The cyberpunk aesthetic has made a significant comeback in popular culture recently. Many adventures have been set in the dystopian blur of neon lights and cybernetic upgrades, but a Brain Punk future? That’s a new one on us. Scarlet Nexus, Bandai Namco’s upcoming action RPG, is jam-packed with mysteries and set in a futuristic world trapped between technology and psychic abilities. Scarlet Nexus will be released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on June 25th, 2021.
You will play as one of two protagonists (Yuito or Kasane), both of whom have the power to manipulate things through their minds (Psychokinesis). They can, however, temporarily borrow the powers of others close to them by using the SAS (Struggle Arms System), and you can also add other characters to your squad. These supporting characters provide powerful enhancements to your fighting style, such as the ability to slow time so you can smash your opponents, the ability to add fire elements to your attacks so you can burn your opponents, and more. Character abilities become more powerful as your relationships with them grow stronger, similar to how rapport grows in a Persona game. The game shines as it combines conventional ARPG fighting with psionic powers, such as dodging, jumping, and comboing.
Scarlet Nexus’ fighting is built around this system. Both Yuito and Kasane will fight with conventional attacks, using their chosen weapon of choice – for Yuito, a sword, and for Kasane, a handful of knives that she telekinetically sends out and calls back- they can also throw something that isn’t bolted down at their target for massive damage.The catch is that using psychokinesis consumes a lot of mental energy, and the only way to replenish it quickly is to get back into the thick of things and launch routine attacks.
Bandai Namco clearly believes in the Scarlet Nexus universe, as an anime adaptation of the game will be released shortly after the game. The opening cinematic, as well as the song by Japanese rock band The Oral Cigarettes, set the tone for a stylish adventure that anime fans would enjoy.
Of course, we say it with respect. Anime fans in particular will appreciate this game, particularly if they enjoy Japanese audio in their games, as both English and Japanese VO will be available from the start. As the story of Scarlet Nexus progresses, so does the drama that forces the new class to choose sides.
Click here to pre-purchase Scarlet Nexus on steam:
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