The post is a the latest iteration of the Xbox Excellence Awards, which was created last year to celebrate how players engaged with various releases on Xbox. The Store Rating category lists 2025 games with the best ratings on the Microsoft Store, with an added requirement of the title having at least 500 ratings. Player Engagements is about the average number of hours spent on a game by each player within the first six weeks of a game’s release. Daily Active Users celebrates titles, expansions or updates with the highest single-day active users throughout the year. And finally Units Sold is fairly self-explanatory.

Going down the lists, you’ll find many of the biggest releases of the year, from ARC Raiders and Battlefield 6, as well as award-winning RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Indie titles have also been well-represented, with games like Crime Scene Cleaner and Satisfactory making it into the lists. There also doesn’t seem to have been a singular genre to dominate the lists, since everything from sports games like EA Sports Madden NFL 26, to fantasy adventure life sims like Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, and even fighting games like Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics are well represented.

Curiously, none of the games was present in all four of the categories. At most, we got to see titles like Borderlands 4 being able to make it on to three of them: Player Engagement, Daily Active Users and Units Sold. Even ARC Raiders, which has seen quite a bit of success, is only on the Units Sold and Daily Active Users lists.

Microsoft has also emphasized that the lists represent a diverse collection of games developed by studios of varying sizes. All in all, it represents 48 unique developers based out of 13 countries, with 24 publishers having had a hand in their release. 19 of the games were self-published. “Taken as a whole, it’s an encapsulation of development on Xbox – we want gaming to reach you wherever you are, and for the teams making those games to find you from wherever they are,” wrote the company.

Full list of games:

Store Rating:

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Crime Scene Cleaner
• Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2
• Digimon Story: Time Stranger
• Dreamcore
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins
• Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
• Final Fantasy XVI
• Lies of P: Overture
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
• Little Nightmares III
• Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
• Minami Lane
• Mullet MadJack
• Poppy Playtime Chapter 4
• Satisfactory
• Silent Hill 2
• Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
• The First Berserker: Khazan

Player Engagement:

• Borderlands 4
• Digimon Story: Time Stranger
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins
• EA Sports College Football 26
• EA Sports FC 26
• Elden Ring Nightreign
• Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
• Farm Together 2
• Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles
• Helldivers 2
• Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
• MLB The Show 25
• Monster Hunter Wilds
• NBA 2K26
• NHL 26
• Rust
• Satisfactory
• The First Berserker: Khazan

Daily Active Users:

• Arc Raiders
• Avowed
• Battlefield 6
• Borderlands 4
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
• DOOM: The Dark Ages
• Elden Ring Nightreign
• Fortnite
• Forza Horizon 5
• Grand Theft Auto V
• Grounded 2
• Helldivers 2
• Marvel Rivals
• Minecraft
• NBA 2K26
• Rematch
• Roblox
• Rocket League
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

Units Sold:

• Arc Raiders
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows
• Battlefield 6
• Borderlands 4
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
• EA Sports Madden NFL 26
• EA Sports College Football 26
• EA Sports FC 26
• Elden Ring Nightreign
• Grand Theft Auto V
• Helldivers 2
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
• MLB The Show 25
• Monster Hunter Wilds
• NBA 2K26
• PGA Tour 2K25
• Ready or Not
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
• WWE 2K25

We took on the task of bringing our picks, and a winner, of ones that really stood out and took over our lives. Without further ado, the nominees for the best RPGs of 2025 are:

1. Where Winds Meet

Everstone Studios brought us an incredibly detailed open world and an RPG adventure in which the world came with us on our journey, offering up an unprecedented amount of freedom in how we could approach its many mysteries, secrets, battles, and story.

It’s build potential, strong combat mechanics, inclusion of player professions, amazing traversal mechanics, and some deliciously slick wuxia animations make this one a very immersive addition to 2025’s ranks, and one that comes with a lot of depth and ambition. We’re quite interested to see where this one goes over the course of next year.

2. Clair Obscur: Expedition

Sandfall’s breakout hit took the RPG genre by storm with stunning and intriguing mechanics that had us at the edge of our seats right off the bat. With a talented voice cast who really sold their material and a soundtrack that continues to enjoy a lot of love from the gaming world, this is a title that we’d gladly come back to for a fun hour of exploration and combat.

But it’s the characters who make us stay, every time. Clair Obscur’s biggest strength is the Expedition that brings an end to the nightmare it presents us with, and its members are the heart and soul of an RPG that never overstayed its welcome.

