Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

 Wii U
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 410 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 314 out of 410
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 410
  3. Negative: 63 out of 410
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  1. XenoFantasy1
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    This games battle system alone is enough for me to give it a 10. It is the usual Megaten battle system only heavily revamped to make it the best in the series (for now, persona 5 is creeping up). I have never had so much fun battling enemies in a jrpg since xenoblade and tales of vesperia. The dungeons are also very cool and overall do their jobs as representing some form of an art such asThis games battle system alone is enough for me to give it a 10. It is the usual Megaten battle system only heavily revamped to make it the best in the series (for now, persona 5 is creeping up). I have never had so much fun battling enemies in a jrpg since xenoblade and tales of vesperia. The dungeons are also very cool and overall do their jobs as representing some form of an art such as photography and fashion. Not to big on the Jpop idol theme and the story is not amazing, but the gameplay is just so amazing.

    Note: there is also some censorship in areas like cgi cutscenes and dungeons, but it does not affect gameplay at all. Censorship makes the story bit wonky in photography dungeon but that is it.    … Expand
  2. PooInLoo
    Jun 24, 2016
    9
    Combat is easily the best part of the game, the session system is great.
    Also helps that the characters are great, soundtrack is great, weapon system is great and actually makes you want to upgrade weapons unlike in majority of SMT games.
    Score would be higher if the loading times would be a bit faster and some of the censorship ia dumb
  3. S-M-T
    Jun 26, 2016
    9
    This game is excellent, and it's everything I could have wanted it to be. The game is beautiful (for a Wii U game, at least) and packed with style. The core of the game, however, is definitely the gameplay, which features a brilliant mesh of the Fire Emblem weakness system and an extremely Shin Megami Tensei-reminiscent battle system, alongside excellent dungeon crawling the likes of whichThis game is excellent, and it's everything I could have wanted it to be. The game is beautiful (for a Wii U game, at least) and packed with style. The core of the game, however, is definitely the gameplay, which features a brilliant mesh of the Fire Emblem weakness system and an extremely Shin Megami Tensei-reminiscent battle system, alongside excellent dungeon crawling the likes of which I've come to expect out of ATLUS. Despite what some may say, rest assured there's there's plenty of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem influence in the game; from the way it plays being almost straight out of an SMT game to the characters directly out of Fire Emblem games, and even the smaller things such as sound effects from both series playing when, for instance, you level up or find an item. I'm aware of the background of the game and why people may dislike it, however, despite its rocky journey, it absolutely does not disappoint. It would be an easy 10 from me if not for the unfortunate and unwise localization decisions.… Expand
  4. munir
    Jul 1, 2016
    5
    I can't connive with this kind of censorship, it's not a good message for future western releases of Japanese titles. This is a good game that doesn't deserve to be remembered by their cuts and changes, but Nintendo of America isn't actually helping by making we feel like back to the old cartridge content butchering days.

    For someone who has been watching trailers, gameplays and demos    I can't connive with this kind of censorship, it's not a good message for future western releases of Japanese titles. This is a good game that doesn't deserve to be remembered by their cuts and changes, but Nintendo of America isn't actually helping by making we feel like back to the old cartridge content butchering days.

    For someone who has been watching trailers, gameplays and demos from the original game these last months, it became easy to spot what have been changed in the west: from removed bikinis to altered CG cutscenes. Because of sexiness, no less.

    Seems "Japanese versions" are keeping their charm even today, aren't they? 30 years later and "Western version" is still a synonymous of a lesser thing.    … Expand
  5. Yaywalter
    Jun 27, 2016
    9
    Gorgeous art style, excellent gameplay... we're going through something of a JRPG renaissance, and it's fantastic. I would say we JRPG fans are "getting spoiled", but then I remember how good bro-dude gamers have it with endless waves of FPS and sports games. Now THAT'S getting spoiled.

    Now the hot topic: censorship. Is it annoying? Sure. Is it a big deal? Not particularly, but if we    Gorgeous art style, excellent gameplay... we're going through something of a JRPG renaissance, and it's fantastic. I would say we JRPG fans are "getting spoiled", but then I remember how good bro-dude gamers have it with endless waves of FPS and sports games. Now THAT'S getting spoiled.

