Scarlet Nexus! A Psychic Anime Adventure Where Humanity Fights Back Against Mysterious Beings

Diving into the neon-soaked cityscape of New Himuka, Scarlet Nexus thrusts you into a world teetering on the brink of annihilation. This stylish action RPG, developed by Bandai Namco Studios and released in 2021 for Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, delivers a thrilling experience that blends exhilarating combat with a deeply intriguing narrative.

The story revolves around two protagonists: Yuito Sumeragi, a determined young man wielding psychokinetic powers, and Kasane Randall, a formidable psychic prodigy who prefers to work in the shadows. Both join the Other Suppression Force (OSF), an elite unit tasked with battling the monstrous Others, beings from another dimension threatening humanity’s existence.

Scarlet Nexus masterfully intertwines its fast-paced combat system with the intriguing narrative. The core gameplay loop revolves around real-time battles where you leverage a unique psychic power system called “Psychokinesis”. This allows players to wield objects in the environment as weapons – hurling cars, crushing debris, or even controlling gigantic robots against hordes of Others.

Adding depth to the system is the ability to connect with other members of the OSF through a psychic link known as “Bonding.” These bonds grant access to unique skills and augmentations, enhancing your combat prowess. For example, bonding with Hanabi Iride allows Yuito to unleash powerful flame attacks, while Kasane can acquire ice-based abilities from Gemma Garrison. The strategic interplay between these Bonds adds a layer of depth and customization, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations to suit their playstyle.

Exploring the World of Scarlet Nexus: Themes and Production Features

Beyond its exhilarating gameplay, Scarlet Nexus delves into complex themes that explore the nature of humanity, identity, and the consequences of wielding immense power. The story examines the moral dilemmas faced by both Yuito and Kasane as they grapple with the responsibility of protecting humanity while confronting their own internal struggles. The game expertly weaves these philosophical threads into its fast-paced narrative, creating a compelling experience that transcends simple hack-and-slash gameplay.

From a technical standpoint, Scarlet Nexus boasts impressive visuals, bringing the futuristic cityscape of New Himuka to life with vibrant neon lights, intricate architectural details, and stunning special effects during combat. The character designs are equally captivating, reflecting the anime aesthetic with striking hairstyles and expressive features that further enhance the narrative experience.

The soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda (renowned for his work on Chrono Trigger and Xenoblade Chronicles), perfectly complements the game’s intense action and emotional depth. Mitsuda’s score seamlessly blends orchestral elements with electronic textures, creating a truly immersive soundscape that elevates the overall gameplay experience.

The Dual Perspective Narrative: Yuito vs. Kasane

Scarlet Nexus distinguishes itself by offering two separate playthroughs, one from Yuito’s perspective and another from Kasane’s. This innovative approach allows players to experience the same overarching story but with unique perspectives, character interactions, and combat styles.

Each protagonist has a distinct set of skills and relationships within the OSF.

Yuito, driven by his unwavering sense of justice and determination, excels in close-quarters combat, utilizing his psychokinesis for powerful melee attacks and defensive maneuvers.

Kasane, a more reserved and analytical character, prefers ranged combat, relying on her psychic abilities to control objects from afar and deliver devastating blows.

The dual narrative structure encourages replayability, offering fresh insights into the overarching story with each playthrough.

Scarlet Nexus: A Deep Dive into Gameplay Mechanics

To fully grasp the brilliance of Scarlet Nexus, let’s delve deeper into its key gameplay mechanics:

• Psychokinesis: This fundamental system allows you to control objects in the environment, using them as weapons against your enemies. From hurling cars and crates to crushing debris and manipulating massive robots, psychokinesis adds a dynamic layer to the combat experience.

• Bonding: Connecting with your fellow OSF members through psychic links grants access to unique Bond Skills, augmenting your combat abilities and opening up new strategic possibilities. These skills range from elemental attacks to buffs and debuffs that can turn the tide of battle.
• Brain Map: As you progress, you unlock points in your “Brain Map,” a skill tree representing Yuito or Kasane’s psychic development.

Investing in these skills allows you to tailor your character’s strengths and weaknesses to suit your playstyle.

• Combat Styles: Yuito excels in close-quarters combat with his psychokinesis abilities, while Kasane prefers ranged attacks through her bond abilities. Experimenting with different combinations and approaches adds depth and replayability.

Scarlet Nexus: Final Verdict

With its captivating story, unique combat system, anime aesthetic, and impressive production values, Scarlet Nexus stands as a testament to Bandai Namco Studios’ dedication to delivering exceptional gaming experiences.

Whether you are a seasoned action RPG veteran or looking for a fresh and exciting adventure, Scarlet Nexus is a must-play title that will leave a lasting impression. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into the world of psychics and monsters, where humanity’s fate hangs in the balance.