We're definitely seeing eye to eye on this one haha. I thought Odin Sphere was ambitious before, but bumping that up to 13 characters across space and time, then heaping 1 high-concept sci-fi plot-device on top of the other over and over and over again? ...The plot is an absolute monkeys fist knot. By the time you make it to the end it feels like you're only just starting to loosen it up, then they just reveal it all and it's really quite incredible.
Absolutely one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had. I wasn't even really familiar with Vanillaware and not really aware of this game until the few trailers I saw last year. Despite the excitement and hype from longer time fans, I was still on the fence until it went on sale and I decided to give it a try. Didn't play another game for 2 weeks until I finished it and it was an absolute blast. I love games that make your brain work even to a point of overload lol. Ever since then, I've just been wanting for more people to experience this masterpiece!
Thanks for your comment! If there are any Vanillaware games on sale right now, I highly recommend them! I have a review of Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, which is also on the PS4, that I highly recommend you check out! I'm very sure you'll enjoy that one as well!
@@BacklogBattle Thanks for the recommendation! The PS store actually has a sale right now for Japanese games and it included Odin Sphere for $18 so I gave it a try. It's been fun so far and I'm really enjoying it!
Well this review sold me! Looks stunning! Sounds like an incredibly well woven narrative that is combined with epic feeling gameplay! Thanks for the review Alex. Great job illustrating the games nuences!
Looks and Sounds like Vanillaware created playable art yet again. Can't wait to start playing for myself. As for the review, I believe this is one of the very best you put out Alex. Can't wait for the rest of the games on your schedule.
Thank you very much for your kind words, as always! I was afraid that the 20 minute mark was going to scare people away, but I'm just glad you were entertained and informed! Thank you again for your support and I hope you enjoy the game when you finally have your hands on it!
All the more reason why I don't bother with game awards shows. The people behind them only play the most mainstream stuff. If they had played everything, then titles such as The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition and AI: The Somnium Files would have gotten some acknowledgement last year. I'm not surprised that it was 13 Sentinel's turn to get shafted this year.
Game awards make no sense. Fire emblem goes into categories like civ6 and monster hunter is apparently an RPG even though it's actually just get big sword bigger to fight big guy
As with Atelier Ryza, once again, you've sold me on a game that I was straddling the fence on. I have always been a huge fan of Vanillaware's work, but I was really struggling with this one simply because I wasn't sure if I would enjoy its systems. After watching this, I'll be picking it up today. Thanks again, Alex.
You're very welcome! Glad to have helped you discover yet another awesome game to add to your library! Spread the word about the review! More people should be playing this game!
And in dual audio to boot. As in, it's fully voiced in English too. This is not one of those cases where corners were cut with the English voice overs, either in quality or quantity, made all the more fascinating by the hurdles apparently inherent to recording voices in a pandemic.
@@sirmiluch6856 Well, everyone has their opinions regarding dubs, which is why I'm pro-choice and support dual-audio over one option or the other. I don't have a problem with dubs in and of themselves. My thing is whether or not they're any good, and I think 13 Sentinel's is one of the better ones from recent years. The original VA is included though if that's your thing.
@@BDLforever24 Not sure if its still relevant for you ,but Its certainly way more story heavy than a game like dragons crown. It throws a lot of concepts and names at you from the start and its more a mystery adventure during the story segments. The gameplay during battles is surprisingly fun and very hectic, and while it seems intimidating at a glance its really simple once you get the hang of it.
Just picked up my copy from BB today! Can't wait to start after work. This is my #2 most anticipated game of the year (Cold Steel 4 is #1). Thank you for a thorough review as always! I really appreciate how much effort goes into these. -Danny
Great review! It's been very difficult to explain this game to people but I keep trying because it was not only my favorite game of 2020, but a game I will remember for a very long time--an unforgettable experience. Now I can just refer them to this video! Thank you for your careful observations and word choice, you've earned a new subscriber.
@@BacklogBattle Hope so too! I convinced one person so far but he stopped after the Prologues, convinced he knows how the story will go. How wrong he is!
@@BacklogBattle It was an awesome game, I completed it 100%. Even a little sad I'm finished haha. Great characters, story, music and gameplay. I wished more people people would play this, the game deserves it.
@@Yoh2704 I literally subscribed to your channel because I saw you had KOS-MOS from Xenosaga as a profile picture. I’ve always wanted to play that game for a long time.
This was super informative!!! I am still a bit hesitant on it for some reason but I liked hearing you say that you enjoyed this despite not being into tactical games. I’m not really into them myself besides the odd SRPG like Fire Emblem on easy haha. I’m going to keep it on a list for now and then maybe pick it up one day!
This is the review from you I've been looking forward to most! I hope the niche nature of this game doesn't hold it back, and it can sell as well as its quality deserves.
It also happens to be the longest review I've ever made, so I hope this helps tide you over until the game comes out! Only way it'll be successful is if we help spread the word about it!
I finished it and I still have questions but I enjoyed and, spoilers further in this comment, I was so happy to see Iori, Tomi and Miwako together at the end of the game!!!
Thank you for describing the battle system, it was what i was most worried about! I'm really looking foward to the narrative of this game, tomorrow needs to hurry up!!!
Easily the best game of 2020. It took me two playthroughs to fully understand the plot, but I still want to play it again, and I almost never play games twice even.
