Info about SCARLET NEXUS:

Official game description:
Digital Deluxe Edition
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The Deluxe Edition includes the SCARLET NEXUS full game and Brain Punk Bundle, along with 2 bonuses.
Ultimate Edition
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The Ultimate Edition includes the full game, Season Pass, Digital Artbook & Soundtrack, an Attire Set, an Additional Attachment, and Plug-ins.
About the Game
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In the far distant future, a psionic hormone was discovered in the human brain, granting people extra-sensory powers and changed the world as we knew it. As humanity entered this new era, deranged mutants known as Others began to descend from the sky with a hunger for human brains. Highly resistant to conventional attack methods, extreme measures needed to be taken to battle the overwhelming threat and preserve humanity. Those with acute extra-sensory abilities, known as psionics, were our only chance to fight the onslaught from above. Since then, psionics have been scouted for their talents and recruited to the Other Suppression Force (OSF), humanity’s last line of defense.  
Featuring a dual story, begin your adventure with either Yuito Sumeragi, an energetic recruit from a prestigious political family or Kasane Randall, the mysterious scout whose power and skill has gained great notoriety among the OSF. As their different experiences interweave with each other, it is only then that you will reveal the full story and unlock all the mysteries of a Brain Punk future caught between technology and psychic abilities in SCARLET NEXUS.  
Kinetic Psychic Combat – Using psycho-kinetic abilities, the world around you becomes your greatest weapon. Lift, break and throw pieces of your environment to build your attack combos and lay waste to your enemies.  
Exterminate the Others – Deranged mutants that descended from the sky, highly resistant to conventional attack methods and defenses. Tormented by the constant pain of their mutation, they seek brains of living organisms to calm their madness.  
Discover a Brain Punk future – Explore and protect a futuristic Japanese landscape that combines inspirations from classic anime and western science fiction.  
A Dual Story Experience – Dive into a complex story of bonds, courage and heroism, crafted by minds behind the iconic Tales of Vesperia.

Release date: 24 Jun, 2021

Categories: Action RPG, Real-time Combat, Single-player Story, Character Progression, Character Relationships & Romance, Exploration, Tactical Combat


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Dynamic and Engaging Combat System (weight 0.52): The combat system is a standout feature, lauded for its dynamic, fluid, and flashy action. Players enjoy the unique combination of psychokinesis, melee attacks, and the strategic use of companion abilities (SAS system), which allows for varied combos and keeps battles engaging throughout the game.
- Stunning Visuals and Art Style (weight 0.37): Players consistently praise the game's visual presentation, highlighting its stunning anime-inspired art style, beautiful graphics, and stylish character designs. The overall aesthetic is frequently described as unique, vibrant, and a major strength.
- Compelling Story and Characters (weight 0.32): The game's narrative and characters are highly praised, with many players becoming deeply invested in the well-developed cast. The bond stories are particularly noted for adding depth and personality, making characters feel relatable and their journeys emotionally impactful.
- Intriguing Dual-Perspective Narrative (weight 0.23): The story is generally well-received for its intriguing plot, unexpected twists, and unique dual-protagonist narrative structure. Playing from two different perspectives enriches the world-building and encourages replayability for a complete understanding of the lore.
- Underrated Anime Action RPG (weight 0.21): Many players consider the game an underrated gem, especially for fans of anime-style action RPGs. It's seen as a refreshing and enjoyable experience that often exceeds expectations, particularly when purchased on sale.
- Exceptional Soundtrack and Audio (weight 0.08): The game's soundtrack and overall audio design receive strong positive feedback. Players describe the music as excellent, atmospheric, and perfectly suited to the game's mood and combat sequences, significantly enhancing the experience.
- High-Quality Voice Acting (weight 0.06): The voice acting, available in both English and Japanese, is consistently rated as competent to excellent. Players appreciate the full voice-over, which adds emotional weight to character interactions and makes the extensive dialogue more engaging.
- Creative World and Environment Design (weight 0.04): The game's world-building and environmental design are highlighted for their creativity, unique sci-fi aesthetic, and memorable locations. The surreal and whimsical settings contribute significantly to the game's distinct atmosphere.
- Unique and Creative Monster Designs (weight 0.04): Monster designs, particularly the 'Others,' are frequently praised for their grotesque, creative, and unique appearance. Their abstract and often unsettling aesthetics contribute to a memorable enemy roster.

