Welcome to the digital world where you can bond with your virtual buddies (aka Digimon)! If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling alongside cute, pocket-sized monsters while engaging in detective work, this game is your CPR (Cute Pocket Monsters Required). Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition allows you to dive into a cybernetic mystery that’s as deep as the trenches of a TikTok rabbit hole. Don't be fooled by its premise, as this game hits you right in the feels and makes you question whether you’ve been taking care of your own digital pets—or whether you've been adopting them from the wrong franchise altogether.
At its core, Cyber Sleuth is a classic turn-based RPG. You play as a customizable character named Aiba, who can literally choose their identity (take that, existential crisis!). Players can interact with a variety of characters, each with more quirks than a cat meme. The combat system is a delightful mix of strategy and nostalgia, comprising classic JRPG mechanics with a modern twist. You choose your Digimon, level up, and see who can maintain an algorithmic advantage over the opposing team of digital critters. There's also a hefty digital pet-collecting aspect, so you'll find yourself addicted to collecting those adorable, pixelated versions of your childhood breakfast cereals. There are a staggering 341 different Digimon available, so get ready to catch ‘em all. Plus, there’s even a New Game Plus mode, which basically says, “Hey, come back and harass your emotional stability all over again!” Exploration in the game’s expansive world is filled with side quests that will keep even the most deranged completionist engaged. Important plot points are intertwined with character development, meaning you’ll both level your Digimon and deepen your understanding of their abysmally dramatic backstories simultaneously. The AI characters are well-written, and the camaraderie felt between Aiba and their Digimon is more authentic than a reality-TV friendship (trust me).
While the game doesn't boast the highest-end graphics available in gaming today—if you're looking for that, go find a PC and mod Skyrim— it has a stylized aesthetic that’s appealing. The art design is very reminiscent of an anime series, with vibrant colors that pop like your last mixtape aspirations. Additionally, the animation for attacks and special moves is satisfying, almost like watching fireworks go off while eating a hot dog: perfectly slathered with mustard, of course. Speaking of sweet graphics, the cutscenes are beautifully animated and truly showcase the talents of the character designer, Suzuhito Yasuda, packing more punch than a surprise twist in a rom-com.
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition is more than just a shameless nostalgia trip for aging millennials seeking an escape route from reality. It’s a heartfelt narrative wrapped up in a colorful package full of digital critters, serious themes, and humor that digs deep enough to make you feel like you’re having a heart-to-heart with that friend who always seems to need a little emotional support. With its addictive gameplay, meaningful character arcs, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat (while your mom wonders why you're suddenly glued to your Switch), this title deserves to earn a spot in your gaming library. So grab your favorite Digimon plushie, hit the digital streets of Tokyo, and get ready to sleuth your way through a wonderfully crafted adventure. 8/10—because nothing is perfect, and that’s what keeps us human... just like our digital buddies!