Excellent review sir! I almost forgot this was coming out. I was a little worried about the combat at first but after watching your video, you have swayed me into this purchase and I'm looking forward to playing it. I've enjoyed Vanillaware's past works afterall so I might as well give this one a shot!
I've been monitoring Twitter and everyone's comments here thus far and a lot of the people who were hesitant in picking it up due to the combat are enjoying the heck out of it! You won't be disappointed, though I will be curious what you think of it when you've played enough!
Never been more excited for this! Ugh, I wish I could get it on launch day, but I’ll have to wait until my next paycheck... Cannot wait! The way they divided the portions of the game looks like the best version of something I’ve been wanting to see, with splitting two different game genres on a main menu, and having you play both at your own pace to progress the story. I’m dying to get to see this for myself. Hmm... maybe I should pick Muramasa back up to tide me over...
Just so you know, your review was the exact reason i chose to buy this game yesterday. I am recommending it to my other friends, using this video as argument. Thank you, I hope it eventually sells enough for ports and sequels.
Even though we're almost halfway through this year, every time someone comments here or mentions the game on Twitter, I'm always reminded of how incredible this experience was to play through. I can't recommend this game enough!
All of the reviews I've seen have been stellar so far. I'm starting this game tomorrow. Can't wait 💯💪 I'll drop an update after I start it up. UPDATE: Currently about 10ish hours in, absolutely hooked by the main story and tower-defense style gameplay. It's not too hard, but not too easy either. Definitely worth it imo.
The game sounds so interesting and I will definitely get it, and I think it's good that you have kept it to this day that it has a time travel aspect, just a shame that I already heard it yesterday in a game podcast and it was dropped / mentioned in passing release embargo yes was still active took the surprise away from me, but I will still have a look
@@BacklogBattle I feel every other video I watched focused 98% on story-telling content. I'm glad to hear the battle system explained, I feel I may like the concept for this game after all.
Did they really? That's unfortunate, as the biggest concern with the game from long time Vanillaware fans was its gameplay! I made absolutely sure that I talk about the gameplay first to address any concerns which, combined with the story, made for a unique and well thought out experience!
Not my usual sort of game but I'm loving the art style. Been waiting for this since they announced a release for the West. Great review, very in-depth and informative, thanks 😎👍
You're welcome! I hope you got a feel for the combat with how I described it! I wanted to make sure I conveyed that as much as I can. It really is amazing, as someone who doesn't like this genre.
@@BacklogBattle luckily the place I preordered it from "accidentally" posted it early so I've had it for a couple of days now.... I absolutely love it so far, the fact that you get to move around and luck for interactive points and choose who you talk to make it so much better than your average visual novel. Then the action segments are just pure hectic fun, shooting missiles out of the sky to protect your sentinels while another puts a shield up for a rail gun wielding unit that you have had to put in harms way to line up a shot that takes out an entire column of advancing deimos. Thanks again for your review as it is what convinced me to keep my preorder open 😎👍
I'm so so happy to read this! Just goes to show that what Vanillaware has here really is unlike anything else out there, which is why it's so difficult to talk about it! I'm very happy you're enjoying the game, and I hope you enjoy its story too! It's crazy good!
@@BacklogBattle Thanks! +1 to your subscribers... still loving the game, love how it is still decent to play on my vita as well. Looks kinda like it was made with a smaller screen in mind...
That point of the battles feeling like classic Final Fantasy Active Time Battles is exactly what I thought as I was going through the game. Glad I'm not the only one.
@@BacklogBattle Thanks I can't wait! I had just re-downloaded Odin Sphere and Dragons Crown on PS4 yesterday then wondered what Vanillaware were upto.. How did this game go under so many radars?
I was worried about the gameplay at first. After hearing this review i'm sold on this game for sure Vanillaware delivering ones again those good games!!!
Hell yea! I’m still super hyped for it! I’m making a follow up video that’ll come out in a few weeks (plural)! Gonna time it to when more people have finished it!
This is an excellent review! I love how you thoroughly explained the game mechanics, since many others and I couldn't even tell what game genre this title was. 15:08 Are these two menu items difficulty modes in a sense?
You really need more Subs! You just sold me again. First with your Atelier Ryza review and now this. I never played a tactical game like this but im totally for trying something new like i did with Atelier.
@@BacklogBattle Just got to the "end" of the game, barring the post-game stuff. That was one of the most fascinating video game experiences I've ever had. Some of it felt convoluted, and I do feel like the game goes out of its way to toy with our emotions. But damn was it a fun time! For the builds I used in that last mission, I had Hijiyama taking up the full physical assault, Yuki and Amiguchi sharing AOE attacks and shield distribution, Iori and Gouto peppering flare torpedoes and sentries, and Miura taking up the sniping ground. Only took me two tires to escape!
@@iisanulquiorrahara8 I can't really elaborate on the story much to address the convoluted feeling, but I'm eager to discuss it more in the upcoming (maybe a month from release?) spoiler video for the game! Also, that's a great combination of people! I went with a mostly Interceptor/Sentry Gun build, with one Gen 3 and one Gen 1 fighter!
I was questioning why vanilla ware/atlus didn't put this on the switch but after going through sector 4 of the destruction stage on intence, I kinda understood why. Rendering thousands of kaijus and using hundreds of missiles and showing thousands of damage all at once is very taxing.