3. The Outer Worlds 2

The Outer Worlds 2’s attempt to put us in the shoes of an Earth Directorate Agent on a mission in Arcadia has been an excellent effort that blends casual takes on megacorporations with a story that was quite riveting. The companions accompanying you on your adventure are a quirky and interesting bunch while the game’s gear system brought very creative touches to the table.

We particularly liked the fact that gear made by specific corporations had synergies with other equipment from the same brand, for instance. With a lot to do in Arcadia and a lot of freedom in how you approach it, this was a definitely welcome addition to our libraries of 2025.

4. The First Berserker: Khazan

Neople and Nexon’s decision to take a fresh look at the early days of the Dungeons & FIghter series paid off very well, and The First Berserker: Khazan has been an excellent action-adventure RPG with a great combat system taking the center stage.

Khazan’s vengeance fuelled adventure is brought to life by an anime-inspired cel-shaded art style that has stood out while his brutal efficiency in the field of battle has catapulted this one to the heights of being among 2025’s finest titles. It’s a game that just fires on all cylinders, all throughout its runtime.

5. Elden Ring Nightreign

FromSoftware’s successful run continued with its foray into multiplayer roguelikes, and Nightreign’s fast-paced trip through Limveld has been a great place to go for some wild action and unpredictable experiences in a multiplayer system that can have you laughing at how badly things went wrong, or stunned at how your fellow Nightfarers take on the most fearsome enemies.

With the new The Forsaken Hollows DLC now added into the mix, this one might continue to be among the most-played RPGs for a while yet.

6. Monster Hunter Wilds

The latest addition to the Monster Hunter franchise brought all of its strengths, a few creative flourishes, and barely any of its limitations to the Forbidden Lands. With visually stunning biomes housing some truly imposing monsters for us to hunt, this game was such an entertaining one we almost felt sad to move on from it as other titles took our attention away.

Monster Hunter Wilds is just fun and a delight to play thanks to its great performance and enrapturing gameplay loop.

7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

The Shinbakufu’s infiltration of Japan’s government, and Naoe and Yasuke’s quest to dismantle their control marked a much-needed success for the series while giving Assassin’s Creed fans a title that they had been wanting for a long time.

As the franchise’s first truly current-gen entry, Shadows lived up to the hype thanks to an overhaul of the stealth mechanics and Yasuke’s unique brand of chaotic justice as a combat specialist. Japan’s many vistas were absolutely gorgeous backdrops for a combat and exploration loop that had us visiting every corner of the map we could get to, and that’s quite the compliment to any RPG.

8. Borderlands 4

As the much awaited next entry to a beloved franchise, Borderlands 4 brought its signature wit and charm to the table while giving us an RPG that nailed the experience. Joining the Vault Hunter’s adventure through Kairos was a treat in more ways than one, and the game’s combat mechanics were a blast.

While its main story could be seen as a matter of personal preference, the dearth of side content and the manner in which the franchise’s style is brought to the fore at nearly every turn are reasons to dive into what could be the best Borderlands title yet.

9. Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Lumiose City has been a great staging ground for some great Pokemon battles and quite a hub for ambitious trainers looking to make their mark on its populace. Exploring the city has a lot of perks to it, and you never know just what you might find on the ground or across its rooftops.

The combat is nothing to scoff at either, bringing a lot of exciting battles between talented trainers and a lot of juicy rewards to dive into when it was all done. This was an RPG through and through, and one that had us thinking about it when we were busy with the real world.

10. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

This one’s among 2025’s  more innovative RPGs, bringing a balance that did wonders for its gameplay loop. Stepping into the shoes and neurons of the rogue Sleeper had us forgetting to keep an eye on the clock for the several nights it took us to play through the story.

This is a game that has you taking the protagonist’s role quite seriously, and is one that might haunt you for quite a while after you face the consequences of a bad decision. That’s a solid RPG if we ever saw one.

11. Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Bringing a poignant, excellent story to the table, this addition to the Digimon Story Series of titles was nothing short of captivating. We could not wait to find out the fate of our protagonist as we navigated its world and built bonds with other characters and Digimon in our search for the cause of a future catastrophe.

Taking us across time and space, this was an adventure that brings a fond smile to our faces when we think of all the great moments its story and gameplay loop gave us, and is an easy recommendation for anyone who hasn’t tried it out yet.

12. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

This sequel is a continuation of Henry’s adventures that hit all the right notes for fans of the Kingdom Come franchise’s formula. This was an RPG that had us immersed in the landscape it let us loose in, and quite entertained by the quirky populace it housed.