Common complaints:
- Confusing and poorly presented story (weight 0.96): The story is widely criticized for being confusing, poorly written, and having inconsistent pacing. The dual-protagonist narrative, often presented through static 'PPT-style' cutscenes, requires two playthroughs for full understanding, which many found to be an unnecessary and repetitive chore that detracted from immersion.
- Repetitive and tedious gameplay (weight 0.61): Players found the overall gameplay experience, especially in the late game, to be highly repetitive and monotonous. This includes fighting the same limited variety of enemies, traversing recycled environments, and engaging in combat that quickly loses its initial appeal, leading to tedium and a feeling of artificial length.
- Clunky and unresponsive combat (weight 0.27): The combat system suffers from clunky controls, particularly for keyboard and mouse users, and a frustrating dodge mechanic that often cannot interrupt attack animations. This leads to a lack of fluidity, unfair hits, and a generally uncomfortable combat experience, especially against multiple enemies.
- Illogical and unlikable characters (weight 0.18): Character writing is a significant weakness, with many players finding protagonists and supporting characters to be illogical, inconsistent, and stereotypical. Their motivations and actions often make little sense, leading to a lack of empathy and frustration, particularly with the female protagonist's 'riddler' behavior and the male protagonist's perceived naivety.
- Slow and unrewarding early game (weight 0.13): The early game is frequently described as slow, boring, and frustrating due to limited skills and a lack of engaging combat mechanics. Character progression feels unrewarding, with basic abilities locked behind skill trees, making the initial hours a tedious grind before the combat system fully develops.
- Poor value for money (weight 0.12): Many players feel the game is not worth its full price, citing its overall mediocrity, numerous flaws, and perceived lack of polish. The game's quality is often compared unfavorably to its price point, leading to regret for those who purchased it at launch.

Gameplay feedback:
- Dual Protagonist Storylines (weight 0.37): The game features a dual-protagonist narrative, requiring players to complete two playthroughs (one for each character, Yuito and Kasane) to fully understand the overarching story. While the core plot intertwines, each character offers a distinct perspective and unique details, especially in the early to mid-game. The total playtime for both routes is substantial, ranging from 40 to 90 hours depending on completion.
- Dynamic Psychic Combat System (weight 0.23): Combat is a core strength, centered around psychokinesis and the 'Struggle Arms System' (SAS). Players can borrow and combine unique psychic abilities from their teammates (e.g., superspeed, pyrokinesis, invisibility) to create dynamic combos and exploit enemy weaknesses. This system evolves, allowing for more complex and fluid combat as new powers are unlocked.
- Visual Novel Story Presentation (weight 0.23): A significant portion of the story is delivered through visual novel-style cutscenes, often using static images or 'cyber-manga' panels rather than fully animated sequences. While some find this charming, others feel it makes the game feel more like a visual novel with interspersed action, requiring patience for extensive dialogue.
- Companion Bonding & Gifts (weight 0.09): The game incorporates a social-bonding system, similar to Persona's social links, where players deepen relationships with companions through dialogue and gift-giving during 'rest phases.' This system is crucial for character development and provides tangible combat advantages, such as unlocking new abilities and strengthening existing ones.
- Adjustable Difficulty Settings (weight 0.05): The game offers multiple difficulty settings, from easy to hard, allowing players to tailor the challenge. Many reviewers note that the game is 'easy to learn but hard to master,' with effective use of psychokinesis and SAS abilities being key to overcoming higher difficulties. Difficulty does not impact achievements.
- Repetitive Enemy Encounters (weight 0.05): Enemy encounters often involve fighting repetitive monster types, some of which are reskins, in arena-like settings. While enemies have specific weaknesses that encourage strategic use of psychic abilities, the overall variety of enemy designs and combat scenarios can lead to a sense of repetition.
- Anime-Style JRPG Influences (weight 0.03): The game is frequently compared to other action JRPGs and anime-style games, particularly Devil May Cry, Nier: Automata, and Astral Chain, due to its frantic combat and aesthetic. It blends elements of JRPGs, visual novels, and hack-and-slash genres.
- Unmemorable Boss Fights (weight 0.03): Boss battles are generally not considered a highlight, often relying on exploiting specific gimmicks or becoming endurance tests. While some bosses require strategic use of weaknesses for 'Brain Crush' finishers, many are described as unmemorable or annoying due to static movesets and distracting dialogue.
- Yuito's Story Recommended First (weight 0.02): Based on limited feedback, Yuito's story is often recommended as the first playthrough, with players noting his combat style is more straightforward and his route feels tailored for initial players. His story focuses on close-range katana combat combined with psychokinesis.

