Unfortunately, it fails to read our mind and outstays its welcome. [Issue#4, p.75]
See all critic reviews »