Your review eloquently explained all the reasons I loved the game and how masterful and subtle the design was. It is a case study on why you won't notice masterful design as easily as you'd notice bad design. Everything about this game was comfy and the only things to complain about (the locks put on the characters story forcing you to progress in other's stories or to go to battles) had to be done to make the narrative work. The full English VO is absolutely incredible. Music and sound design still linger in my mind after getting the platinum.
Just like you said. I too was on the fence with this one since it’s more of a tactical tower defense type game. Yet your fantastic review won me over. I absolutely love VanillaWare games and I almost hate to admit I was doubting this one. Can’t wait to grab my copy.
I'm so happy you think so! I put a lot of work into this review, as you can see, and I'm grateful that it's recognized! I'm not sure if you're still around, but I hope I see you on my first ever stream today!
@@BacklogBattle Legitimately am gonna go to the store in a bit and grab myself a bottle of Pepsi so I can jack myself up on caffeine to just JAM this thing all night lmao. I'm at about 10 hours on my save file already and am just glued to my seat. Incredible Incredible game and I'm only about 1/4 to 1/3 in! It's just.... One HELL of a ride. Also THE WHOLE GAME IS FULLY VOICED IN ENGLISH WHICH IS BATSHIT
Thanks for the Review. Game looks interesting. I pre-ordered it today. This will be my first vanillaware game. Artstyle is stunning. I like IT that the devs Do the Translation for Germany too. Greetings from Germany. Andreas.
Atlus and SEGA started doing this since Judgment, and I think this is going to be the standard moving forward! Thank you for watching my video and taking the time to comment, Andreas!
@@Alexborrego83 Tower Defense not only implies a deluge of enemies charging to one point, but an entire gameplay system revolving around it. It involves often mostly immovable objects that are often automated, which is *only* represented in 13 Sentinels as one kind of ability (Sentry Guns). Tower Defense also involves being unable to pause the action to create a strategy, which you can absolutely pause in 13 Sentinels. You also have direct control of 6 units on the field, who can freely move from one part of the field to another. So no - it's not *just* Tower Defense, much like how many say that this game is a "visual novel" - it's not. There are times when using shorthand descriptions are useful. But for a game that's got so much more to offer than its inspirations, it's a shame to try and overly simplify what it's actually bringing to the table.
I love a good story (it’s something I look for in games) but the combat really doesn’t look like something I’ll like. Is there a lot of combat? Is it difficult? It’s on sale so depending on your answer I might be buying it soon
As I said in the review, you get to choose how much combat or story you can play. Putting it another way: there is a dedicated mode just for combat, and there are tons of battles you play. Combat isn’t difficult even on Insane, but to get the secondary objectives you have to create specific builds. I suggest rewatching the video to try and understand how the game is structured. I go into extreme detail into how everything works
@@BacklogBattle nah I trust you at this point just the combat looked weird as I prefer action games. But I prize a good story over everything. I’m buying it. Maybe danganrompa alongside never played that either and I heard that story is also amazing
I finished the game, and convinced two more friends to get it. thank you so much, once again! It's in my top 5 games ever played now. It's absolutely amazing! a god damn masterpiece!
Well, I guess I will keep my PS4 for a bit longer. I am really glad to see that the combat has a lot to it. The music is amazing and the game has the presentation that Vanillaware nails so well.
@@BacklogBattle Currently not right now sadly. I have a huge backlog. January through February will be when I pick up games I have missed on PS4. Christmas shopping is draining my wallet. 😭
Have you ever played Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star for the PS3 (or the Plus version for the Vita)? It's got a lot of surprising parallels with your description of this game, while also being completely different. I think that a compilation of it and its previously Vita-exclusive canon prequel Ciel Nosurge has been (or is about to be) released in Japan, and hopefully will get localized.
@@solonavi3928 No New Game Plus, but there are a series of battles that does unlock afterwards! I don't know how long it is though... I'm at wave 20 and I've yet to see the end! LOL
@@BacklogBattle I heard some say its 9999! Thanks for confirming it. Ill be playing this for awhile when it reaches my hand. Looking forward to the game and more of your reviews.😃
The only Vanillaware game I've played was Muramasa on the Wii, which I enjoyed quite a bit. But this looks unique compared to their previous offerings, especially in the gameplay department!
Thank you for that review! Probably the best one. I just wanted to ask about if there are any elements of point and click adventures games in story mode. Are there any choices to made? Or it's more like plain Visual Novel?
I don’t quite understand the questions since many of these have been answered in the review itself. Visual novels have choices, and there are elements of point and click adventure games in the game itself.
@@BacklogBattle Yep. Sorry. I asked before watching till the end (I was in hurry, and watched mainly review of battle system). However I've came back later on to finish and Yep all answered in review.
Two very different games, so that's tough! Just gotta ask yourself what are you in the mood for: a thrilling, deep suspenseful narrative with strategy combat (13 Sentinels), or the feeling of being a samurai during a Mongolian invasion, riding across the Japanese countryside (Tsushima)!
I have so much love for Vanillaware that I’ll pick this up even though the genre shift is jarring after Odin Sphere. One question Alex: does Vanillaware still have an obsession with making lots tasty food for XP grinding in this one? All their games have this mechanic!