There are a lot of laughs to be had in the many conversations you can find, and many an entertaining hour engaging with all of the content that’s on offer for you in this title. It’s a thoroughly entertaining game, and one that’s really quite hard to put down once it picks up the pace in its main narrative.

13. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

The surprise opportunity to return to a version of Cyrodiil we’d never seen before is certainly among the 2025’s highlights. Returning to a beloved title after all these years with all of its current-gen bells and whistles thrown in was pure gaming bliss, and Oblivion continues to be among the most solid RPGs you can find out there.

This is the definitive way to enjoy a game that is legendary among RPG fans, and also outside of the genre thanks to how awesome it has become over the years.

14. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Bai Wuchang’s search for her lost sister took us and the character to some surreal locations populated by bizarre enemies. The lands of Shu hid a surprising amount of depth to its lore, while the game’s combat was already on display as the centerpiece of the experience long before it was released.

Wuchang is definitely among our favorite silent protagonists, a couple of notable lines excluded, and her adventure is a brutal yet exciting journey through a very interesting take on ancient China.

15. Mandragora Whispers of the Witch Tree

Playing as the Inquisitor on a mission through this title’s dark-fantasy world brought a lot of fun to our time with it. Its action-RPG gameplay loop worked well with its side-scrolling adventure where the story was every bit as entertaining as the battles it led us to.

This is definitely among the stronger contenders for the crown of 2025’s best RPGs, and was definitely one that had us entertained from its opening hours right up until the end of its main story.

16. Trails In the Sky 1st Chapter

As a reimagining of the first chapter in a great saga, this title is definitely an RPG you don’t want to miss. It brings all the elements of the genre’s greatest titles to the table, making them breathe life into a story that’s going to be quite entertaining whether you’re familiar with the franchise’s roots or not.

Add in a combat system that works very well and blends real-time and turn-based loops in a way that feels very unique and entertaining. Its story brings a lot of heart and charm to the experience, framing your role and actions in the gorgeous open world quite well and making you feel like a small yet relevant part of a sprawling kingdom. It’s definitely a fine addition to the genre, and among the greatest ones of 2025.

While each of these titles has been excellent in its own way, there is one that undoubtedly takes 2025’s crown thanks to how well its many elements work together to bring an experience like no other to our screens.

And our winner of 2025’s best RPG is:

Clair Obscur: Expedition

Gustave, Maelle, Luna, Sciel, Monoco, and Verso bring incredible powers and an adorable amount of vulnerability to the seemingly impossible task of ending the Paintress’s reign of terror over Lumiere. With emotional heft, morbid humor, excellent character development, incredible combat, and brilliant performance across platforms, this is our favorite RPG of 2025 by a long shot.

And that’s a wrap on our picks for 2025’s best RPGs. We can’t wait to see what 2026 is going to bring to the table, and of course, we’re going to be ready to dive in when the time comes!

However, something goes wrong and they’re thrown even further back. With the future in jeopardy and Shinjuku as its epicenter, the race is on to investigate anomalies and stop the calamity. Of course, this involves capturing and raising Digimon, interacting with residents of the Digimon World and even traversing to the latter.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger introduces some neat new mechanics in this endeavor, from Digimon instantly defeating lower-level enemies on the field to Cross Arts and Agent Skills. For more details, check out our review (though be warned that the story isn’t much to write home about). A free demo is also available with progress transferring to the game.

Those who own the Season Pass or Digital Deluxe Edition can look forward to three DLC packs in the future, which include new “episodes.” Each also contains five new Digimon.

Ghost of Yōtei

Easily the biggest game of the month, and certainly a contender for Game of the Year, but that’s to be expected. Sucker Punch Productions’ skill for creating engaging open worlds is on full display once more as Atsu scours Ezo for revenge against the Yōtei Six. There’s more variety and less repetition, while the combat system has been expanded to include more weapons, fresh mechanics like disarming enemies (and throwing weapons into their imminent carcasses), and a wolf that occasionally helps out. In a year where Sony desperately needs some PS5 exclusives, Ghost of Yōtei looks to be an incredible showcase for the console when it launches on October 2nd.

