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. 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
  2. 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
  3. Kakashi5891
    Sep 15, 2021
    8
    I Fn loved this game the story was pretty cool a lot of anime tropes but I can dig it, although I do wish that would evolve some in general with all of anime story telling. But where it shines the most is the gameplay the battles are dynamic and fun and the phypunk thing is pretty bad ass. Over all I recommend it I had fun playing it.
  4. 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.
  5. AxizPowerz
    Nov 5, 2021
    8
    Game was just as fun and interesting as the trailers made it out to be. I got it due to its similarities to Astral Chain which I loved and its just as good and better in some ways. This game has some of the best combat I've ever experienced. Its fluid, satisfying, and every new power you unlock changes how you approach every fight. The character designs were great and so were theGame was just as fun and interesting as the trailers made it out to be. I got it due to its similarities to Astral Chain which I loved and its just as good and better in some ways. This game has some of the best combat I've ever experienced. Its fluid, satisfying, and every new power you unlock changes how you approach every fight. The character designs were great and so were the characters themselves for the most part. Now for the bad. As much as I enjoy the bond episodes the methods of unlocking them feel a bit repetitive and annoying which then detracts from experience of the bond episode. The enemy designs were pretty cool, but most of the enemies are variants of the base version so at times they would feel kinda lame. The side quests (there are around a little over 60 if you do both storylines) are very simple, very mid, and very repetitive. The rewards they offer aren't worth very much and are clearly implemented to take up time. That's the case for most games side quests, but its at its worse in this game and is certainly its biggest shortcoming. Onto the most conflicting part; the story. The story starts off very strong. Starting off setting up the world and the characters and it gets even stronger throughout the rest of the game with the crazy lore details. Unfortunately the last few chapters weren't as enjoyable due to the story getting immensely convoluted. Overall a VERY great hack and slasher with a very solid story with a few very annoying shortcomings that were implemented just to raise play time.… Expand
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Kakafria
    Nov 22, 2021
    8
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    ┃           
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Azazel2769
    Jun 27, 2021
    8
    It's a very good game with very good combat and a decent story that gets you to like the characters very well, maybe you don't like the story was told if don't like that visual novel style way of storytelling, overall it's a very good game that has a good story and great combat that make want to comeback to this game.
  17. alexvstheworld
    Sep 13, 2021
    8
    Pros: Great story, Awesome combat, very nice customization system and designs for weapons and armor. 2 campaigns in the form of 2 main characters that have their own missions to play through, which makes the game interesting seeing the main story events from 2 different parties. Cons: Most cutscenes with dialogue are still shots pretty much, and that's not for everybody.

    The game can    Pros: Great story, Awesome combat, very nice customization system and designs for weapons and armor. 2 campaigns in the form of 2 main characters that have their own missions to play through, which makes the game interesting seeing the main story events from 2 different parties. Cons: Most cutscenes with dialogue are still shots pretty much, and that's not for everybody.

    The game can get pretty boring during the "Standby Phases" (free time in-between the chapters of the game where you can tackle the tedious and boring side quests). This is due to the boring side quests and the companion system which takes hours to complete (complete meaning fully level up your relationship with your team, which is another tedious process in of itself) and if you're a completionist like me, then you'll get burned out like halfway through your first campaign (I haven't even started the 2nd one yet).