Sadly no! However, that doesn't mean that they didn't throw in a ton of food to look at in this game! Check out my Twitter feed - I posted something about Hijiyama's yakisoba pan there, as an example!
Backlog Battle that’s amazing!! I’m glad they reference it at least, i can see it wouldn’t make sense in the context of kaiju battles. Is the story going to really make you think on a deep level like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Steins;Gate? I know it’s not the same but I played an incredible visual novel / action side scroller called Baldr Sky and it was such a cerebral experience that it solidified my love of mecha and Scifi themed anime
I don't want to say anything, but I stand by everything I said in the review! It's a wild ride that everyone who plays it will enjoy! The fact that I even talked about the time travel part is something I laboriously went and considered omitting, but I just had to mention it!
Backlog Battle sounds wonderful. I’m glad you’re keeping it spoiler free, thanks for replying and thank you very much for your review, I love that developers like Vanillaware get some much needed love and attention. I really hope they keep making more games for the ps5
At first I wasn't sure whether to get this game or not, but thanks to your review I was able to made up my mind and decided to buy it. I think I felt like you when you played the demo "What kind of game is this?" even after playing that said demo xD
Ironically, the Japanese demo literally ended exactly when the game actually opened up! After that happened, it became crystal clear how the game ACTUALLY plays! And, as it turns out, it's freaking awesome!
I'm trying to figure out how, as a community, we can all collectively talk about what we played without spoiling people. I'm thinking of opening up a Community Tab post for it...
I assumed I'd enjoy 13 Sentinels - it's Vanillaware - but didn't expect to love it as much as I did. Great review! Such a complex game to explain effectively but you nailed it.
What I *didn't* show is how the PS4 actually struggled displaying thousands of units onscreen in later battles! It's in that sense that I'm not really too sure that a Switch port is even possible! 😅
honestly i came from your how to get into tactical rpgs video and saw your comment saying you made a video abt 13 sentinels so i looked for it and i really like this video !!! i'm planning to get a copy for the switch i think before the year ends. ( or at least i hope :< ) anyway i love how detailed this review is without giving away any spoiler. thank you so much for this !!!! i subscribed bc this is rly good and i'll check your other trpg reviews too !!!! ^^
Did you hear? 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is coming to Nintendo Switch on April 12, 2022!
We're definitely seeing eye to eye on this one haha. I thought Odin Sphere was ambitious before, but bumping that up to 13 characters across space and time, then heaping 1 high-concept sci-fi plot-device on top of the other over and over and over again?
...The plot is an absolute monkeys fist knot. By the time you make it to the end it feels like you're only just starting to loosen it up, then they just reveal it all and it's really quite incredible.
It is a damn ride, this one! I love it!
Absolutely one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had. I wasn't even really familiar with Vanillaware and not really aware of this game until the few trailers I saw last year. Despite the excitement and hype from longer time fans, I was still on the fence until it went on sale and I decided to give it a try. Didn't play another game for 2 weeks until I finished it and it was an absolute blast. I love games that make your brain work even to a point of overload lol. Ever since then, I've just been wanting for more people to experience this masterpiece!
Thanks for your comment! If there are any Vanillaware games on sale right now, I highly recommend them! I have a review of Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, which is also on the PS4, that I highly recommend you check out! I'm very sure you'll enjoy that one as well!
@@BacklogBattle Thanks for the recommendation! The PS store actually has a sale right now for Japanese games and it included Odin Sphere for $18 so I gave it a try. It's been fun so far and I'm really enjoying it!
@@kaitokid5797 that’s what I was hoping! I’m super happy to see you’re enjoying it!
Well this review sold me! Looks stunning! Sounds like an incredibly well woven narrative that is combined with epic feeling gameplay! Thanks for the review Alex. Great job illustrating the games nuences!
You're welcome! Will be curious to hear what you think when you get to play it!
Came here looking for the best 13 sentinels: Aegis Rim content in youtube and that's exactly what I found!
Truly amazing review brother.
Thank you 🙏
Why do I have a feeling of Deja vu reading your comments? ;)
Looks and Sounds like Vanillaware created playable art yet again. Can't wait to start playing for myself.
As for the review, I believe this is one of the very best you put out Alex. Can't wait for the rest of the games on your schedule.
Thank you very much for your kind words, as always! I was afraid that the 20 minute mark was going to scare people away, but I'm just glad you were entertained and informed! Thank you again for your support and I hope you enjoy the game when you finally have your hands on it!
It still blows my mind that TLOU2 is given the prize of Best Narrative when the narrative of 13 Sentinels completely blows it out of the water.
Good thing we have the Backlog Battle Awards coming soon, right? 😏
Award Shows are all political like the Oscars etc.
All the more reason why I don't bother with game awards shows. The people behind them only play the most mainstream stuff. If they had played everything, then titles such as The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition and AI: The Somnium Files would have gotten some acknowledgement last year. I'm not surprised that it was 13 Sentinel's turn to get shafted this year.
The moment they ignored Origami King for best OST was when it became useless
Game awards make no sense. Fire emblem goes into categories like civ6 and monster hunter is apparently an RPG even though it's actually just get big sword bigger to fight big guy
As with Atelier Ryza, once again, you've sold me on a game that I was straddling the fence on. I have always been a huge fan of Vanillaware's work, but I was really struggling with this one simply because I wasn't sure if I would enjoy its systems.
