Gamefings logoimg

Review of Ciel Nosurge DX on PS4

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Mar 2021
Cover image of Ciel Nosurge DX on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 04 Mar 2021
Genre: Life Simulation
Developer: Gust Co. Ltd.
Publisher: Koei Tecmo

Introduction

Ciel Nosurge DX is not your typical JRPG; in fact, calling it a game is like calling a luxury sedan a mere car. This title takes players on a surreal journey through the fractured memories of a girl named Ion, who has about as much recollection of her past as I do about who stole my fries-hint: it was definitely my brother. Prepare for an experience that combines elements of life simulation with quirky characters, emotional storytelling, and a gameplay mechanic involving barcodes. Yes, you heard that right. Let's dive into the delightful chaos that is Ciel Nosurge DX.

Gameplay

The gameplay revolves around helping Ion, a girl who apparently skipped class and forgot everything important in life-like how to do multiplication. Your main task is to dive into her mind, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi horror flick, but is instead a whimsical adventure where you'll help her recover lost memories in a broken world. As the protagonist, your relationship with Ion becomes crucial. There's an intricate love meter at play (because who doesn't love a little romantic intrigue with their amnesiac friends?), allowing you to nurture your bond with Ion through conversations and activities. This is not just about knowing her favorite pizza topping; it's about building deep emotional ties while encouraging her to remember that her name isn't just some random collection of vowels and consonants. Then there's the barcode system-a feature that makes you feel as if you've wandered into a retail store version of Pokémon. You can scan actual barcodes from products around your home, and voila! Out pops a fairy (affectionately called Sharl). These Sharl fairies have the delightful job of repairing Ion's dreamlike mental landscape, which is much more colorful than my undergrad dorm room, complete with a dilapidated couch and mystery food enshrined in Tupperware. The episodes structure of the game means that you get little nuggets of narrative goodness at a time, and each episode can take about seven hours to complete, which is just enough for your imaginary in-game relationship with Ion to become a disturbing reality. Plus, if you ever get bored, you can opt for additional DLC episodes and bundles that include all sorts of wacky costumes and scenarios. Remember: no one loves eye candy as much as the gamers!

Graphics

Visually, Ciel Nosurge DX boasts a charming aesthetic with a vibrant palette that invites exploration. The art style is reminiscent of a vivid anime, capturing an imaginative world quite unlike anything else. The character designs are funky and fun, encapsulating the eccentricities of Ion and her Sharl companions. The graphics might not blow you away like a game designed solely to break your wallet, but they're engaging enough to keep your eyeballs firmly glued to the screen as you navigate Ion's bizarre psyche. Plus, the backdrops in Ion's shattered world are a feast for your peepers, contrasting the dullness of real-life responsibilities like laundry and grocery shopping!

Conclusion

Ciel Nosurge DX may not have the high-octane action sequences of traditional RPGs, but it capitalizes on heartfelt storytelling and a creative blend of gameplay mechanics that feel quirky yet refreshingly innovative. It tugs at your emotional strings while reminding you of the joys and pains of forging connections, helping a friend through her struggles, and learning about the importance of memories-good luck with that, Ion! If you're looking for a game that has you scanning barcodes, cultivating relationships, and unraveling an intricate tale, then buckle up! Ciel Nosurge DX is ready to take you on a rollercoaster ride that's both heartwarming and bizarre. Just be prepared for some existential crisis moments along the way. Who knew playing games could lead to so much soul-searching?!

See Latest Prices for Ciel Nosurge DX on PS4 on Amazon

See Prices for Ciel Nosurge DX on PS4 on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...