    However, with all that in mind, this game is a solid 8 if you can pace yourself/give yourself the necessary breaks from the game in order to not feel overwhelmed or completely annoyed by the content. I'd say it's worth around $40-$50. unless you're really itching to play this game, then go for retail.    … Expand
  18. otakumhgamer
    Jul 9, 2021
    10
    amazing story
    amazing combat
    likeable characters
    i know that this game is not huge but it never meant to be so thats ok.....
  19. Shakir00
    Jul 3, 2021
    8
    every good action anime game actually, the story parts quite interesting but the fighting mechanism was the key part of this game. The combination of power you can use and the effects of the power(sas) used to the gameplay are very fun to play. every power have it use however yes the enemy type can be repetitive for some time but the variety of combo and environmental interacting usingevery good action anime game actually, the story parts quite interesting but the fighting mechanism was the key part of this game. The combination of power you can use and the effects of the power(sas) used to the gameplay are very fun to play. every power have it use however yes the enemy type can be repetitive for some time but the variety of combo and environmental interacting using your power can spice thing up and keep it engaging. Spent almost 16 hours in this game and left quite satisfied. One of main weakness for me is the relationship between characters and the kind of interaction need to suit the current plots.… Expand
  20. Ultima777
    Jul 1, 2021
    10
    A well made Japanese rpg experience start to finish with well made gameplay mechanics and controls.
  21. Zackasaurus-rex
    Jun 27, 2021
    10
    Wow, what a gem! I think folks really underestimated what this new IP would bring to the table. Cool enemy designs, incredibly fun combat, good characters, super nice visuals, and more. I'm impressed.
  22. moonflown
    Jul 5, 2021
    10
    Sometimes there is a game that gets everything right for a particular segment of players and I'm glad that I'm part of it. I have not had so much fun in an action RPG for a long time
  23. MidnightRaven
    Aug 18, 2021
    8
    Scarlet Nexus had a very original story with twists and turns. The monsters are repetitive sadly but overall the game is fun. Combat has a bunch of options and the use of teammates powers makes it interesting. The game would be a 10/10 if it had actual cutscenes and better variety of enemies. Also, phase 12 is annoying repetitive...you'll see if you play. I got the Platinum trophy for thisScarlet Nexus had a very original story with twists and turns. The monsters are repetitive sadly but overall the game is fun. Combat has a bunch of options and the use of teammates powers makes it interesting. The game would be a 10/10 if it had actual cutscenes and better variety of enemies. Also, phase 12 is annoying repetitive...you'll see if you play. I got the Platinum trophy for this game.

    I recommend this game at discount.    … Expand
  24. Firefistace117
    Jun 26, 2021
    9
    One of the best Stories and Combat in Anime games!. The Comic book style of storytelling is hit or miss and kinda takes getting used to however the Cinematics that do happen is very well done and The writing and the twists and turns of the story is Excellently done! The combat Is absolutely brilliant and very well polished and has alot of thought put into it, also i love the Cast ofOne of the best Stories and Combat in Anime games!. The Comic book style of storytelling is hit or miss and kinda takes getting used to however the Cinematics that do happen is very well done and The writing and the twists and turns of the story is Excellently done! The combat Is absolutely brilliant and very well polished and has alot of thought put into it, also i love the Cast of characters! Biggest criticism is the level design is very meh most the time... Some absolutely beautiful areas but most are Okish or meh. Totally worth picking this up these devs deserve it tbh game is like 50 hours worth of story if ya play both stories (which has alot of differences to warrent the diff playthroughs. So this game is definitely a 9/10 for me. Hope More Anime games of this quality comes out!… Expand
  25. KyoRobbie
    Jun 27, 2021
    9
    I really liked this game, the story is really cool, the characters each have their own style and way of being! , the gameplay maintains what really should be a hack n slash and at the same time presents you with a very innovative system, a full plate for those who enjoy the genre and also like anime games!
  26. 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.
  27. fiuza
    Jun 26, 2021
    8
    good game, great combat, but could have more animated cutscenes............
  28. hkjhkjh
    Aug 8, 2021
    10
    This game is like the love child of the Nier series and the Persona series

    Combat and Story really reminds me of the Nier series and the characters and their interactions reminds me of the Persona series which is obviously a good thing
  29. Hraberuka
    Jun 27, 2021
    10
    Game looks beautiful, great and fun combat, great characters and story, i really like this game :) Also soundtrack is really good
  30. yangfanhong
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    This is a Japan style action RPG. The story is amazing and the action is outstanding.
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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 »