After watching this, I'll be picking it up today. Thanks again, Alex.
You're very welcome! Glad to have helped you discover yet another awesome game to add to your library! Spread the word about the review! More people should be playing this game!
THE ENTIRE GAME IS FULLY VOICED
And in dual audio to boot. As in, it's fully voiced in English too. This is not one of those cases where corners were cut with the English voice overs, either in quality or quantity, made all the more fascinating by the hurdles apparently inherent to recording voices in a pandemic.
@@sirmiluch6856 Well, everyone has their opinions regarding dubs, which is why I'm pro-choice and support dual-audio over one option or the other. I don't have a problem with dubs in and of themselves. My thing is whether or not they're any good, and I think 13 Sentinel's is one of the better ones from recent years. The original VA is included though if that's your thing.
@@albatross1688 subs with og va is the way to go for me, just like watching anime. All the emotions are intact
@@julz19 This dub has emotions, but I'm glad both language options are available for those who want them.
@@julz19 The emotions are in tact in the dub. Don’t bother replying.
Awesome review! That popcorn popping analogy of the battles was brilliant.
Me: A review for 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, I've been looking forward to this!
My inner child: 13 sentinels I just rimmed
Vanillaware really made something special with this one!
Sentinel: "INPUT ERROR. DESTROY ALL MUTANTS. DESTROY ALL MUTANTS... DESTROY ALL MUTANTS... except toad."
Okay, you convinced me to get this asap. Top of the backlog list you go 13 Sentinels!
This is a must buy in my book!
How would you compare it to a game like Dragon's Crown?
@@BDLforever24 Not sure if its still relevant for you ,but Its certainly way more story heavy than a game like dragons crown. It throws a lot of concepts and names at you from the start and its more a mystery adventure during the story segments. The gameplay during battles is surprisingly fun and very hectic, and while it seems intimidating at a glance its really simple once you get the hang of it.
Just picked up my copy from BB today! Can't wait to start after work. This is my #2 most anticipated game of the year (Cold Steel 4 is #1). Thank you for a thorough review as always! I really appreciate how much effort goes into these. -Danny
Thank you very much! Will look forward to your thoughts on it when you play it!
This reviewer has reminiscing bonds to that of early GameTrailers - and that's a great thing.
I’ll take that as a compliment! That didn’t even occur to me!
Very glad to see 13 sentinels gets so many positive response in the West.
And yet we need more people to know how awesome it is!
Great review! It's been very difficult to explain this game to people but I keep trying because it was not only my favorite game of 2020, but a game I will remember for a very long time--an unforgettable experience. Now I can just refer them to this video! Thank you for your careful observations and word choice, you've earned a new subscriber.
You’re welcome! I hope it convinces people to get the game!
@@BacklogBattle Hope so too! I convinced one person so far but he stopped after the Prologues, convinced he knows how the story will go. How wrong he is!
Thank you for explaining the battle system properly. More excited for the gameplay now.
It’s pretty freaking bad ass! So satisfying!
I bought this after your review and it does not disappoint. Thanks for the in-depth review!
You’re welcome! Glad you’re liking it! Help spread the good word!
Second! I was already hyped but you have me even more excited ❤️
It's been super difficult to clam up about it until the review came out! Now I can proclaim that it's one of my favorite games of the year!
Okay I was unsure, but now I'm definitely gonna buy it, thanks for that awesone review :)
Yoh you’re in for an incredibly fun ride! And you’re welcome!
@@BacklogBattle It was an awesome game, I completed it 100%. Even a little sad I'm finished haha.
Great characters, story, music and gameplay.
I wished more people people would play this, the game deserves it.
@@Yoh2704 I literally subscribed to your channel because I saw you had KOS-MOS from Xenosaga as a profile picture. I’ve always wanted to play that game for a long time.
@@lordartoriuscollbrande7434 Haha I see, you should definitely play Xenosaga, great game.
Wow, a really well written and exhaustive review. Hats off to you!
Thank you so much! I’m happy you enjoyed the video!
This was super informative!!! I am still a bit hesitant on it for some reason but I liked hearing you say that you enjoyed this despite not being into tactical games. I’m not really into them myself besides the odd SRPG like Fire Emblem on easy haha. I’m going to keep it on a list for now and then maybe pick it up one day!
femtrooper it’s gonna be an amazing experience when you do start it!
This is the review from you I've been looking forward to most! I hope the niche nature of this game doesn't hold it back, and it can sell as well as its quality deserves.
It also happens to be the longest review I've ever made, so I hope this helps tide you over until the game comes out! Only way it'll be successful is if we help spread the word about it!
This is an amazing review I'm definitely buying it now and you got my sub thank you brother
You’re very welcome!
Just picked it up on sale. Gonna play it as soon as I finish my current game. Thanks for the review.
You’re welcome! Enjoy! Let me know what you think of it when you play it more!
Man I'm 5 hours in and my brain hurts. Love it!
That’s still quite early! More reveals and mysteries to come!
Beat it, loved it! What a game!
Danny Mexen that ending right??
Oh, tell me about it! Also what a platinum friendly game, and I don't even hunt for them
I finished it and I still have questions but I enjoyed and, spoilers further in this comment,
I was so happy to see Iori, Tomi and Miwako together at the end of the game!!!
