Scarlet Nexus, the brainchild of Bandai Namco, is a stylishly frenetic action RPG that's as bright as the summer sun and as tense as your last attempt at a stealth mission. Unleash your psychic powers and throw debris at monsters, because why not? If you've ever wanted to be a psychic hero with a full wallet of angst over as many side-quests as there are actual quests, then buckle up and strap on your telekinetic helmet.
Set in the dystopian city of New Himuka, players can choose between two naive yet capable protagonists: Yuito Sumeragi, who swings a sword and throws cars at enemies, and Kasane Randall, who does the same but with more sass and perhaps an eye on a career as a psychic influencer. Combat is a lovely mashup of melee attacks and psychokinesis, allowing you to hurl practically anything—couches, barrels, you name it—at the hideous Others that roam the streets. If you're tired of using your brain to remember where you put your keys, the brain map skill tree allows you to unlock and customize psychic abilities while dealing with typical RPG nonsense like ‘finding side-quests’ and ‘helping NPCs.’ Long story short, if you like fast-paced combat and mental aerobics, Scarlett Nexus has you covered. On the downside, side-quests can tend to be more of a chore than a challenge—like doing the dishes when you’d rather be gaming. Most are fetch quests disguised as character-building exercises which frankly feel like the game is trying to outdo your aunt’s habit of asking you to get her a glass of water!
In the graphics department, Scarlet Nexus is a feast for the eyes, combining bright anime aesthetics with some serious visual flair. Think cel-shaded characters reminiscent of your favorite Saturday morning cartoon, but instead of fighting crime, they’re ripping apart the fabric of reality (and maybe a few enemies too). Environments are beautifully designed, showcasing a world that is both futuristic and organic—a mix of post-apocalyptic and vibrant city life. If you’re a sucker for scenes that look like they’ve been plucked from an art gallery, welcome to paradise! Just be prepared for those chaotic moments where the screen is filled with so much color and movement, it feels like your TV is having a sensory overload.
Scarlet Nexus isn’t just a game; it’s an experience involving mind-bending gameplay and a narrative that attempts to be as deep as a kiddie pool. Speeding through beautiful environments while throwing heavy objects at monsters is, quite frankly, a good way to spend your weekends. Fire up your console, grab your psychokinetic helmet (or just your controller), and get ready to save the world one floating couch at a time! However, be warned, the game's side-quests might leave you feeling more like you've just finished your chores than an epic RPG adventure. If you can overlook the fetching parts, you’ll find a game that’s not only meaningful but one that flexes its creative muscles to offer a hearty mix of action and style. So gear up, psychic warriors, this is one quest you don’t want to miss.