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Digimon Story Time Stranger was a hugely hyped game for me. As a big Digimon fan, I kept rewatching the trailer they first shown off and counting the days. Well, the release day came and now, after a 40 hour journey, here we are. Well, how was it? Let’s review!
Story
What starts off as a time traveling journey to save the future, turns into something much deeper as the game progresses. Although the story writing takes some time to show its true colors, it’s worth the wait to see it through as everything is certainly not as it seems. The story of Aegiomon is one I don’t want to give spoilers to, but I think is quite something to think about by the end.
While Digimon Story Time Stranger may also have great gameplay, which I discuss below, the story is where it really shines and keeps you coming back. From subtle nods to the anime series of all seasons to catching Easter Eggs of many kinds, this is what will keep your interest the most in my opinion.
Gameplay
The gameplay is similar to that of Digimon Story Cycber Sleuth and Hacker’s Memory, but yet, much improved upon. It’s faster, a little easier to grasp and overall just feels better. The UI is easier and the way you handle your Digimon. Being able to convert, Digivolve, change out skills and pretty much everything has been made 10 times more convenient than before. All of what I said can be handled at any given moment by opening the menu.
The only aspect still locked behind talking to an NPC is the Digifarm, but even that has been altered. In Cyber Sleuth and Hacker’s Memory, I felt almost like you were forced to learn how to use the Digifarm to achieve higher stats and evolutions for your Digimon. Now it’s more of an optional mechanic that I spent little time with because it wasn’t necessary to completing the game.
The rest of the gameplay focuses on exploring the human world alongside the Digital World, completing main quests for the story or side quests which gives you anomaly points to upgrade your Agent Rank. This is done via a form of a skill tree, which increases different aspects like boosting the stats of certain personalities of Digimon, increasing encounter rates with rare Digimon and other really cool aspects as well.
Graphics
Honestly, the graphics on the Steam Deck were fantastic. I’m between 40-60 fps at all times and everything is vibrant and nice to see. The Digimon designs were very well done and detailed. One of the best Digimon titles yet as far as graphics are concerned. The fps really only dips if you encounter large crowds of people, which happens occasionally and then it’s between 30-40.
Soundtrack
One of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard in a Digimon game. It rivals that of (paid link) Survive, which you guys know I really enjoyed that as I talked about it in my review. Go listen to the OST yourselves to enjoy this great music.
Controls
These were easy to follow and I never noticed any hiccups while playing. The Steam Deck was an easy system to work with and play on. The back buttons could also be mapped for use if so desired, though I never found a need for that.
Replayability
Considering NG+ allows you to carry over your data at a higher difficulty, I think this game offers tons of replay value. The chance to max your Agent Rank while also getting new Digimon, completing missions you perhaps didn’t in your first playthrough and just enjoying the game again.
Scores
Story: 8.5/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
Controls: 9/10
Replayability: 10/10
Overall:
Conclusion
Digimon Story Time Stranger is one of the, if not the, best Digimon game to date. The developers really outdone themselves and I can’t wait to see what future plans they have for it. If you haven’t experienced this amazing title, grab it on Steam, (paid links) Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X.
Make sure to check out my reviews for Digimon World Next Order and Digimon Survive as well. If you’re looking to get into this game, I have tips for newcomers.
Until next time, happy gaming!
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