Scarlet Nexus

The narrative of Scarlet Nexus receives praise for its ambitious scope, intricate world-building, and engaging dual protagonist structure. Critics like IGN France highlight the rich exploration of themes such as camaraderie, betrayal, and sacrifice through the intertwined stories of Yuito and Kasane, while GameSpot acknowledges the game’s “brilliant and bold ideas” that keep players invested despite later inconsistencies. The story’s complexity is lauded by several reviewers, including IGN Japan, which notes strong character development, and COGconnected, who emphasizes the value of replaying the two distinct campaigns. Cultured Vultures appreciates the blend of sci-fi elements and emotional moments, and Checkpoint Gaming praises the “Brainpunk” future setting with unexpected twists. These positives underscore the game’s potential as a narrative-driven experience, particularly for fans of layered storytelling and cyberpunk aesthetics. However, the story faces significant criticism for its pacing issues, overwrought execution, and reliance on clichés. Gamer.no and TierraGamer argue that excessive dialogue and stereotypical tropes dilute engagement, while Meristation points to abrupt character motivations and narrative inconsistencies. NME and GameSpot criticize the convoluted plotting, with unresolved plot threads and “too many loose ends,” and Jeuxvideo.com notes the dense, hard-to-follow complexity of the sci-fi universe. WellPlayed and Gamer Escape highlight how long exposition sequences hinder pacing, making the story a barrier for players prioritizing combat. Additionally, Noisy Pixel and SpazioGames critique the abrupt shifts in tone and unresolved themes, while PC GamesN calls the narrative “overwrought” and melodramatic. These critiques collectively paint a picture of a story that struggles to balance ambition with coherence. Overall, critics agree that Scarlet Nexus is a polarizing narrative experience, with its strengths in world-building and dual storytelling often overshadowed by execution flaws. While IGN and TheXboxHub celebrate the game’s “fantastically bonkers” creativity and unique sci-fi concepts, many others, including Gamer.no and PC GamesN, find it bogged down by clichés and pacing issues. The consensus leans toward a narrative that is potentially compelling but frequently undermined by its own complexity, with some reviewers like GamesRadar+ and Eurogamer Italy acknowledging its intriguing elements despite the flaws. Ultimately, the story’s ambition is undeniable, but its ability to deliver a cohesive, emotionally resonant experience remains inconsistent across reviews.

The gameplay of Scarlet Nexus is widely praised for its dynamic combat systems, creative mechanics, and engaging action sequences. Critics highlight the game’s unique blend of psychokinetic abilities, fast-paced melee and ranged attacks, and strategic team-based interactions. For instance, IGN and GameSpot commend the “satisfying” and “innovative” combat, noting how psychokinesis and squad member connections add depth. The SAS system (as mentioned by SomosXbox) and the ability to execute complex combos with environmental interactions are frequently lauded, with Noisy Pixel and RPG Site emphasizing the evolving mechanics that keep battles fresh. Additionally, the dual protagonist setup—Yuito and Kasane—offers distinct playstyles, as noted by GameSpew and GamingTrend, while IGN Portugal draws comparisons to titles like Devil May Cry for its stylish, high-octane combat. The game’s emphasis on character progression, such as the Brain Map skill trees (mentioned by Gamers’ Temple), further enhances replayability and engagement. However, several critics point out flaws that detract from the experience. Issues like stiff movement and poor enemy targeting (as noted by Hardcore Gamer) and inconsistent dodging mechanics (per GameSpew) create friction in combat. The camera problems mentioned by SomosXbox and Cultured Vultures can hinder visibility during chaotic battles, while Windows Central and RPG Site criticize the repetitiveness of hack-and-slash mechanics and content reuse. Some reviewers, like Video Chums and GameGrin, argue that the combat lacks depth in certain areas, with Gamers’ Temple noting that enemies fail to evolve alongside the player. Additionally, GameSpew and GameMAG point to linear environments and simplistic side quests as missed opportunities for world-building. These critiques suggest that while the core gameplay is strong, it occasionally struggles with polish and variety. Despite these shortcomings, the majority of critics agree that Scarlet Nexus delivers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience. The game’s fast-paced combat, creative use of psychokinesis, and strategic team dynamics are consistently highlighted as standout features, with GameGrin and RPG Fan praising its accessibility and complexity. While some issues like camera controls and repetitive elements persist, the overall consensus leans positive, with IGN, GameSpot, and Xbox Achievements emphasizing its addictive nature and evolution over time. The game’s ability to balance action-oriented gameplay with RPG elements—such as character customization and skill progression—makes it a memorable experience for fans of the genre. As Worth Playing notes, while not without flaws, Scarlet Nexus succeeds in delivering a “satisfying” and “engaging” combat system that justifies its praise.