Thank you for describing the battle system, it was what i was most worried about! I'm really looking foward to the narrative of this game, tomorrow needs to hurry up!!!
Only a few more hours if you preordered digitally!
Easily the best game of 2020. It took me two playthroughs to fully understand the plot, but I still want to play it again, and I almost never play games twice even.
YES! It's definitely my Game of the Year last year! I need to replay this game...
I love your reviews! So happy I've found this channel! ☺ I'm really having a hard time to find games to play. This helps a lot. Thx so much
You can hit a button on the story screen, in Odin sphere, to put all the events in order and watch them chronology like a movie.
Excellent review sir! I almost forgot this was coming out. I was a little worried about the combat at first but after watching your video, you have swayed me into this purchase and I'm looking forward to playing it. I've enjoyed Vanillaware's past works afterall so I might as well give this one a shot!
I've been monitoring Twitter and everyone's comments here thus far and a lot of the people who were hesitant in picking it up due to the combat are enjoying the heck out of it! You won't be disappointed, though I will be curious what you think of it when you've played enough!
Never been more excited for this! Ugh, I wish I could get it on launch day, but I’ll have to wait until my next paycheck... Cannot wait!
The way they divided the portions of the game looks like the best version of something I’ve been wanting to see, with splitting two different game genres on a main menu, and having you play both at your own pace to progress the story. I’m dying to get to see this for myself.
Hmm... maybe I should pick Muramasa back up to tide me over...
It’s very much worth it! Hope the review got you hyped!
@@BacklogBattle OH, yes, very much so!
Just got the game xD. Now, let's see why this is your 2020 game of the year. Thanks again for this review, it helped me decide on picking this up.
Fantastic! I hope you enjoy the ride! It really is a wild one!
Just so you know, your review was the exact reason i chose to buy this game yesterday. I am recommending it to my other friends, using this video as argument. Thank you, I hope it eventually sells enough for ports and sequels.
That's awesome! I hope you're having fun with the game!
@@BacklogBattle 14 hours in, when i put it down i can only think about playing again
Finally! Been looking forward to seeing this video!
Curious to hear your thoughts after watching it!
@@BacklogBattle Video was great! I'm interested enough in this game to give it a go, but there's so much coming out soon...
You won’t regret this one!
Can’t wait for this game one my most anticipated games of the year
I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
My reaction to both this game and review: Yes. 👏🏽 The best game I’ve played in a very long time.
Even though we're almost halfway through this year, every time someone comments here or mentions the game on Twitter, I'm always reminded of how incredible this experience was to play through. I can't recommend this game enough!
Okay I’m incredibly excited now!
Only a week to go! I’m probably replaying it with the English dub!
Seems very interesting ! It’s pretty tempting as it’s on sale right now. Thanks for the informative vid !
You’re welcome!
When this announce out I was like mehh gameplay is not for me... But damn you're review got me interested, thanks!!
You're welcome! Curious to hear what you think if you do pick it up!
All of the reviews I've seen have been stellar so far. I'm starting this game tomorrow. Can't wait 💯💪 I'll drop an update after I start it up.
UPDATE: Currently about 10ish hours in, absolutely hooked by the main story and tower-defense style gameplay. It's not too hard, but not too easy either. Definitely worth it imo.
Thank you! Always happy to hear impressions from others!
The game sounds so interesting and I will definitely get it, and I think it's good that you have kept it to this day that it has a time travel aspect, just a shame that I already heard it yesterday in a game podcast and it was dropped / mentioned in passing release embargo yes was still active took the surprise away from me, but I will still have a look
The time travel aspect is a very, very, very, very small piece of the game! As I said in the review, there's a whole ton more you'll discover!
absoklutely amazing review, im gonna buy it tmrw! also just subscribed! don't change! ur doing great!!
You’re in for a treat! Enjoy!
Sweet mother of God, finally! Someone hit the spot with the review of this beautiful game.
Thank you for watching it! Was concerned it was too long! Definitely wanted this to feel like a love letter to Vanillaware ❤️
Thank you for presenting the battle system review first.
You're welcome! It's pretty important for 13 Sentinels to talk about its gameplay first, given that it's new for Vanillaware.
@@BacklogBattle I feel every other video I watched focused 98% on story-telling content. I'm glad to hear the battle system explained, I feel I may like the concept for this game after all.
Did they really? That's unfortunate, as the biggest concern with the game from long time Vanillaware fans was its gameplay! I made absolutely sure that I talk about the gameplay first to address any concerns which, combined with the story, made for a unique and well thought out experience!
Not my usual sort of game but I'm loving the art style. Been waiting for this since they announced a release for the West. Great review, very in-depth and informative, thanks 😎👍
You're welcome! I hope you got a feel for the combat with how I described it! I wanted to make sure I conveyed that as much as I can. It really is amazing, as someone who doesn't like this genre.
@@BacklogBattle luckily the place I preordered it from "accidentally" posted it early so I've had it for a couple of days now.... I absolutely love it so far, the fact that you get to move around and luck for interactive points and choose who you talk to make it so much better than your average visual novel. Then the action segments are just pure hectic fun, shooting missiles out of the sky to protect your sentinels while another puts a shield up for a rail gun wielding unit that you have had to put in harms way to line up a shot that takes out an entire column of advancing deimos. Thanks again for your review as it is what convinced me to keep my preorder open 😎👍
I'm so so happy to read this! Just goes to show that what Vanillaware has here really is unlike anything else out there, which is why it's so difficult to talk about it! I'm very happy you're enjoying the game, and I hope you enjoy its story too! It's crazy good!