Battlefield 6

About four years ago, the Battlefield franchise suffered a slump that few thought it could ever recover from. But here we are with Battlefield 6, a combined effort between DICE, Ripple Effect, Criterion and Motive Studio, which could take the series to new heights of success. The return of an epic globe-hopping campaign is already fantastic, but even the multiplayer with its Classes, weapon feel, and grounded atmosphere has us excited. Even Portal and the new Battle Royale don’t look too shabby. Launching on October 10th, Battlefield 6 will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Game Freak’s latest Pokémon title also marks the series’ debut on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the original Switch, but it goes even further by taking place in a single city. As a new trainer in Lumiose City, it’s your job to investigate the strange outbreak of Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon while having their wish granted in the Z-A Royale. Between new Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, a free-for-all competitive mode called Battle Club, and much more, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is certainly shaping up well. It’s out on October 16th for Switch 1 and 2.

The Outer Worlds 2

For a game that goes “bigger and deeper” than the original, with an overhaul to Skills and Flaws alongside much larger planets and a third-person perspective, The Outer Worlds 2 certainly feels like the underdog heading into October. Maybe it’s the sheer range of other big-name sequels to look forward to, but the new, more-serious story (which still packs moments of dark levity) looks intriguing, and there’s plenty of room for more niche playstyles. Whether you’re a team player or a solo operative intent on killing all NPCs, The Outer Worlds 2 could satisfy that role-playing fix when it launches on October 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Seven years after Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory, a new entry in the Digimon Story is finally upon us with Time Stranger. Launching on October 3rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, it was actually announced way back in December 2017 and offers a brand new story with time travel elements. Following an incident that would change the world, the player, as part of a mysterious organization, ventures back in time to try to prevent it. On top of over 450 Digimon to collect, players travel to Illiad in the Digimon World and attempt to unravel what’s going on. Will it end up overshadowed by Pokémon Legends: Z-A or stand out all the more? We’ll find out in the coming days.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy has returned, and thankfully, it isn’t part of a compilation that’s available only for a limited time. This time, Nintendo Switch players can experience each title in the series for $39.99 separately or for $69.99 in a bundle. Switch 2 owners can play both games at 4K courtesy of a free update, and there are new features like more Storybook Chapters, amiibo support and Assist Mode. These are more like re-releases than remasters, but if you’ve ever wanted to play two of the best 3D platformers ever made, they may be worth checking out on October 2nd.

ARC Raiders

As if it isn’t competing for time with all the other big releases, Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders is sandwiched between two triple-A shooters (with Battlefield this month and Call of Duty in the next). Nevertheless, if the response has proven anything, it’s that it may very well hold its own. Launching with four maps with different conditions and challenging foes, the extraction shooter packs Embark’s sleek shooting with a distinct post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Between mastering different skills, competing quests, taking a shot at the leaderboards, or trying to understand the world as a whole, ARC Raiders promises a lot, and we can’t wait to dive in when it launches on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Little Nightmares 3

The heavyweight survival horror titles are already out, but there’s still Little Nightmares 3 to look forward to ahead of Halloween. Set in The Spiral, the story follows Low and Alone as they attempt to escape its hellish landscape. Between towering monsters, sentient puppets, and other horrors, it’s a tall task, but each packs unique tools like arrows and a wrench for puzzle-solving and self defense. And while couch co-op isn’t supported, there is a Friends Pass, meaning another player can join in without owning the game. All the better to spread the terror when Little Nightmares 3 launches on October 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Keeper

You never truly guess what Double Fine Productions will pump out next, and Keeper, out on October 17th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, is truly unique. You control, of all things, a sentient lighthouse that ventures across the world to learn more about its purpose. Between encountering other strange entities in a wordless narrative and the trippy visuals, it’s certainly shaping up to be an adventure unlike any other.

Jurassic World Evolution 3

You kind of know what you’re getting with any Frontier Developments management sim, and Jurassic Park Evolution 3 is no exception. The usual campaign, sandbox and challenge modes return, but there are over 80 species, each with variants (including juvenile dinosaurs), and more complex creation tools to embrace alongside new attractions. Couple this with new locations, and there’s plenty to look forward to when it launches on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Ninja Gaiden 4

One of the gold standards for incredible hack and slash action-adventures, Ninja Gaiden, is finally getting a new mainline title on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Ninja Gaiden 4 follows Yakumo of the Raven Clan as he ventures to the remains of Tokyo to slay the Dark Dragon. The Order isn’t having it, though, and neither is series mainstay, Ryu Hayabusa (who’s also playable), leading to some bloody battles. While possessing an array of armaments, Yakumo also has Bloodraven Form to modify his attacks and even unleash Bloodbath Kills to maim several foes at once. Promising accessibility via Hero Mode and hardcore challenge courtesy of Master Ninja difficulty, Ninja Gaiden 4 could be the most epic title in the series yet.