The graphics and visual design of Scarlet Nexus are widely praised for their distinctive anime-inspired aesthetic, vibrant color palettes, and creative enemy designs. Critics like IGN Japan highlight the "unique blend of organic and inorganic designs," while IGN Italia and GameSpot commend the game’s cyberpunk imagery and comic-style cutscenes that inject personality into the experience. The cel-shaded art style, noted by Multiplayer.it and Shindig, is frequently lauded for its stylish appeal, with some reviewers comparing it to Ghost in the Shell or Code Vein. Additionally, the game’s character models, animations, and environmental details—such as the "gorgeous character models" (VG247) and "vibrant environments" (XGN)—are seen as strengths. The visual design also benefits from strong performance on next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, with critics like Pure Xbox emphasizing its "stunning anime art direction" and smooth frame rates. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings in level design and environmental variety. Hardcore Gamer and IGN describe the environments as "drab," "repetitive," and "lack[ing] distinctiveness," with narrow corridors and underdeveloped worlds that limit exploration (M3, LaPS4). TheGamer and Meristation criticize the "unremarkable futuristic cities" and "underdeveloped" world, while Push Square notes that enemies and environments "lack variation." Some reviewers also mention technical compromises, such as static visual novel-style cutscenes (GAMES.CH) or dated visuals in certain areas (Multiplayer.it). These issues create a sense of monotony despite the game’s artistic ambitions, with critics like GameCritics acknowledging the "flashy" visuals but noting that "maps could have been more interactive." Overall, the consensus leans toward admiration for Scarlet Nexus’s bold visual identity and anime-inspired creativity, even as it faces criticism for repetitive design and technical limitations. While outlets like BaziCenter and Shindig celebrate its "beautiful" and "phenomenal" visuals, others like TheGamer and IGN highlight its flaws. The game’s art style is seen as a defining strength, with many praising its ability to blend cyberpunk, horror, and sci-fi elements into a cohesive aesthetic. However, the balance between artistic flair and functional design remains uneven, leaving players divided on whether the visuals elevate or hinder the overall experience. As GameSpot notes, the game’s "distinct art style" is a key highlight, but its success ultimately depends on how well it sustains that vision across its world.

