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. Gamingking007
    Jun 29, 2021
    10
    Actually a 7 out of 10 but just giving it a 10 to offset the unfair scores . So everything about the game is done well and most of all the bases are covered for a basic jrpg. Most reviewers don’t realize that this is so close to astral chain that it’s actually hilarious . The scenes, the finishers and look of this game are very close but are executed poorly compared to astral chain . TheActually a 7 out of 10 but just giving it a 10 to offset the unfair scores . So everything about the game is done well and most of all the bases are covered for a basic jrpg. Most reviewers don’t realize that this is so close to astral chain that it’s actually hilarious . The scenes, the finishers and look of this game are very close but are executed poorly compared to astral chain . The main character is the most irritating protagonist I have ever experienced in anything anime . I honestly can’t stand his immaturity. It’s like literally my playing with a child which would be okay if the story didn’t contradict itself and make no sense at times . It doesn’t come close to astral chain though so I think they still have a lot to learn but the basic ideas can be amazing even stunning at times. Not all of the characters are terrible though but I think if you’re going to try to imitate platinum games you better be amazing at it . Not amazing or great but good enough .… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. Ultima777
    Jul 1, 2021
    10
    A well made Japanese rpg experience start to finish with well made gameplay mechanics and controls.
  5. enigma1990
    Jul 11, 2021
    10
    This game is perfect! It's got amazing fast paced fluid combat. It's got Persona vibes with the bond episodes and just the overall anime-ness of this game is fantastic. I don't really have anything else to say about it other than this is probably the best game I've played so far in 2021. I love the resurgance of hack and slash combat in games. This game alongside Nier Replicant, Persona 5This game is perfect! It's got amazing fast paced fluid combat. It's got Persona vibes with the bond episodes and just the overall anime-ness of this game is fantastic. I don't really have anything else to say about it other than this is probably the best game I've played so far in 2021. I love the resurgance of hack and slash combat in games. This game alongside Nier Replicant, Persona 5 Strikers and No More Heroes 3 which is launching in August. It's a great year for hack and slash combat. I am so happy!!!… Expand
  6. Procyon0916
    Jun 27, 2021
    10
    It is a game that makes good use of the advantages of the 'Dual Sense' gamepad.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. onehitok
    Jun 24, 2022
    10
    Anime lovers uniteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
  11. skmoyer
    Jul 10, 2021
    10
    GREAT GAME. The action and art is awesome. The story is definitely got the japanese good anime, but if u love that stuff then even better.
  12. yangfanhong
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    This is a Japan style action RPG. The story is amazing and the action is outstanding.
  13. 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.....
  14. MavisCore
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    I really love this. My favorite JRPG game now!
    Hope that we will get the second part!
  15. Exia_Walter_Do
    Jul 4, 2021
    10
    An excellent game.

    I love the story, and it makes me excited to play. I love both of the characters
  16. 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.
  17. NeonNinja1225
    Jul 4, 2021
    10
    Bandai's attempt a character focused RPG drawing from Devil May Cry 5, Nier Automata and Astral Chain.The story is actually interesting and gets complicated as you get deeper into the game with them learning their lessons from previous games (God Eater, Code Vein) and actually having impactful moments stay that way without nonsense like reviving dead characters break the mood (people doBandai's attempt a character focused RPG drawing from Devil May Cry 5, Nier Automata and Astral Chain.The story is actually interesting and gets complicated as you get deeper into the game with them learning their lessons from previous games (God Eater, Code Vein) and actually having impactful moments stay that way without nonsense like reviving dead characters break the mood (people do die in this story, just won't say who or what). Gameplay wise it's almost perfect...if the combat wasn't so floaty and weightless (no deep impactful sound effects or emphasis on the hit makes it look like a knife literally cutting through butter) it would've been a perfect system to go with the story. Performance wise on PC its very well optimized and barely has, if any, frame drops and is one of the better looking games this year with its unique aesthetic and "brainpunk" world.

    Overall, after having experienced the entirety of the God Eater franchise and Code Vein, Scarlet Nexus is definitely one of Bandai Namco's best releases to date. Hope Tales of Arise gets this much attention and more considering its their main franchise.    … Expand
  18. Fhaheenk
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    This is one of the most exciting games I've played. It's USP is clearly the innovative combat and unique story lines. Playing it with a ps5 dualsense is a nice bonus too
  19. Ars_Arcanum
    Jun 26, 2021
    10
    Good plot, good characters, pretty good soundtrack and great combat. Level design is meh thought. If you like anime games, I'm sure you gonna love it!
  20. crimsonkura
    Jun 28, 2021
    10
    This is one of the best JRPGs of 2021 so far! The characters, story, level design, and music is top notch. The combat is also fun and fast-paced. Highly recommend if you are a fan of JRPGs or anime games!
  21. Pjdadon1
    Jun 28, 2021
    10
    No bs scarlet nexus is fire af!!!! Not a board moment with this game. Recommend 10000000000%
  22. Vandal1
    Jun 28, 2021
    10
    Отличная игра!Интересный сюжет и боёвка в стиле аниме.По игре также выпустили аниме,которое тоже на высоком уровне.
  23. 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
  24. D_newen
    Jul 13, 2021
    10
    Scarlet Nexus is no doubt, going to be a nominee for best RPG of the year, Hell might even win best RPG of the year, HELL MIGHT EVEN BE GAME OF THE YEAR. The game is a Dual-narrative following the stories of Main characters Yuito and Kasase. Unlike some Dual Narrative games (COUGH COUGH BIOHAZARD RE:2) this games story actually works with no noticeable contradictions to either protagonistsScarlet Nexus is no doubt, going to be a nominee for best RPG of the year, Hell might even win best RPG of the year, HELL MIGHT EVEN BE GAME OF THE YEAR. The game is a Dual-narrative following the stories of Main characters Yuito and Kasase. Unlike some Dual Narrative games (COUGH COUGH BIOHAZARD RE:2) this games story actually works with no noticeable contradictions to either protagonists story. The differences expands to enemy appearances and antagonists. Despite Microsoft’s extremely poor advertising (stop trying to americanise this very Japanese game) the game is the best RPG released so far. The graphics are extremely smooth on PS4 which makes it hard to believe it can be enhanced on PS5 with an upgrade. Scarlet Nexus is a must buy game, if you don’t wish to sit through the slideshow style cutscenes. There is an animated series following a similar story to the game. IF YOURE A BRILLIANT HUMAN BEING AND WATCH BOTH THE ANIME AND PLAY THE GAME, THERE ARE SECRET PASSWORDS IN EACH EPISODE OF THE ANIME TO FIND HIDDEN GOODIES IN THE GAME. Overall great game, get it now… Expand
  25. 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.
  26. testtestgame
    Jul 31, 2021
    10
    Battles that mix telekinesis with weapons are the most fun.
    I was also moved by the story from the perspective of the two main characters.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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 »