    Now the hot topic: censorship. Is it annoying? Sure. Is it a big deal? Not particularly, but if we buy censored games, we're sending the message that it's okay... which certainly isn't great. But not buying a game purely because of this issue doesn't necessarily mean that the game's publisher will get the message that it's because of censorship. And personally, I think buying games like TMS#FE to send the message that we want more good JRPGs to be produced and/or localized is far more important and more likely to get across to the publisher than not buying them because of minor qualms with how they're being localized. Besides, the fact that battle dialog isn't even subtitled is a bigger issue than the fact that some sauciness was toned down.    … Expand
  6. snakekill321
    Jun 24, 2016
    9
    This is indeed a unique game, bear in mind I came into this game as a Shin megami tensei/persona fan, and was not disappointed. The fire emblem references seem to jsut be there, and weaseled in, but if you are a hardcore SMT/Persona fan and cant wait for Persona 5, this is a great stand alone game. The main problem for most is the censorship, which to me was not bad. The soundtrack isThis is indeed a unique game, bear in mind I came into this game as a Shin megami tensei/persona fan, and was not disappointed. The fire emblem references seem to jsut be there, and weaseled in, but if you are a hardcore SMT/Persona fan and cant wait for Persona 5, this is a great stand alone game. The main problem for most is the censorship, which to me was not bad. The soundtrack is amazing, and the story so far is compelling. This game is not for everyone, but for those who are missing out on a good JRPG this one is worth it… Expand
  7. TacoCowboy14
    Jun 24, 2016
    9
    I didn't have high expectations for this game to begin with but the game has turned out to be really fun. The game plays out like a traditional JRPG but with and idol theme to it.

    Pros: Good Music, The Story is Pretty Good , Nice Graphics, Clever Use of the Gamepad Cons: Most of what your characters say in battle is not subbed, I know a little Japanese though and most of it seems    I didn't have high expectations for this game to begin with but the game has turned out to be really fun. The game plays out like a traditional JRPG but with and idol theme to it.

    Pros: Good Music, The Story is Pretty Good , Nice Graphics, Clever Use of the Gamepad

    Cons: Most of what your characters say in battle is not subbed, I know a little Japanese though and most of it seems unimportant, The game has Auto-Save but just barely meaning if you forget to save and then die you're screwed, The map displayed on the Gamepad is awkward and hard to use

    In my opinion the Pros of this game outweigh the Cons of this game and I'd recommend it for people who are a fan of RPG's or anyone looking to try something different.

    Some of the Fan-Service in this game was censored when it was localized from Japan so if the bothers you then you may want to skip this game.    … Expand
  8. Lazy_Fish
    Jun 24, 2016
    6
    [This is a review of the US release, not JP!] Its nice to see the wii u get a new game, a crossover between two great games into one. At first when this was announced it sounded like it was going to be a much better game. It changed into an idol game and while I was upset at that, the game isn't that bad in game play. The game play is closer to SMT than it is fire emblem. Its fun, has[This is a review of the US release, not JP!] Its nice to see the wii u get a new game, a crossover between two great games into one. At first when this was announced it sounded like it was going to be a much better game. It changed into an idol game and while I was upset at that, the game isn't that bad in game play. The game play is closer to SMT than it is fire emblem. Its fun, has flashy effects in battle, and is somewhat difficult, and is pretty lengthy. The music is pretty good too. Though I don't understand japanese at all it was nice to hear. Characters are also well done. But the flaws are really holding it back from being a great game. The story i'd say is okay, but not great. The animations outside of battle are akward to watch. You'd be speaking to a character and they'd never blink or they will keep their mouth open for a long time. some animations to animations are also choppy. Legs will be more spread out in one, then the other will instantly snap them closer. I'd say the biggest flaw is the localization however. If I were reviewing the Japanese version this review may be a 7. It made me a upset that they didn't get English voice actors for this game. Id much rather have English than Japanese so I can understand it easier. This may leave most who don't know a thing about Japanese confused on how the pacing of songs or dialogue goes. Censorship made some laughably bad changes, such as changing a wedding dress to be completely covered. The changes seem unnecessary and the game would be great without them

    I would recommend this game to those who are really into anime and SMT. Not so much for fire emblem fans since the game play is more like SMT, but if you liked characters from awakening and shadow dragon, then give it a try.