Performance notes:
- Excellent Performance and Optimization (weight 0.09): The game generally exhibits excellent performance across various PC configurations, including lower-end systems and the Steam Deck. Players report high frame rates, fast load times, and a notable absence of major bugs or crashes, indicating strong optimization.
- Minor Performance Issues Exist (weight 0.02): While overall performance is strong, some players experienced minor issues such as frame drops on specific hardware (RTX 2080 Super), stuttering when entering levels, or performance dips in particular areas like Heino Mountain. Forcing DX12 or tweaking settings can improve performance.
- Reasonable System Requirements (weight 0.02): The game's system requirements are considered reasonable, with many players finding it runs well on mid-range to even some lower-end hardware. The game size is also manageable.
- Isolated Minor Bugs (weight 0.01): A few isolated issues were reported, including a misconfigured cloud save, incorrect Steam Deck playtime tracking, a specific movement bug for Yuito, and missed up-attacks with a controller. These appear to be rare occurrences.
- No Ultrawide Monitor Support (weight 0.01): The game lacks native ultrawide monitor support, requiring players with 21:9 aspect ratio screens to manually adjust settings or use mods to fix display issues.
- Real-time Cutscene Rendering (weight 0): A positive feature is that all cutscenes are rendered in real-time using the player's rig, ensuring character customization is consistently reflected.
- Dated Graphics Perception (weight 0): A small number of players feel the game's graphics appear dated, resembling titles from a decade ago. This suggests a potential area for visual improvement.
- Modding Improves Graphics (weight 0): Mods can be used to enhance the game's visual quality, addressing minor issues like ghosting and improving textural clarity.

Recommendations:
- Generally Recommended Game (weight 0.31): Many players recommend the game, often with caveats about price or specific preferences. It's generally seen as a good, enjoyable action RPG, especially for fans of the genre or anime aesthetics.
- Play Both Character Stories (weight 0.11): Players frequently discuss the dual-protagonist story structure, with many recommending playing both characters' routes to fully understand the plot. There are mixed opinions on which character to play first, but the consensus is that a single playthrough is insufficient for the complete narrative.
- Buy Only on Sale (weight 0.11): A significant number of reviews strongly advise purchasing the game only when it is on sale, often at a deep discount. The full price is widely considered too high for the value offered.
- Good for Action & Anime Fans (weight 0.09): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy fast-paced action combat, anime aesthetics, and JRPG elements. However, it's often advised against for those prioritizing a deep, flawless story.
- Not Recommended by Some (weight 0.09): A notable portion of the feedback expresses strong reservations or outright discouragement against buying the game, particularly at full price. Some even suggest avoiding it entirely or seeking refunds.
- Sequel Highly Desired (weight 0.03): Many players expressed a strong desire for a sequel, indicating that despite any flaws, the game left a positive enough impression to warrant further development in the series.
- Controller Recommended (weight 0.02): Several players strongly recommend using a controller for the best gameplay experience, especially for combat. Some even suggest avoiding the game if a controller isn't available.

