Preview: Scarlet Nexus is shaping up to be an exciting action RPG
The cyberpunk aesthetic has recently made a comeback in popular culture in a big way. The dystopian blur of neon lights and cybernetic enhancements have set the stage for many adventures, but a Brain Punk future? Well, that’s something new. The upcoming action RPG, Scarlet Nexus, is Bandai Namco’s latest attempt at crafting a futuristic world caught between technology and psychic abilities, and is packed full of mysteries.
I was lucky enough to spend some time within Scarlet Nexus’ Brain Punk future ahead of its June release, and I walked away with high hopes. As a new, untested IP, Scarlet Nexus attempts to blend fast-paced action with story and style in an attempt to stand out in an ocean of JRPGs. Whether it can pull off that feat remains to be seen, but there is no denying the potential there.
Turn on your brain
Source: Bandai Namco
In the world of Scarlet Nexus, you have to use your brain to survive. In the future, a special hormone has been discovered in the brain, which grants people special powers once activated. While this allows humanity to progress at an accelerated rate, deranged mutants called the Others begin to wreak havoc on the world, seeking out humanity’s upgraded gray matter. The Other Suppression Force (OSF) was then established to combat them.
The city of New Himuka depends on the OSF for support, and the soldiers of OSF have become sort of celebrities. The police state is always a threat in futuristic narratives like this, but in Scarlet Nexus, things play out a little differently than how you’d expect. Upon your first victory, for example, you’re flooded by the paparazzi in the form of reporters and drones looking to grab a statement to celebrate your victory.
Source: Bandai Namco
I say that with love, of course. Anime fans, in particular, will find a lot to love here, especially if you enjoy Japanese audio in your games since both English and Japanese VO will be available from the start. As Scarlet Nexus’ story begins to escalate, so does the drama that causes the new class to choose sides. While most of the juicy plot details are being kept under wraps until launch, Scarlet Nexus seems to be hellbent on keeping players on their toes.
Your mind is a powerful weapon
Source: Bandai Namco
That’s where you’ll find the depth in Scarlet Nexus’ combat. Yuito and Kasane both have psychokinesis powers and can use them to toss debris at enemies to break shields and open them up for attack. Eventually, you get the ability to mix and match powers with the party members who join you on the field.
Source: Bandai Namco
At a certain point of the game, you have access to Hideouts, which act that as a safe house where you can hang with the rest of your party. Here’s where you can learn more about your comrades, and even engage in bonding episodes. These mini vignettes are opportunities to learn more about your party members, as well as grow bonds with them. As your bonds increase, so will your options in battle when using that party member, so it’s in your best interest to learn about your comrades.
What’s wrong with a little style?
Source: Bandai Namco
And speaking of style, the enemies are also equally unique, made up of man-made objects twisted into horrible aberrations which reminded me of games like Bayonetta or even Shin Megami Tensai. Breaking down their shield can often lead to a Brain Crush opportunity, a flashy special move that sees either Yuito or Kasane use their powers to rip a monster to bits.
Other moves include the Brain Drive, a move that boosts the player’s stats temporarily, and the Brain Field, a special move that will turn your powers up to 11, but use it for too long and you could accidentally kill yourself. Each move is flashy, over the top, and a lot of fun to use in battle.
It’s clear that Bandai Namco is confident in Scarlet Nexus world, as an anime adaption of the game is also releasing shortly after the game. The opening cinematic, as well as the accompanying song provided by Japanese rock band The Oral Cigarettes, all set the stage for a stylish adventure that anime fans will love.
Ties that bond
Source: Bandai Namco
Interested fans will get a chance to try it out themselves very soon, as a demo of the game arrives on the Xbox One, as well as the Xbox Series X and Series S on May 21. While you won’t be able to transfer your save data to the final game, playing the demo will unlock two cosmetics for each protagonist, as well as a plug-in that provides attack and defense boosts.
Scarlet Nexus is dropping on the Xbox family of consoles on June 25. You can preorder the standard edition or the Digital Deluxe edition now, as well as a special Guardians Edition available exclusively on Bandai Namco’s website.
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