    Not as terrible as it seemed at first, but localization changes do suck alot.    … Expand
  9. Dogi
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    Fantastic game. Some localization changes but the core game is there. Music is great. It's one of the best RPGs out this year so far. It has a diet Persona feel to it. The Fire Emblem aspect is clever. It plays well. I would advise that if not into Idol culture in Japan this might not be fore you.
  10. HardeesEom
    Jun 24, 2016
    6
    Its a playable game but the localization team should be fired as theres a bunch of dialogue that you cannot understand due to lack of subs. Where did this game go wrong?
  11. sourmilkncereal
    Jun 25, 2016
    8
    TMS#FE is allot of fun in terms of game play it reminds of bunch of other MegaTen games. The dungeon crawling setup and design is like DDS, you have a 3 person party limit, and rings like DDS2. You have weapon crafting like Strange Journey as well as the same battle system but like super improved. And the skill/map logos like in SMT4, same button layout, you can also save anytime like,TMS#FE is allot of fun in terms of game play it reminds of bunch of other MegaTen games. The dungeon crawling setup and design is like DDS, you have a 3 person party limit, and rings like DDS2. You have weapon crafting like Strange Journey as well as the same battle system but like super improved. And the skill/map logos like in SMT4, same button layout, you can also save anytime like, change the difficulty at any time and of course preemptive attacks, all like SMT4. Even main story quests and sides quests are organized in a similar way. You also have the option to not control your party members like Persona as well the obvious Persona like aesthetic. The game doesn't really play like Persona though it's not like it at all, it's not really a fair comparison. It's really more of a mixture of the games I mentioned not just Persona. It's a really cool game. For what it's worth from what I played I think the story is dumb fun. It's best not to take it too seriously to get the most out of it. Although truthfully I don't really care about the whole idol thing that much. It's not annoying even though that it's present. The graphics are pretty good too. It's such a wonderfully colorful game and I like colors. When every other game these days having such a boring color palette games like these are really a breath of fresh air. And it has some pretty good music it's no Shoji Meguro but still pretty good. Overall is just a really fun game.

    But I wanna address the negatives and what I think of the them. The loads times aren't as bad as people make it out be. There kind of long(like 5-10 sec. max) but you get use to it rather quickly. The fact the that the game is censored doesn't really affect the game play therefore doesn't matter if you ask me. The lack of a English dub isn't too bad either if you ask me a game heavily based on JPOP and Japanese idol culture wouldn't translate well with a dub. And keep in mind I prefer dubs. I'm kind of person who doesn't care if Persona 5 will be dub only. The fact that isn't a true crossover is often complained about too but meh doesn't bother me much either I kind of think it's better this way. There is mild slow down and that does genuinely bug me although it's thankfully not intrusive. I'm not really much of a Fire Emblem (I've only played Scared Stones) fan but from I played with game is mostly MegaTen with a Fire Emblem skin. I would imagine that might disappoint some fans of FE. Although I'm here for the MegaTen game play not FE.