The sound design and music of Scarlet Nexus received widespread praise for their dynamic range, genre diversity, and ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere. Many critics highlighted the soundtrack’s versatility, blending electronic, rock, jazz, and J-pop elements to match the game’s fast-paced action and cyberpunk aesthetic. For instance, Jeuxvideo.com and PC Gamer commended the “effective electro score” that complements the game’s “fast-paced action,” while GameGrin noted a “unique mix of pop, EDM, rock, and jazz” that aligns with its “Brain Punk theme.” The contributions of artists like The Oral Cigarettes were particularly celebrated, with Vgames and Hooked Gamers praising their enjoyable tracks. Additionally, the game’s sound design extended beyond music, with Push Square highlighting the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback for immersive combat experiences, and GameSkinny appreciating the “jazzy, low-key soundtrack” and environmental effects that enriched gameplay. However, several critics pointed out shortcomings, particularly regarding originality and memorability. COGconnected and Gfinity described the music as “generic and forgettable,” while Easy Allies noted that “a good portion of the tracks are forgettable with a lack of variety.” Others, like Hobby Consolas, acknowledged the soundtrack’s mix of electronic and orchestral elements but criticized its “lack of standout tracks,” and RPGamer mentioned jarring transitions in the music. Some reviews also highlighted issues with voice acting, such as Attack of the Fanboy’s critique of “cheesy and boring” English performances, though IGN Italia and IGN praised the strong Japanese voice work. Additionally, Areajugones noted repetitive melodies during story scenes, and PCGamesN observed that transitions between tracks could feel abrupt. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most agreeing that Scarlet Nexus’s soundtrack effectively supports its gameplay and thematic elements, even if it doesn’t achieve groundbreaking originality. While some reviewers, like IGN and Jeuxvideo.com, lauded the “wonderful performances” in both English and Japanese voice acting, others, such as Easy Allies and COGconnected, felt the music lacked distinctiveness. Despite these critiques, the game’s sound design was broadly seen as a strong asset, with PC Gamer calling it “fantastic” and GameGrin praising its “unique mix of genres.” The balance between energetic combat tracks and atmospheric pieces, along with the inclusion of diverse musical influences, ensured the soundtrack remained engaging for most players, even if it didn’t consistently leave a lasting impression.

The voice acting in Scarlet Nexus receives widespread praise for its quality and contribution to character development. Critics like Areajugones, Atomix, and Checkpoint Gaming highlight that both Japanese and English dubs are well-executed, with performances that add depth to characters and enhance immersion. Finger Guns commends the "talented cast" of voice actors, many recognizable from anime or game titles, while IGN and RPG Site note the high-quality delivery in both languages, allowing players to choose their preferred option for an immersive experience. The Japanese dub, in particular, is frequently lauded—IGN Italia praises its "immersive qualities," and Vandal notes that it "generally [is] of high quality." Additionally, critics like Hey Poor Player and GameGrin emphasize the natural, engaging performances that make characters feel dynamic and relatable. However, several critiques point to specific shortcomings. PlayStation LifeStyle criticizes the English voice acting for "incorrect pronunciation of some Japanese names," which they deem disrespectful. Gamer Escape notes inconsistencies where character voices don’t align with their designs, while LevelUp finds the extensive dialogue repetitive. But Why Tho? describes performances as "over-the-top" and "mixed impressions," and GameOver.gr argues that the voice acting lacks differentiation, calling it "classic" without distinctiveness. Others, like Gamer.no, find the voice acting "annoying," and some critics mention issues with static cutscenes where even strong vocal work feels wasted. These concerns, while not universal, highlight areas where the voice acting falls short of expectations. Overall, the consensus leans heavily positive, with most critics acknowledging the voice acting as a standout feature. While there are valid criticisms about pronunciation errors, repetition, and occasional over-the-top delivery, these issues are often overshadowed by praise for the talent and effort behind the performances. IGN, RPG Site, and Vandal consistently highlight the high quality of both dubs, while many reviewers note that the voice acting enhances storytelling and character engagement. The Japanese version is particularly favored, but even the English dub receives commendations for its professionalism and emotional range. Despite minor flaws, the majority of critics agree that Scarlet Nexus’s voice acting significantly contributes to its immersive and engaging narrative experience.