Kingmakers

What happens when modern soldiers are sent back in time to fight medieval battles containing hundreds of units? You get Kingmakers, with its unique mix of third-person shooting, extensive military equipment and base-building, launching on October 8th for PC. When you’re not engaging in the battle, you can take an overhead view and command units. All this and co-op for up to four players? If nothing else, it looks like a fun bit of controlled chaos.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

Nothing can stop a good merchant, especially one like Will, who ventures into dungeons to collect the wares himself. Moonlighter 2 directly follows the first game’s events, as you venture into The Endless Vault, collect valuable artifacts, and sell them in your store. The profits can be used to upgrade the town of Tresna, your own shop and even equipment to delve deeper into the dungeons for more profitable finds. With a jump to full 3D and new mechanics – like using your own backpack as a weapon – there’s plenty to look forward to when Moonlighter 2 launches in Steam Early Access on October 23rd.

Double Dragon Revive

The classic side-scrolling beat ’em up franchise returns courtesy of Arc System Works and Yuke’s when Double Dragon Revive launches on October 23rd for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. Alongside Story Mode with support for up to four playable characters, there’s Extra Mode with more than 50 mission types and a uniquely separate story across multiple unlockable episodes. Between this and Absolum, it’s a great month for beat ’em up fans.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

After botching Battle for Neighborville and Plants vs. Zombies 3, PopCap Games is going back to the drawing board. Or more specifically, to the first garden in Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, an HD version of the tower defense that started it all. Fortunately, there’s a lot to justify that $20 purchase, from a new hardcore mode to the more forgiving but still challenging Cloudy Day Mode. You can even compete in local PvP as the zombies or defend together in co-op. Replanted launches on October 23rd for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

Tormented Souls 2

The original Tormented Souls didn’t push any boundaries, but for a title inspired by old-school Resident Evil, it wasn’t half-bad. Tormented Souls 2, out on October 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, continues the story of Caroline as she ventures to a mysterious yet sinister new location. While you’ll be shifting between realities, solving puzzles and fighting off new enemies, tank controls are still in effect, and you won’t have unlimited saves, just like the survival horror games of yesteryears, but you can enable assist mode.

Once Upon A Katamari

A new Katamari title that isn’t a remaster? Somehow, it’s true as Once Upon A Katamari launches on October 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Prince is once again tasked with fixing the sky after The King of All Cosmos destroys it yet again, and this time, you’re venturing through time, rolling up the Ice Age and other notable eras. With character customization, new tools and KatamariBall, a new four-player competitive mode, the good times may indeed be ready to roll.

Dispatch

What happens when Mecha Man no longer has his mech suit to fight crime? He does the next best thing, taking on a job as a superhero dispatcher. That’s only the start of Robert Robertson’s ordeals, however, as he works with ex-supervillains, dispatching them to different locations with unique consequences. Between unlocking new abilities and managing their various personality quirks, Dispatch is a unique mix of narrative adventure and hero strategy with a strong cast. The first two episodes debut on October 22nd, followed by the next two on October 29th for PS5 and PC, with the final four out in November.

Wreckreation

I’ll admit to being somewhat disappointed with Bugbear’s Wreckfest 2 (which has seen several updates after launching in early access), but Wreckreation, developed by the team behind Dangerous Driving, could fill that void. It’s out on October 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and introduces the 400 square kilometer sandbox that is MixWorld, which you’re free to build up and wreck alone or with others. With extensive customization tools and plenty to discover, it’s an interesting proposition, and hopefully one with a lot of staying power.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

Have you ever wanted a definitive collection of all classic Mortal Kombat titles? Yes, even Mythologies: Sub Zero and Special Forces? Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection could be the answer as it contains Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, 4, Trilogy and much more with multiple versions, online play with rollback netcode and instant access to all secret characters. You can explore the lore of the series and its characters, and learn more about the franchise’s development courtesy of new creator interviews. Launching on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it could very well be a must-buy for any fighting game fan.

Suffice it to say that the wait for a new Digimon Story has been excruciating – not because Bandai Namco kept players in the dark but because Time Stranger was announced way back in 2017 – yes, the same year as Hacker’s Memory, the sequel to Cyber Sleuth. Updates were provided through the years, but a proper trailer wouldn’t be revealed until earlier this year. So, almost eight years since the initial announcement, and brother, does it show.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger still features the in-depth progression and customization systems that the franchise is known for, but falters in so many baffling ways. The presentation feels lacking at times, and not just because of the frame rate. The plot misses urgency and a compelling cast, taking an astoundingly long time to move things along, while failing to make you care for many of its core characters. The quest design, be it main or side, feels dreary for the most part, and it’s only the combat and progression systems that kept me invested.