@@BacklogBattle Thanks! +1 to your subscribers... still loving the game, love how it is still decent to play on my vita as well. Looks kinda like it was made with a smaller screen in mind...
Mark Ingram thank you! It was originally designed alongside a potential Vita version! That’s probably why!
That point of the battles feeling like classic Final Fantasy Active Time Battles is exactly what I thought as I was going through the game. Glad I'm not the only one.
Glad you found my review then! Are you still playing the game?
@@BacklogBattle Just finished it this past weekend.
God damnit **Buy now**
(Awesome review, thanks!)
You’re very welcome! Hope you enjoy the game! I sure did!
@@BacklogBattle Thanks I can't wait! I had just re-downloaded Odin Sphere and Dragons Crown on PS4 yesterday then wondered what Vanillaware were upto.. How did this game go under so many radars?
I was worried about the gameplay at first.
After hearing this review i'm sold on this game for sure
Vanillaware delivering ones again those good games!!!
Hell yea! I’m still super hyped for it! I’m making a follow up video that’ll come out in a few weeks (plural)! Gonna time it to when more people have finished it!
This is an excellent review! I love how you thoroughly explained the game mechanics, since many others and I couldn't even tell what game genre this title was.
15:08 Are these two menu items difficulty modes in a sense?
Nope! I talked about those in the video! They’re two different modes of play! One is purely the battles and the other is for the story!
@@BacklogBattle I rewatched the part when you said that they were two different modes.
I understand what you were referring to now.
Other people : man I don’t know, the combat system looks different.
Me : man, I love how different the combat looks.
Great review as usual!
Thank you for watching! I hope I captured the battle gameplay enough for you to get a feel for it!
You really need more Subs! You just sold me again. First with your Atelier Ryza review and now this. I never played a tactical game like this but im totally for trying something new like i did with Atelier.
That sounds awesome! I await your impressions when you play more of the game! Always glad to open up the minds of people about different game genres!
I was already getting this Day 1, but seeing the gameplay gives me a lot of Code Geass vibes in terms of tactical combat, and I'm all for that!
I can’t wait to see what kinds of builds everyone will be focusing on making! Be sure to share yours when the time comes! Would love to see!
For real, the different generations of Sentinels had me thinking of the Nightmare Frames, especially at the "generation 4 models can fly" bit.
@@BacklogBattle Just got to the "end" of the game, barring the post-game stuff. That was one of the most fascinating video game experiences I've ever had. Some of it felt convoluted, and I do feel like the game goes out of its way to toy with our emotions. But damn was it a fun time!
For the builds I used in that last mission, I had Hijiyama taking up the full physical assault, Yuki and Amiguchi sharing AOE attacks and shield distribution, Iori and Gouto peppering flare torpedoes and sentries, and Miura taking up the sniping ground. Only took me two tires to escape!
@@radicallaruby Without a doubt. Just the layout in general reminded me a lot of episode 2 in particular.
@@iisanulquiorrahara8 I can't really elaborate on the story much to address the convoluted feeling, but I'm eager to discuss it more in the upcoming (maybe a month from release?) spoiler video for the game! Also, that's a great combination of people! I went with a mostly Interceptor/Sentry Gun build, with one Gen 3 and one Gen 1 fighter!
You guys getting any Bokurano vibes?
Great review, subbed to my backlog!
Thank you for watching!
Just finished the game. 36 hours to finish it. Wow! It is soooo good! Anyone on the fence buy it. It comes on sale often too!
I was questioning why vanilla ware/atlus didn't put this on the switch but after going through sector 4 of the destruction stage on intence, I kinda understood why. Rendering thousands of kaijus and using hundreds of missiles and showing thousands of damage all at once is very taxing.
It’s also probably one of the reasons why the announced Vita port got cancelled, in all likelihood!
Yeah, my PS4 (not Pro) started stuttering a bit in the Area 3 battles.
Yeah ps4 pro does not suffer from anything folinished that game 100% and loved it just did it before sakuna released. ☺️
@@madlinkers8595 I was watching someone else play the game on a Pro, and it was stuttering in Area 3.
Your review eloquently explained all the reasons I loved the game and how masterful and subtle the design was. It is a case study on why you won't notice masterful design as easily as you'd notice bad design. Everything about this game was comfy and the only things to complain about (the locks put on the characters story forcing you to progress in other's stories or to go to battles) had to be done to make the narrative work. The full English VO is absolutely incredible. Music and sound design still linger in my mind after getting the platinum.
This game deserves more attention 😣
I recently bought it with the art book and gonna get the chance to play it
Damn, I gotta get this! Great review!
Thank you so much!
Just like you said. I too was on the fence with this one since it’s more of a tactical tower defense type game. Yet your fantastic review won me over. I absolutely love VanillaWare games and I almost hate to admit I was doubting this one. Can’t wait to grab my copy.
I can’t wait to hear what you think once you play! It’s my 2020 GOTY!
So good....
Yakisoba Pan.
Great review! This game looks amazing. Always loved Vanillaware's games. I think this is the best review I've seen of this game. Thank you!!!