The technical performance of Scarlet Nexus across its platforms generally receives positive feedback, with most reviewers noting smooth gameplay and stable frame rates. On the PS5, multiple critics highlight consistent 60 FPS performance, such as Areajugones, who praised the game’s “smooth” experience with effective DualSense integration, while BaziCenter emphasized that the steady frame rate helps mitigate gameplay issues. Similarly, Xbox Series X|S users reported strong performance, with Generación Xbox and TierraGamer noting smooth 4K at 60 FPS and minimal loading times. The PC version also fared well, with GameGrin and PC Invasion commending its stability, short load times, and high frame rates even on mid-range hardware. For PS4, while some critics like LevelUp acknowledged the next-gen version’s potential, others pointed to lower performance (e.g., 30 FPS), though Attack of the Fanboy noted that “next-gen consoles and modern PCs” deliver a visually impressive experience. Overall, the game’s technical foundation appears robust on all platforms, with few major issues detracting from the core experience. However, several platform-specific technical flaws were mentioned. On the PS5, while most praised its performance, critics like Destructoid and Jeuxvideo.com noted minor issues such as “item menu frustrations,” “environmental pop-ins,” and “imprecise lock-on mechanics.” The Xbox Series X faced some hiccups, including crashes reported by Game Rant and a glitch requiring a reload (Pure Xbox), though these were generally described as isolated. On PC, while the port was deemed stable, Cubed3 and Wccftech pointed to limited graphical options and “somewhat restricted” settings. The PS4 version struggled with lower frame rates (30 FPS) and repetitive design elements, as highlighted by Attack of the Fanboy and Gamers Heroes, while Xbox One users faced performance drops on older hardware, per M3. These issues, though not catastrophic, occasionally disrupted immersion or gameplay flow. The overall consensus among critics is that Scarlet Nexus delivers solid technical performance across all platforms, with only minor flaws affecting the experience. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are particularly praised for their stability, smooth frame rates, and optimized hardware utilization (e.g., IGN France’s “solid technical performance” and GameGrin’s “no crashes or bugs”). While PC ports received mixed reviews—some noting limited settings but overall reliability—the game’s core mechanics remain intact. The PS4 and Xbox One versions, though less optimized, still functioned without major issues, as seen in the positive remarks from critics like IGN Italia and Windows Central. Despite platform-specific quirks, the majority of reviewers agreed that Scarlet Nexus is technically sound, with its performance flaws being more of a minor inconvenience than a dealbreaker.

The overall sentiment toward Scarlet Nexus’s replay value is largely positive, with many critics highlighting its dual protagonist system as a major draw. Multiple reviewers, including IGN, Eurogamer Italy, and PlayStation LifeStyle, emphasize that the game’s ability to switch between two distinct characters—each with unique storylines, combat styles, and narrative arcs—encourages players to revisit the experience. The New Game+ mechanic further enhances this by allowing progress to carry over, enabling players to explore different perspectives or experiment with skill trees. IGN Spain and TheSixthAxis note that the divergent character backstories and gameplay experiences make the game feel substantial enough for multiple playthroughs, while GameSpot and PC Invasion praise the side quests and Bond Episodes as additional layers that add depth to the experience. For fans of narrative-driven games, the dual campaigns and varied character interactions are frequently cited as strong incentives to replay. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that may diminish the game’s long-term appeal. Repetition in level design, mission structure, and combat is a recurring complaint. TheGamer and Hey Poor Player criticize the game for its repetitive fetch quests and lack of emotional depth in character interactions, while Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation note that the side content feels underdeveloped and lacks variety. The RPG Site and IGN also mention that content reuse and linearity can make subsequent playthroughs feel redundant, despite the dual protagonists. Additionally, Destructoid and GameSpew highlight gameplay issues, such as repetitive combat encounters and a lack of enemy diversity, which may frustrate players seeking fresh experiences. Even Xbox Tavern and Areajugones observe that once the main story is completed, there’s limited incentive to return, particularly if side content fails to engage. The consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging Scarlet Nexus’s replay value as a double-edged sword. While the dual campaigns and New Game+ mechanics provide a compelling reason to play again—IGN, Eurogamer Italy, and Finger Guns all highlight this as a strong selling point—the repetitive elements and underwhelming side content temper its appeal. PC Invasion and Xbox Achievements note that the game’s structure encourages replayability, but TheGamer and Softpedia argue that these mechanics are undermined by a lack of innovation in execution. Ultimately, the game seems to cater more to completionists or fans of its narrative style, with some critics like GameGrin and COGconnected praising its potential for multiple playthroughs, while others, such as Hey Poor Player and RPG Site, feel it falls short of fully realizing its replay value. The overall takeaway is that Scarlet Nexus offers a solid foundation for replayability but struggles to maintain engagement beyond its initial appeal.