"Unfortunately, actually roaming the world is a different story due to how distant details are handled, not to mention the noticeable pop-in, jittery shadows and iffy animation quality."

As a brand-new story, Time Stranger focuses on Dan or Kanan Yuki, an agent for a mysterious organization sent back in time to investigate an anomaly. A confusing encounter with Inori Misono, who seems to be the one that Yuki must protect, and a cataclysmic rooftop battle eventually lead to the player being sent eight years back into the past.

Unfortunately, the droll pacing of the intro spills over into the opening hours, as you venture around Japan in boring fashion. Things happen, for sure, but oftentimes, it felt like I could skip dialogue exchanges without lacking any core information. The dialogue choices are meaningless, I know that, but in such cases, you would think they’d prompt some occasionally fun responses, which sadly isn’t the case.

This doesn’t mean all the conversations are completely useless, but the characterisation can be very hit or miss. Inori comes off as bland more often than not (when she’s not making the same tired joke about your “funny outfit”), and the Operator constantly reminding me to investigate anomalies and “focus on the mission” becomes annoying (and the voice acting quality isn’t much to write home about). Aegiomon has some intrigue, and other notable side characters, notably Minervamon and the Public Safety members, are eventually added to the mix.

Your mileage will vary, but the sheer amount of memorable NPCs while roaming Shinjuku is close to zero, not that there are many to interact with anyway. At least the Digital World is somewhat better since there are multiple Digimon to interact with, and they feel distinct enough to leave an impression.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger runs at 30 FPS with no graphical modes to choose from. It’s not the biggest deal breaker since it runs in 4K, and the characters look pretty detailed in cutscenes (which also offer some pretty nice animation and cinematography, for the most part). Unfortunately, actually roaming the world is a different story due to how distant details are handled, not to mention the noticeable pop-in, jittery shadows and iffy animation quality. Which is a shame because some areas are nicely recreated and could have enhanced one’s immersion if they didn’t feel so boring to explore. Others have incredibly trippy aesthetics that are portrayed well, and the Digimon World boasts some fine details. However, even the latter’s wonder is dulled by the shadow quality.

"With all these qualms, at least the combat and Digimon customization are solid enough. The former is your standard turn-based affair with a turn order sequence, but deploying multiple Digimon on the field and swapping them out without losing a turn adds to the strategic depth."

Exploration is also marred at times by how restrictive some pathways can be, and just the general lack of things to discover in many of the environments (aside from collecting materials and items). This is even more obvious with the dungeons and critical mission areas, but at least there is occasionally some light puzzle-solving to help break up the monotony. You can engage in a game with random NPCs throughout both worlds, though its rock-paper-scissors formula feels highly unsatisfying.

With all these qualms, at least the combat and Digimon customization are solid enough. The former is your standard turn-based affair with a turn order sequence, but deploying multiple Digimon on the field and swapping them out without losing a turn adds to the strategic depth. Follow-up attacks add a bit of spice, even if they’re not overtly flashy, though I would have liked being able to select from multiple Cross Arts during early battles. One nice addition is being able to instantly defeat hostile Digimon while exploring if you’re a high enough level. This, combined with auto battle, helps encourage battling to scan and convert Digimon, not to mention leveling your current monsters. There are tougher battles that encourage slowing down and strategizing, especially when dealing with bosses that can charge up attacks and must be stunned. It’s not the most complex combat mechanic, but it works.

When your Digimon reaches a certain threshold (and your Agent Level is high enough), they can Digivolve, gaining improved stats and new abilities. Having a spread of branching options is always nice, as is De-digivolving if I don’t like an option, especially since leveling them back up doesn’t take long. The interactions with your Digimon that influence their personalities can feel contrived at times, but they go a long way towards making them feel like more than just units.

And besides, thanks to new Agent Skills, unlocked with Anomaly Points, you can min-max into a particular Personality trait and reap the bonuses. I’m currently specializing in Valor, which not only awards more attack, health, defense, and speed to Digimon with those personalities but also improves their growth rate. Ideally, you’ll invest in all categories, making it much easier for new Digimon to benefit from the boosts. Or you simply use the ones you don’t like as enhancement fuel or money. The choice is yours, and sometimes, I feel mad with power.

