Scarlet Nexus review: Flashy combat meets shallow gameplay in Bandai Namco’s ARPG
Game Overview
Bandai Namco’s Scarlet Nexus presents a fresh take on action RPGs with its Brain Punk aesthetic and psychic combat mechanics. Following their work on Code Vein, the developers have crafted a visually distinct world where mental powers take center stage.
Released in June 2021, Scarlet Nexus delivers fast-paced action across PC and all major consoles, though its innovative combat system can’t fully compensate for some fundamental design shortcomings.
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
- Release Date: June 25, 2021
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
The game introduces several innovative systems including the Struggle Arm System (SAS) for party ability sharing and Brain Field for temporary power boosts. These mechanics create moments of brilliance, though they’re often constrained by the game’s repetitive structure.
Story and Setting
Set in a futuristic world where humanity battles brain-consuming creatures called the Others, Scarlet Nexus follows two protagonists: Yuito Sumeragi, an idealistic recruit, and Kasane Randall, a mysterious elite soldier. Their parallel stories unfold through the lens of the Other Suppression Force (OSF), a military unit specializing in psychic warfare.
While the Brain Punk concept offers intriguing possibilities, the narrative relies heavily on familiar anime tropes. Players will encounter:
- Government conspiracies and secret experiments
- Time travel paradoxes
- Military faction conflicts
- Character bond episodes that develop relationships
The dual protagonist structure provides some replay value, though both campaigns share many identical missions. The 20-hour story delivers competent but predictable sci-fi storytelling that rarely surprises.
Combat System Analysis
Scarlet Nexus’ combat shines when utilizing the full party system. The Struggle Arm System (SAS) allows temporary borrowing of allies’ powers, enabling creative combinations like:
- Pyrokinesis + Hypervelocity for flaming dash attacks
- Electrokinesis + Clairvoyance for predictive strikes
- Teleportation + Psychokinesis for repositioning throws
Advanced players should master these techniques:
- Activate SAS abilities just before enemy attacks for counter opportunities
- Chain psychokinetic throws with weapon combos for damage multipliers
- Time Brain Field activation for boss fight phase transitions
However, the combat shows its limitations in solo scenarios. Basic attack strings rely heavily on button mashing, and the Brain Map skill tree offers minimal meaningful upgrades. Weapon variety is practically nonexistent beyond cosmetic changes.
Common combat mistakes to avoid:
- Overusing Brain Field and losing control
- Ignoring enemy armor break mechanics
- Failing to swap SAS abilities for different enemy types
Environment and Progression
Scarlet Nexus’ level design represents its most significant shortcoming. Despite featuring characters with extraordinary movement abilities, environments remain frustratingly linear and static. The cel-shaded art style creates visual appeal, but locations like abandoned cities and research facilities feel sterile and interchangeable.
Key environmental issues include:
- Minimal verticality despite double-jump abilities
- Rare opportunities for creative power usage
- Excessive backtracking through identical areas
- Generic fetch quests padding playtime
The few standout moments—like using teleportation to bypass security systems—only highlight the untapped potential. Mission structure follows a repetitive pattern of combat arenas leading to boss fights, with little variation across the campaign.
Final Assessment
Scarlet Nexus delivers a mixed experience that will appeal most to action RPG fans who prioritize style and accessibility over depth. The Brain Punk aesthetic and psychic combat create memorable moments, but repetitive gameplay and shallow systems prevent it from standing among the genre’s best.
Who will enjoy Scarlet Nexus:
- Players who value flashy combat over complex mechanics
- Fans of anime-inspired storytelling
- Those seeking a moderately challenging action experience
Who should avoid it:
- Players seeking deep character customization
- Those who prefer open-ended exploration
- Gamers sensitive to repetitive mission structures
Reviewed on Xbox Series X
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