Though it has already been available in Japan for nearly a year, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is soon to be released internationally and is already coveted by critics. The newest title from Vanillaware and Atlus blends gameplay genres and masterful storytelling to form an all-encompassing gem, if the critics are to be believed.
As a challenge for developer Vanillaware, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a departure from the studio’s traditional fantasy games as seen with Dragon’s Crown, also published by Atlus, and changes up its regular formula for something more unique. Instead, this game takes a sci-fi approach in the fictionalized 1980s, splitting up the storyline between thirteen protagonists. While many of them are native to the 1980s, some come out of the World War 2 era featured in the game, surfacing via a time travel mechanic. To progress the story, the player must switch between characters and advance their plots in its Remembrance mode or play through RTS combat in Destruction mode.
While many fans patiently await big titles that have been inevitably delayed by Covid-19 restrictions, the industry turns to indies like Carrion and unique RPGs like 13 Sentinels, finding themselves happily surprised in the titles that have flown under the radar. With its rich storytelling combined with fun, mecha-centric combat mechanics, Aegis Rim is turning out to be a 2020 favorite for many reviewers so far and reaches a new zenith for Vanillaware’s capabilities.
IGN (Matt T.M. Kim):
“Vanillaware games have always looked great, but 13 Sentinels is the first time the studio has put a bulk of its focus on storytelling. And it pays off. This revival of classic sci-fi ideas hits all the right notes and goes deep without overstaying its welcome, even at over 20 hours long. And while Vanillaware’s attempt at doing something different with combat by branching out into real-time tactics to portray its city-scale mechs-vs-kaiju warfare is commendable, the storytelling and rich characters undoubtedly do all the heavy lifting in making 13 Sentinels an enjoyable journey.”
Score: 8/10
Push Square (Robert Ramsey):
“Having to keep track of 13 main characters may sound like a headache, but the game does a phenomenal job of developing its cast over the course of its 30 hour runtime. Snappy, well written dialogue keeps things moving, and it feels like every scenario ends in at least one brain-bending revelation. 13 Sentinels features an almost absurd amount of twists, but the fact that the game is able to keep you invested is testament to how endearing its characters are, and how well told its story is.”
Score: 9/10
Eurogamer (Malindy Hetfeld):
“If you accept the baseline ridiculousness of just about anything you encounter, 13 Sentinels still feels both coherent and cohesive, most likely because many of the ingredients it uses are well-familiar. There’s an undeniable 80s campiness about the whole thing, likely due to it taking inspiration from the same slew of 80s anime and films that inspired most of gonzo sci-fi, from Pacific Rim to dare I say it, The Matrix. Everything is delivered with great passion by the Japanese voice acting cast (an English dub is going to be available as day one DLC), and underscored by a great soundtrack from Hitoshi Sakimoto and his team at Basiscape, and with everyone going the full mile always you just can’t help but be charmed.”
Score: Unscored
RPG Site (Josh Torres):
“13 Sentinels is a tremendous love letter to science fiction at its core. Beneath the game’s premise of Japanese high schoolers piloting giant robots to fight off a mysterious kaiju invasion lies one of the most intricate narrative webs I’ve seen weaved into a video game. It borrows elements from a ton of popular sci-fi properties around the world; if you’re a big sci-fi enthusiast, 13 Sentinels is absolutely up your alley. Yes, there is a device that has a stun or kill setting.”
Score: 10/10
Game Informer (Joe Juba):
“As a narrative genre, sci-fi has limitless possibilities. It encompasses far-flung concepts like time travel, rampaging monsters, android assassins, and more. Even with all of that within reach, most sci-fi stories limit their scope to exploring just a few big ideas. However, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim shows no such restraint. It’s an all-inclusive, pulpy feast that draws inspiration from every corner of the sci-fi kingdom; it’s The War of the Worlds plus The Terminator plus Neon Genesis Evangelion plus several other well-known media that would spoil important plot points if I mentioned them. But here’s the most amazing part: It all works together.”
Score: 8/10
Destructoid (CJ Andriessen)
“It also has a beauty few other games can match. That signature Vanillaware art direction has reached new levels of detail in its elegant recreation ’80s Japan. The settings are magnificent, and its use of light and color enriches what would otherwise be drab, gray buildings. Certain areas are soaked in the pinks of sunset or glowing in neon greens, and so many points found around this city simply take my breath away. This is the best art Vanillaware has ever done.”
Score: 8.5/10
Previously, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate director Masahiro Sakurai praised Aegis Rim, saying that it’s a game everyone needs to play. It’s an endorsement not to take lightly, and critics have certainly shown what the hype over in Japan is all about. While many reviewers might find it difficult to sum up what Vanillaware’s newest game is all about in just a few words, they can all agree in the same verdict: 13 Sentinels is breathtaking at many angles, from its challenging mecha combat to its deep story told in a non-linear projection.
A love letter to iconic 80s anime, 13 Sentinels features twists and turns unlike any other game this year. While films and television shows have reached a ceiling of ability to surprise audiences, Vanillaware delivers an astounding narrative that will make gamers want to revisit the title immediately after finishing it. Though Aegis Rim may not make it to become Game of the Year, it’s bound to become a favorite for many gamers come its release in just a few days.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim releases on September 22 on PS4.
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