Other player notes:
- Polarized Story Reception (weight 0.1): Player opinions on the story are highly polarized. While some find it intriguing, unique, and well-structured with good pacing and twists, others criticize it as confusing, cliché, drawn out, and nonsensical, especially regarding its time travel elements and over-explanation. The presentation style, often using comic-book-like or 'PPT' cutscenes, also contributes to mixed feelings.
- Extensive Playtime and Value (weight 0.08): The game offers substantial playtime, with many players reporting 40-70+ hours for completion, especially when pursuing all achievements or playing both protagonist routes. This extensive content, combined with frequent sales, makes the game feel like a good value for money, though it does require a significant time investment.
- Mixed Soundtrack Reception (weight 0.04): The game's soundtrack receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it brilliant, memorable, and perfectly fitting the futuristic setting, while others describe it as forgettable or average. Specific praise is given to the diverse tracks, catchy tunes, and immersive sound design, particularly during key gameplay moments.
- Divisive 'PPT' Cutscene Style (weight 0.04): The game's use of 'PPT' or comic-book-style cutscenes is a notable and divisive aspect. While some players find them well-made, acceptable, or even cool, others perceive them as a sign of a tight budget or find them chaotic and disorienting. The ability to skip most cutscenes is appreciated.
- Gameplay Comparisons to ARPGs (weight 0.03): Players frequently compare the game's combat and overall style to other titles, particularly 'Tales of Arise,' 'Final Fantasy XV,' and 'Devil May Cry.' There's a strong sentiment that it should not be compared to 'Souls-like' games or 'Code Vein,' despite some superficial visual similarities, as its core gameplay is more action-oriented.
- Bandai Namco Production (weight 0.02): The game is a Bandai Namco Studios title, developed by Tose, and features a strong Japanese art style and top Japanese voice actors. Some players express surprise at Bandai Namco producing a 'normal' action RPG outside of their typical 'Souls-like' offerings.
- Varied Player Acquisition and Initial Experience (weight 0.02): Some players acquired the game through free promotions or sales, or played a demo before purchasing. There are instances of players regretting not playing the game sooner or only completing it out of obligation, indicating varied initial expectations and experiences.
- Anime Adaptation Tie-in (weight 0.02): The game has an anime adaptation, which some players watched before or after playing the game. Opinions on the anime's quality vary, with some finding it helpful for understanding the story, while others criticize its condensed plot. The anime also offers tie-in codes for in-game content.
- Identity and Sequel Hopes (weight 0.01): The game is recognized as 'Scarlet Nexus,' a stylish brain-powered action RPG with a cool world. There is expressed hope for a sequel with improvements to the story, characters, and side content.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.26): Players found satisfaction primarily in the game's engaging and creative combat system, often highlighting its action RPG elements, execution animations, and the ability to combine skills. The rich narrative, well-developed characters, and the overall game experience, including visuals, music, and world-building, also contributed significantly to player enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
- Disappointment (weight 0.21): Disappointment stemmed mainly from the story's perceived flaws, including illogical plot points, poor pacing, and underdeveloped characters, often exacerbated by the 'PPT-style' cutscenes. Repetitive gameplay, uninspired side quests, and a lack of enemy variety also contributed to a feeling that the game did not live up to its potential or full price.
- Frustration (weight 0.19): Frustration was frequently caused by repetitive and clunky combat mechanics, particularly in later stages, and issues with enemy targeting and dodge mechanics. The story's confusing nature, poor pacing, excessive and tedious cutscenes (especially the 'PPT-style'), and repetitive level design also significantly contributed to player annoyance and a feeling of wasted time.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Players felt excitement due to the spectacular and fluid combat system, which offered varied combos and strategic use of combined skills. The intriguing story progression, plot twists, and unique world-building, coupled with stunning graphics and an anime-inspired art style, generated anticipation for future content and a desire to explore all narrative perspectives.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Enjoyment was derived from the fun and engaging main gameplay loop, particularly the telekinesis combat and character development. Players also appreciated the game's visuals, art style, music, and the overall immersive 'anime energy,' finding pleasure in the bond events and the intricate plot.