    I played bad games before and this is most certainly not a a bad game. Honestly I don't get the negativity behind it. Did people just forgot to have FUN with games? Cause I dunno about you but I like to have fun because fun is fun. And this game is mostly certainly fun. It's not perfect. It's no masterpiece like SMT4 or P4 but it's a good and fun spin off entry in the MegaTen line up. Actually give it a proper chance before calling it awful. I will say this game comes highly recommended if your looking to get a MegaTen fix, want a game to tide you over until Persona 5 and SMT4: Apocalypse comes out. Or if your just looking to play a pretty good JRPG on Wii U that isn't Xenoblade Chronicles X.    … Expand
  12. Everman
    Jun 24, 2016
    9
    Tokyo mirage sessions is a overall great game that falls short on some key aspects. This however dose not distract from the overall experience. TMS is a new Altus/ Nintendo IP born from the SMT x FE project. While the tone may be much different it stay somewhat true to it's routs.The strength of Tokyo mirage sessions lies in it battle system. It uses a similar turn based battle system ofTokyo mirage sessions is a overall great game that falls short on some key aspects. This however dose not distract from the overall experience. TMS is a new Altus/ Nintendo IP born from the SMT x FE project. While the tone may be much different it stay somewhat true to it's routs.The strength of Tokyo mirage sessions lies in it battle system. It uses a similar turn based battle system of SMT games like persona. TMS streamlines the battle system and makes it faster without lowering the difficultly SMT games are known for. The Story of TMS is it's weak point. It's complete over the top smi-comedic nature makes it jarring wen it attempts to convey any serous aspects of the story. This gets even more jarring as the game goes on. While nothing too serious happens i would like a consistent tone. The cast of TMS,save for the plain protagonist, are very lovable and all have good comedic moments. They however suffer from varying degrees of anime tropes and cliches. Over all it is a solid game that i hope people are will to give a chance.… Expand
  13. MetaSov
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    This game is basically Persona (with Fire Emblem characters, mechanics, and nods) for the Wii U, and it's outstanding. A great game to play while waiting for SMT IV: Apocalypse and Persona 5, and also a great game in the midst of this dry year for the Wii U.
  14. Dominator121
    Jun 24, 2016
    1
    Really good underrated game on the Wii U. Recommend it for anyone who loves RPGs. The graphics in the game look really good and the soundtrack is superb.
  15. AlucardVonHell
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    If you enjoyed Persona 3/FES Persona 4 Golden, and to an extent, Digimon Cyber Sleuth, you'll feel right at home with this game.
    The music, character design, and general look of the game scream Persona.
    The combat system rewards those who love gaining new weapons, and evolutions of weapons. The "world map" is the same as Digimon CS and previous SMT games, as you can choose where you    If you enjoyed Persona 3/FES Persona 4 Golden, and to an extent, Digimon Cyber Sleuth, you'll feel right at home with this game.
    The music, character design, and general look of the game scream Persona.
    The combat system rewards those who love gaining new weapons, and evolutions of weapons.
    The "world map" is the same as Digimon CS and previous SMT games, as you can choose where you want to visit, and after a short load, you're transported to that area.

    If you cared more about the censorship, than the game, then go play something else, as this game is enjoyable to both FE/SMT fans, and those new to the series, but who love JRPG's, not players who care more about censorship.

    But on that note, this game is more like a Anime Princess/Idol game, than a true SMT/FE game,with some slightly dark undertones scattered around.
    If you're not into Idol culture, this game will give you an insight into that world.
    The Japanese dub -no English dub at all- is done perfectly, with each character brought to life by some talented voice artists.
    My only complaint about the Japanese dub...during battles, the characters talk when it's their turn to fight, and that is not subbed, so unless you know Japanese, most of what they say will be unknown, but it doesn't harm the experience.

    Clocking in at around 60 + hours if you take your time and complete the abundance of side quests, with a fantastic story, great looking cut scenes and anime cuts, you won't be disappointed.
    If you're a JRPG fan, Fire Emblem fan, or SMT fan, this game deserves to be on your shelf.    … Expand
  16. Sebasparedes
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    This game is the best. If you at least consider a jrpg fan or a fan of good games . Buy this. It is packed with cool dungeons and the turn basedsystem is top notch
  17. lugia1823
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    Muy buen rpg por parte de Atlus, tiene la esencia de los rpg por turnos que ahora se esta perdiendo, otro mas a la lista de imprescindibles de wiiu. Tambien por que incluye personajes de fire emblem, una pasada de los jugadores de 3ds con FE fates, que este año estan cargadosde fire emblem y lo mismo para los de shin megami tensei.
  18. pachowski
    Jun 24, 2016
    9
    Great gameplay,
    Great music
    Funny
    Length worthy
    Creative
    Good Graphics ( except dungeons)