"If you can power through all that, Digimon Story: Time Stranger might be enjoyable, especially for longtime fans of the series, but those seeking a more well-rounded role-playing game should be warned."

Which is probably why I can’t write off Digimon Story: Time Stranger completely. The production values are definitely there in places, but the storytelling, exploration, and characters range from outright dull to mildly compelling, depending on the location. Rather than caring about the future of humanity and Digimon, I was more keen on discovering new Digivolutions and pummeling enemies into the dirt for their scan data. Side quests were little more than a means to acquire more AP to invest in further bolstering my squad of digital assassins.

But even if I want to focus entirely on combat and Digimon-rearing, everything else just feels like an unnecessary weight, impeding my interest with its dull objectives. If you can power through all that, Digimon Story: Time Stranger might be enjoyable, especially for longtime fans of the series, but those seeking a more well-rounded role-playing game should be warned.

This game was reviewed on PS5.

Seventh Game in the Story Series

The Digimon Story sub-series began on the Nintendo DS in 2006. It’s better known as Digimon World DS in American markets. Interestingly, the World moniker is a bit of a misnomer, considering Digimon World is its own separate sub-series. Digimon Story would continue to stay in the handheld space with largely derivative and simple RPG mechanics up until Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth in 2015 where it reached a broader console and PC audience.

Where it fits in the Timeline

You might be asking, “Do I need to play the previous Story games to understand Time Stranger?” Thankfully, for new players, Time Stranger is a stand-alone story and not a sequel. The only games directly connected with each other are Cyber Sleuth and Hacker’s Memory, which took place concurrently with connective narrative threads. While Time Stranger takes place in the same Digimon universe, and will undoubtedly have call-backs and references to past games, the plot and characters are brand new and ideal for newcomers.

Setting

One shared element common to nearly all Digimon stories is its setting. Time Stranger continues the digital/human world dichotomy by letting players explore both worlds. Digimon reside in the digital realm, Illiad, which gets fully fleshed out in the game. As a secret agent, you must uncover how a catastrophe leveled Tokyo by getting sent eight years in the past. Exploring both human and digital realms will unveil how to prevent the disaster in the future.

Fully Fleshed Out Digital World

Unlike the Cyber Sleuth games, Time Stranger features a fully continuous digital world to explore. The demo shows off some of the variety and liveliness of the digital realm, Illiad. Gone are the generic cyber stream dungeons. Illiad is teeming with Digimon that take on various societal roles, making the whole setting feel more lived-in and alive. What’s really cool are the Digimon mounts used to traverse across Illiad. There’s a variety of different mounts and we wouldn’t be surprised to see some kind of TM system used to overcome obstacles like in the Pokemon games.

Largest Digimon Roster Yet

Another big selling point of Time Stranger is its large roster of digital monsters. In fact, it boasts the largest roster of any Digimon game yet with 450 Digimon that can be tamed and used in battle. This eclipses Hacker’s Memory, which featured 341 Digimon.

How Catching and Taming Works

Instead of throwing balls to catch these digital companions, Time Stranger employs a Conversion system. Every encounter has a scan percentage attached to it, with high numbers increasing the likelihood of Digimon joining your party. To increase your scan percentage with a particular Digimon, it’s necessary to battle them multiple times so that the scan rate gets close to 100%, resulting in a digital conversion being made of the creature. Players can gain the upper hand in these battles by initiating a first strike via a gun volley using the R2 button whilst on the field. What’s nice is that each particular Digimon is visible on the field to let you know what you’re getting into before a battle, something that was more randomized in previous games.

Digimon Customization

But you don’t just collect and battle with your digital monster friends, you can tailor them to fit your style as well. Besides naming your digital monster, you can digivolve them through a variety of non-linear paths and customize their personality between different traits.

Non-linear Evolution Paths

Each Digimon can branch out to half a dozen or so evolution forms. But the evolution possibilities are left a mystery thanks to the blank silhouette and absence of info on the digivolution menus. What is shown is what the personality type as well as the requirements to digivolve them. The menus themselves have been streamlined from the past game, consisting of simple rows showcasing the digivolution options. The icing on the cake is these adorable retro sprites representing each Digimon, a very classy touch to add in the menus.

Personality Traits

Time Stranger introduces a new personality system that further differentiates Digimon from one another. There are 16 personality traits in total. These traits make it possible to have two of the same Digimon with vastly different stats, preferences, and weaknesses. Personalities also influence digivolution prerequisites and what skills they can learn.