- Boredom (weight 0.04): Boredom arose from repetitive monster encounters, monotonous combat, and an overabundance of visual novel-style segments and dialogue. The story's length and confusing nature, coupled with uninteresting character shifts and repetitive environments, made the overall game experience feel tedious, especially during a second playthrough.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger was primarily directed at the illogical story, poor character behavior, and perceived unsuitable dialogue for a modern game. Players also expressed frustration with repetitive enemies, high difficulty spikes, and what they saw as poor design choices and developer inaction, particularly regarding the combat system and narrative quality.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance was caused by unclear mechanics, repetitive and tricky side quests, and the constant need to fight annoying late-game monsters. Persistent UI elements, frequent cutscene interruptions, and wooden conversations also contributed to a general feeling of irritation during gameplay.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy was experienced through magnificent stories, incredible graphics, and pleasant combat that became more fun over time. Liking the characters and their chemistry, along with the overall positive experience and the game's current price, contributed to a sense of happiness and satisfaction.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion stemmed from strange and hard-to-grasp plot points, particularly in the early game and due to the dual protagonist narrative. Illogical plot points, unanswered questions, and a disconnect between main and side stories made it difficult for players to fully understand the narrative.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciated the game's unique blend of genres, innovative gameplay ideas, and attention to detail, including friendly achievements and well-reflected world-building. The engaging character interactions, lively safehouse, and the game's consideration for various player skill levels also garnered positive recognition.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust was primarily directed at the story's quality, character writing, and portrayal, particularly the perceived illogical actions and naive behavior of protagonists. Terrible enemy design, repetitive combat scenes, and ambiguous romantic relationships also contributed to a strong negative reaction.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise arose from the unexpected quality of the game, often exceeding initial low expectations, and positive experiences with specific character routes. Story twists and a change in enjoyment from one platform to another also contributed to this emotion.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game was expressed through deep affection for its well-developed characters, their chemistry, and overall growth. The game's music, aesthetics, and replayability, combined with an enjoyable combat system, fostered a strong emotional connection.
- Regret (weight 0): Regret was felt over the time and money invested in the game, particularly when the story quality or overall experience did not meet expectations. Players expressed regret for ignoring demos or trusting initial reviews, leading to a desire to have refunded the purchase.
- Admiration (weight 0): Admiration was directed towards the game's unique art style, enemy designs, and UI, as well as its well-reflected world view and overwhelming scale. The quality of the battle system, strong aesthetics, music, and specific characters also earned high praise.
- Engagement (weight 0): Engagement was driven by captivating gameplay, strategic combat, and compelling character relationships, which effectively hooked players. The layered story and progressive ability unlocks also contributed to a deep investment in the playable characters.
- Hope (weight 0): Hope was expressed for a sequel, with players desiring more content, improvements, and for the game to reach a wider audience. This indicates a positive overall impression despite any flaws.
- Neutrality (weight 0): Neutrality reflected a decent overall experience, with some aspects like bosses and music being sufficient but not particularly memorable. Combat was often described as average, indicating a balanced, objective assessment without strong positive or negative feelings.
- Sadness (weight 0): Sadness was evoked by the emotional and tragic aspects of the story, particularly concerning specific characters and DLC content. The game's restrictive design also contributed to a sense of melancholy.}