    this game has everything, if you are a SMT or a persona Fan, you should buy this
  19. EpicLadySponge
    Jun 24, 2016
    8
    Never have I been interested for such a title like this even though its legacy is unknown. But hey, might as well buy this for your Wii U collection if you're looking for neat games on it.
  20. ASHIURA
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    Good scenario .
    Fire Emblem elements that go stronger from the second half .
    Charming character .
    Battle system that is gradually released .
    Culmination combat system of a collection of the best of Atlas of RPG.
    Japanese RPG of most interesting WiiU.
  21. TheGeekLantern
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    It's been ages since I had fun with a JRPG, and i was kind of rejecting the idols setup, but it only tooks a couple hours of gameplay to realize that i was in front of a great game. If you are crying because of censorship and that's enough reason to discard a game, you just bought the wrong console.
  22. fireblazerx17
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    Easily one of the best JRPGs of all time, it's got excellent gameplay (especially the combat) and music, a colorful and inspired world, a charming and well-designed cast of characters, plenty of fan service for Fire Emblem fans, and more. The game isn't for everyone due to its niche genre and focus on the Japanese entertainment industry, but if you like or can put up with that, it's great,Easily one of the best JRPGs of all time, it's got excellent gameplay (especially the combat) and music, a colorful and inspired world, a charming and well-designed cast of characters, plenty of fan service for Fire Emblem fans, and more. The game isn't for everyone due to its niche genre and focus on the Japanese entertainment industry, but if you like or can put up with that, it's great, and outside of being a moronic censorship freak or a Wii U hater, there's really no other reason to dislike this game.… Expand
  23. neonstars768
    Jun 24, 2016
    8
    Ignore the 0 scores. Its just /v/ trying to bring the game down cause they can't look at anime girl boobs. Even so, The game is pretty good but not perfect.
  24. Elkdaddy
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    Ignore bad reviews about censorship, there is none and the game feels like a more polished then persona 4. Only bad thing is some of the animations take forever to play, but that's not enough to take off a point.
  25. TheSpiritedWar
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    Simply an amazing. Game play, Combat, dungeons, the over world, and the characters are simply well executed. Perhaps one of my favorite games this year. I bought the special edition which was well worth it.

    Do not listed to the trolls who rated this game so low. I was never too big of a fan for the live scenes, but other than that, this rpg is perfect. I recommend it for any rpg lover.    Simply an amazing. Game play, Combat, dungeons, the over world, and the characters are simply well executed. Perhaps one of my favorite games this year. I bought the special edition which was well worth it.

    Do not listed to the trolls who rated this game so low. I was never too big of a fan for the live scenes, but other than that, this rpg is perfect. I recommend it for any rpg lover.

    It is such a good game, and I never had so much fun with an rpg for a while.    … Expand
  26. le204
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    This game is easily one of the most underrated games that released this year and i'm sure it'll stay that way but if you have a minimum interest in JRPGs, an open mind and own a WiiU, this review is for you.

    Having played the japanese version I know pretty much everything there is to know about it(or at least enough to make a convincing review) and i'll tell you it's good and bad    This game is easily one of the most underrated games that released this year and i'm sure it'll stay that way but if you have a minimum interest in JRPGs, an open mind and own a WiiU, this review is for you.

    Having played the japanese version I know pretty much everything there is to know about it(or at least enough to make a convincing review) and i'll tell you it's good and bad points.

    Good
    +Visuals: The character design and weapon design is really good, and the enemies are fun to look at.
    +OST: Nothing much to say, the music always "fits".
    +++Gameplay: This is what makes the game so good, the gameplay is fluid and the mechanics are very polished. It takes the best things from FE and SMT/Persona games and combines them in a brilliant manner
    +Story: Yes, the story is not something that innovates the entire genre nor does it change video games forever. it has it's cliches BUT it makes use of the cliches it has and makes them good.
    +Characters: The characters are well developed and they all have their own little things that might make you like or dislike them but you can't say that they're bad characters.

    The bad(or not):
    -Main character: Now this is probably my opinion but Itsuki just like 99% of Fire Emblem main characters is... bland. He's a nice guy and all that, he's not a bad character but like I said he's just kinda bland.

    Though as an upside, SMT fans should rejoice since SMT protagonists rarely have a personality, at all.

