Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky

 PlayStation Vita
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Nov 8, 2016
    80
    For all its early-stage failings, Exist Archive is an excellent game once it finds its groove. As long as you go in knowing what to expect and knowing it will get better eventually, it's a game I'd recommend to anyone who likes JRPGs.
  2. Wccftech
    Oct 11, 2016
    75
    While it may not be the timeless classic that the original Valkyrie Profile strived to be so many years ago, Exist Archive takes that inspirational gameplay and infuses it with more modern tropes.
  3. RPG Fan
    Nov 22, 2016
    70
    Exist Archive is proof you can sometimes have too much of a good thing, and doesn't have enough unique ideas of its own to stand out.
  5. SpazioGames
    Oct 28, 2016
    70
    Looking at the name of the developers, of the person in charge for the soundtrack and of the games from which Exist Archive draws inspiration, it's hard not to be disappointed because this is just a "good" game and nothing more. The combat system is frantic and well done, but the bland level design and the repetitiveness both drag down the final result.
  6. We Got This Covered
    Oct 22, 2016
    70
    Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky has a solid foundation in its art style, characters, and combat. It’s just a shame that a lack in variation holds it back from being something truly engaging.
  7. GameSpew
    Oct 12, 2016
    70
    Once you’re over the initial shock of visual differences you’ll come to find Exist Archive is essentially a third Valkyrie Profile game in almost every possible way.
  8. The Vita Lounge
    Nov 7, 2016
    66
    A standout combat system with deep customization, this game could've really been something special had it not been for the mediocre state of most everything around it.
  9. PlayStation Universe
    Oct 29, 2016
    65
    There’s a lot to be had here, but the PS Vita version of Exist Archive could have used some more attention. Still, in the proper hands, there’s plenty of JRPG goodness to get lost in.
  10. RPGamer
    May 1, 2019
    50
    Something about Exist Archive enticed me to keep playing in hopes of learning more about its world, even though that hope receded as time passed. The game also produced a unique occurrence, for never before have I come up against a final boss rendered invisible by a glitch. Despite the existence of multiple endings, I have no plans to revisit this title in the future, not after the myriad frustrations experienced. tri-Ace has done better and hopefully will again.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PS Vita Game of 2016
20
#20 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2016
6
#6 Most Shared PS Vita Game of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. peropify
    Mar 15, 2017
    8
    For those who like JRPG's this is a great game with some unique mechanics and a good battle system that works. The level of characterFor those who like JRPG's this is a great game with some unique mechanics and a good battle system that works. The level of character customisation, appearance, character, and skill wise is vast, and the story is decent to boot. Don't be fooled by the low critic score, although I would wait till a sale occurs before considering a purchase.… Full Review »
  2. alex_dragon
    Nov 14, 2016
    8
    Its quite good. storywise i like it. the battles are actually quite hard later on. I died several times and it was challenging. Having playedIts quite good. storywise i like it. the battles are actually quite hard later on. I died several times and it was challenging. Having played so many JRPGs this is one of the better ones. i very much liked the fact if 4 members of your party is higher level than the rest of the groups will level up after you went on an expedition.

    my only downside is i wish there were more romance and more cutscenes/ more endings, then that would be great. It also takes quite a long time before you can buy stuff from the shop which made it quite hard early on. The game also doesnt take you to gameover if everyone dies, instead their affection drops.

    some level designs are also quite repetitive but thats how the game works so i cant really complain much. its kinda cool how you can skip battles by just freezing the enemies on the map so you can just jump/ walk through them without wasting time. But grinding in this game is a must at some point since if you dont enemies will be too tough for you to handle even if you're really good at JRPGs    … Full Review »
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