Turn-Based Battle System

Battles are your classic turn-based RPG affair with some monster taming mechanics. You have up to four Digimon in your party for any battle and can cycle between them as you fight. The opponent’s weakness can be known by using the Analyze ability, and you can guard attacks, perform normal attacks, and use items in battle. What really provides strategic depth, however, are the various skills and elemental attributes available to exploit and use. Just want to get fights over with quickly? No worries, you can speed up battles up to 5X speed and even auto-battle should you possess enough trust in the game’s AI.

Attributes and Elements

The core challenge and strategic depth comes in the form of the 7 attributes and a whopping 11 elements. Attributes are typically inherent in the Digimon type while elements are tied to skills. Facing off against a Vaccine type Digimon? Simply call forth your Data type Digimon for bonus damage. You can even purchase attachment skills for your Digimon through vendors should you want to stack up elemental buffs with that Digimon’s attributes.

New Agent Skill System

While Digimon skills are primarily used during battles, agent skills provide passive buffs and abilities. There’s an entire Agent skill tree menu with skills ranging from bonus experience gain to attribute buffs and Digimon bond affinities. These Agent Skills, new to this game by the way, can be improved and leveled up after they’re unlocked.

Progression

You gain Agent Skill points by completing missions while the Digimon level up through use in battle. Your Agent Rank goes up based on a variety of actions you take. For example, spending skill points raises your Agent Rank along with winning battles and completing quests.

English dub

One of the most exciting new features is the addition of an English voice dub, available for the first time in the series. As shown in the demo, not every single line of text is voiced, but the majority of the dialogue now features English voice acting. Previous Digimon titles only offered a Japanese dub with English subtitles, so this is a welcome improvement.

Release Date and Platforms

Digimon Story: Time Stranger launches on October 3 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Interestingly, there’s no Switch 2 version planned yet, and no support for older consoles like PS4 or Xbox One. If you’re curious, try out the demo to see if this latest Digimon Story RPG is for you.

It sees Aegiomon and his partner, Inori, resting on a rooftop that overlooks Shinjuku. As previously outlined, the city is a focal point for an impending disaster, which is why Kanans Dan and Yuki traveled back in time. This is a relatively quieter moment, however, as Inori reiterates her faith in Aegiomon and hopes they can be together forever.

Cut to several battles with various Digimon and different disasters unfolding, but Aegiomon hasn’t forgotten his promise, eventually surpassing his limits to protect his partner. It provides a quick look at his Ultimate forms – Aegiochusmon, Aegiochusmon Blue and Aegiochusmon Green. Naturally, there’s a lot more to see, but beware of potential spoilers.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger launches on October 3rd. A free demo is out now on all platforms, with progress from the story sections transferring to the game.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger follows Dan and Kanan Yuki on a time-traveling mission. Something terrible will befall the world with Shinjuku as the epicenter, and it’s their job to stop it (with the help of Digimon, of course). Along with exploring the real world, players traverse the Digital World Iliad and contend with Plutomon, who leads the Titans.

Interestingly, those who complete the demo can partake in an extra Adventure Trial Mode to tackle certain dungeons in Iliad’s Central Town. Progress in this mode won’t transfer, but it’s good for practice.

For more details on Digimon Story: Time Stranger, check out the latest story trailer here. There are 450+ Digimon available at launch, but Deluxe Edition owners can look forward to more courtesy of the Season Pass, which also adds three “additional episodes.”

Other titles appearing, including The Blood of Dawnwalker, Patapon 1 + 2 Replay, Little Nightmares 3, Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots, Death Note: Killer Within, Shadow Labyrinth, Tekken 8 (specifically its next DLC character, Fahkumram), Super Robot Wars Y and, of course, Code Vein 2. It could also reveal the next Tales of remaster and maybe even the next Ace Combat.

Bandai Namco hasn’t indicated how long the presentation will be, so stay tuned for more news and updates. As for its releases this year, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree arrives on September 19th, while Digimon Story: Time Stranger launches on October 3rd.

Long story short, you play either Dan or Kanan Yuki, an agent sent back eight years in the past to prevent a terrible catastrophe from unfolding in Shinjuku. Digimon are involved, of course, and this time, players must travel between the human and Digital World Iliad to uncover the truth, taking on quests and exploring.

Intriguingly enough, it seems Plutomon, the Titans’ leader, is responsible for the upcoming conflict. Other incidents referenced in the trailer include the collapse of the World Tree, the very pillar of the Digital World (which is a very bad thing). On the gameplay front, players can look forward to over 450 Digimon, turn-based combat and extensive customization.