    I think this is obvious but it should be said anyways, IGNORE TROLL SCORES.    … Expand
  27. Blester
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    Seriously, at this point, you shouldn't trust the user review section when anybody can dislike the game at will. The game is good, but people are just disliking it because it was localized, and they had to to cover some revealing outfit for some characters and now they are angry and calling it censorship. The game is not perfect but it's good, but it isn't going to be your cup of tea ifSeriously, at this point, you shouldn't trust the user review section when anybody can dislike the game at will. The game is good, but people are just disliking it because it was localized, and they had to to cover some revealing outfit for some characters and now they are angry and calling it censorship. The game is not perfect but it's good, but it isn't going to be your cup of tea if you don't like anime or JRPGs in general.… Expand
  28. Arcsol
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    Ignore the troll scores, most of them are just mad over censorship...even though the censorship isn't even that bad. This is a great game! Bump it up and give it an honest review!
  29. Chinesecartoons
    Jun 24, 2016
    10
    If somebody is wondering what is going on with the scores for this game - yeah, its really just a bunch of bottomblasted kids from **** trying to stir situation around the game up, spamming 0 out of 10 with their mexican parents on par. Go there and look it up for yourselves if you don't believe it. Hate for the game on this site even before its japanese release wasn't really this big of aIf somebody is wondering what is going on with the scores for this game - yeah, its really just a bunch of bottomblasted kids from **** trying to stir situation around the game up, spamming 0 out of 10 with their mexican parents on par. Go there and look it up for yourselves if you don't believe it. Hate for the game on this site even before its japanese release wasn't really this big of a secret. So if those kids can spoil score of perfectly fine game, then fans might as well put some tens all across the page.

    To be quite honest they will be not so far from truth anyways - controversial game about idols may have turned out not quite as it was dreamed about by some biggoted fanboys, but at the same time in the end Atlus still managed to deliver highly polished product full of its own potential. The game battle and dungeoncrawling mechanics, - as always for Atlus games, - are solid, bright and vivid graphics and animation are very pleasant to the eyes, characters, despite the fact that they may look like pretty generic anime cliches to many on the first sight, turns out as a very attractive and lively ones and easily grabs players attention in first hours, unlike many cashgrab JRPGs for, lets say, Vita.
    Every character is voiced by some loud name japanese VA, and japanese dub, surprisingly, is still in remains in the game, so you can sigh with relieve, knowing that no Atlus USA's trash dub actor will ruin the experience for you. Simplistic story is surprisingly catchy and, if you can say, heart-warming, while stylistics and aesthetics across the one are absolutely astonishing, period. You can dislike idols all you want, but only complete mental cripples and trolls can say, that this game's style and implementations are something that is not praiseworthy. Amount of details Atlus put in the game, as always, is fantastic, so literally nothing in #FE feels out of place. Music is memorable and catchy as nothing else, suddenly its not sound generic at all. And, of course, the game is actually fun. Really fun.

    Gameplay wise its is much more fun-inducing game than any of Persona games, to be honest. While not as hardcore as mainline Megaten games, it still provides player with much more satisfying difficulty and battle mechanics, than P3 and, of course, every version of P4. While not as deep, as mainline Megaten games, it still absolutely not a mind-numbing buttonmashing generic JRPG from any other current gen console platform. Its easily the best JRPG that was released since SMTIV, and easily the most entertaining Megaten game since Strange Journey in terms of dungeoncrawling and battle gameplay.

    If you really like Megaten games - this is absolute must have.

    If you really like being pleasured with subtle Fire Emblem series fanservice - you might need to check this one out as well.

    If you really like turn-based JRPGs and apparently have a Wii U - just buy it, you'll find no game better in the genre than #FE from the list of all JRPGs released for the whole past year on every platform. And probably won't find any until the very release of SMTIV Final this summer for 3DS.

    If you're into japanese dubs, perfect japanese casts, great music and light, relaxing story - this is your game.

    Surprisingly enough, if you're into cheap and blatant japanese fanservice, full of out-of-place pantsushots and other Senran Kagura's like garbage - this one might be not quite your choice, since the game, despite its thematics, remains pretty modest and light about those kind of things, even without censorship. Speaking of which, censorship in the game is completely not important. It is not affecting the gameplay or story by any means. Sometimes its weird, sure, but its not a dealbreaker in the slightest. More importantly, stuff wasn't removed from the game, but actually replaced with the entirely new content, exclusive for everyone outside of Japan.    … Expand
  30. ricklongo
    Jan 3, 2017
    7
    Initially announced as Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is an Atlus JRPG that mixes several elements from those beloved franchises. Luckily, the result is a game that's very much its own idea.

    The protagonist is Itsuki Aoi, a high school kid who finds himself involved in an interdimensional war with mythical beings of another world. The force that allows    Initially announced as Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is an Atlus JRPG that mixes several elements from those beloved franchises. Luckily, the result is a game that's very much its own idea.

    The protagonist is Itsuki Aoi, a high school kid who finds himself involved in an interdimensional war with mythical beings of another world. The force that allows humans to fight those beings is called 'performa', which gets more powerful depending on each person's artistic talents. As such, the cover-up for Itsuki and his ever-growing group of comrtades is Fortuna, a developing talent agency.

    In his quest, Itsuki roams Tokyo to find special gates to another dimension (called the Idolosphere), where colorful turn-based battles take place. Exploration of the overworld is very limited, as the game's Tokyo is made of several self-contained spaces instead of a single open world. Each of the game's several Idolosphere-based dungeons, however, offers more secrets and hidden passages to uncover.

    One of the game's best traits are the battles, which are extremely colorful turn-based affairs. They're technically deep without being overwhelming, and require players to carefully choose between several attack types and magical elements in order to maximize combo sections. The enemies are all based on the Fire Emblem universe, which adds a great layer of fan service.

    Equally interesting is Tokyo Mirage Session's focus on the Japanese music industry. As the story progresses, Itsuki and his friends go through several side quest to awaken their performa, which invariably lead to music videos showcasing their development as artists. Now, I don't really know the first think about J-Pop, nor am I really interested in it, but even so I though this was a pretty nifty idea. The music itself, while not my cup of tea, should be pleasant to fans of the genre, and the insight into Japan's ubiquitous idol industry makes for a novel background.

    There's also a weapon-crafting side that's vital to progression in the game. Each character has their own weapons, and each weapon offers different attacks and static abilities to learn. There a lot of depth here, and I often spent many minutes lost in the intricacies of transforming hard-earned loot into fine new swords, lances, and axes. The one problem is that the process is a bit obnoxious, as you're forced to skip the same animation every time you make a new item.

    Finally, there's the elephant in the room: the censorship. This is something that almost never bothers me, and sometimes it even rids otherwise fine releases of cringe-worthy sections. (Hey there, petting minigame in Fire Emblem Fates!) But here, there's no two ways about it: it's a problem. It gets to the point that whole plot points stop making sense altogether until you search the web and discover that critical details were censored. It's a bummer, and makes it harder to actualy care about the story.

    TL;DR:
    TMS has all the characteristics of a classic Atlus RPG, which means satisfying turn-based combat, but also some anachronic conventions (such as limited exploration and animations that get repeated over and over). Although marred by censorship of critical plot points, the final package is a fun adventure with a music industry-based background that I hadn't seen in a game before. It's admittedly a niche title, but if you're a fan of JRPGs, or Fire Emblem, or J-Pop (or all of the above), this one should be right up your alley.

    Rating: 7.5    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Wii U Game of 2016
4
#4 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2016
6
#6 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 62 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 62
  3. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. CD-Action
    Oct 14, 2016
    70
    Atlus does not step outside safe territory charted by Persona. #FE will mostly be appreciated by people interested in the Japanese idol scene and those of you who need some more Persona right away. [10/2016, p.55]
  2. Games.cz
    Sep 19, 2016
    70
    Pop and RPG mixture. Certainly we cannot say that this game has no style ... and an incredible amount of fights.
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  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Aug 23, 2016
    78
    Story and setting were made with absolutely no pandering for western tastes. Not everyone will find such a dose of pure, undiluted anime to their liking, but RPG and fighting system make it worth a try. And for hardcore fans of Japanese culture Tokyo Mirage Sessions may very well become one of the best games this year. [Issue#211, p.66]
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