I'm so happy you think so! I put a lot of work into this review, as you can see, and I'm grateful that it's recognized! I'm not sure if you're still around, but I hope I see you on my first ever stream today!
Watched your review at work. I left work with the game. Thanks man you nailed the review. Subbed as well :)
Thanks for the sub! Do let me know what you think of it the more you play it! Always curious to see how others think of the games I play!
Great review mate
Thank you!
And i still need to get round to playing Odin sphere :P Or maybe i'l just end up adding this to my backlog someday
Or maybe just play this when it comes out since it comes out in a week's time!
Don't we all.
Odin sphere is amazing
I'm having a fucking BLAST with this one holy shit I've been marathoning it over Easter Weekend
YESSS! Very glad to hear another person loving this game! It’s quite the ride, isn’t it?
@@BacklogBattle Legitimately am gonna go to the store in a bit and grab myself a bottle of Pepsi so I can jack myself up on caffeine to just JAM this thing all night lmao. I'm at about 10 hours on my save file already and am just glued to my seat. Incredible Incredible game and I'm only about 1/4 to 1/3 in!
It's just.... One HELL of a ride.
Also THE WHOLE GAME IS FULLY VOICED IN ENGLISH WHICH IS BATSHIT
Just don’t spill the soda when the reveals happen! 😉
@@BacklogBattle TRUE ENOUGH. Gotta make sure I don't go knocking my glass over
Thanks for the Review. Game looks interesting. I pre-ordered it today. This will be my first vanillaware game. Artstyle is stunning. I like IT that the devs Do the Translation for Germany too. Greetings from Germany. Andreas.
Atlus and SEGA started doing this since Judgment, and I think this is going to be the standard moving forward! Thank you for watching my video and taking the time to comment, Andreas!
Ok, you sold me this game.
👍
This looks beautiful!
It sure is! I don't have a 4K TV, but it looks pretty damn sharp even without it!
The Incredible Machine clip made me happy
YES! Glad it did! It's a classic!
great review, will get it.
Good choice!
This game has been a list of games that I want to try because it looks amazing and I’m very interested on the story and am going to get it next.
I've seen it lower than $10 at GameStop as of a day or two ago! Really well worth it imo!
Ok, I will buy! The battle system now is clear. Looks like Sunrise World War, I ll be addicted to the battle system for sure
I'm glad I was able to clarify this even further! Definitely not your typical strategy game!
Is not that hard to describe. It's a Tower Defense
@@Alexborrego83 Tower Defense not only implies a deluge of enemies charging to one point, but an entire gameplay system revolving around it. It involves often mostly immovable objects that are often automated, which is *only* represented in 13 Sentinels as one kind of ability (Sentry Guns). Tower Defense also involves being unable to pause the action to create a strategy, which you can absolutely pause in 13 Sentinels. You also have direct control of 6 units on the field, who can freely move from one part of the field to another. So no - it's not *just* Tower Defense, much like how many say that this game is a "visual novel" - it's not.
There are times when using shorthand descriptions are useful. But for a game that's got so much more to offer than its inspirations, it's a shame to try and overly simplify what it's actually bringing to the table.
I’m not a huge mecha fan at all so I wasn’t gonna try this but I might have to after watching this
This was such a great review! You just earned a new subscriber!
Welcome aboard! Much appreciated! :D
Is there no way to make the preview battle animations full screen?
Sadly, there isn't :(
Really good review.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
In Vanillaware I trust.
Pre-ordered if anything for that sweet artbook
One of the sad unfortunate things of reviewing this early is that I don’t get the sweet art book! I at least want the digital one!
I love a good story (it’s something I look for in games) but the combat really doesn’t look like something I’ll like. Is there a lot of combat? Is it difficult? It’s on sale so depending on your answer I might be buying it soon
As I said in the review, you get to choose how much combat or story you can play. Putting it another way: there is a dedicated mode just for combat, and there are tons of battles you play. Combat isn’t difficult even on Insane, but to get the secondary objectives you have to create specific builds.
I suggest rewatching the video to try and understand how the game is structured. I go into extreme detail into how everything works
@@BacklogBattle nah I trust you at this point just the combat looked weird as I prefer action games. But I prize a good story over everything. I’m buying it. Maybe danganrompa alongside never played that either and I heard that story is also amazing
I finished the game, and convinced two more friends to get it. thank you so much, once again! It's in my top 5 games ever played now. It's absolutely amazing! a god damn masterpiece!
You’re welcome! Hope your friends enjoy it too!
Well, I guess I will keep my PS4 for a bit longer. I am really glad to see that the combat has a lot to it. The music is amazing and the game has the presentation that Vanillaware nails so well.
It really is a masterpiece! Will you be picking it up soon? It’s been on sale a lot lately!
@@BacklogBattle Currently not right now sadly. I have a huge backlog. January through February will be when I pick up games I have missed on PS4. Christmas shopping is draining my wallet. 😭
Have you ever played Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star for the PS3 (or the Plus version for the Vita)? It's got a lot of surprising parallels with your description of this game, while also being completely different.
I think that a compilation of it and its previously Vita-exclusive canon prequel Ciel Nosurge has been (or is about to be) released in Japan, and hopefully will get localized.
Wow great review!
Thank you so much!
@@BacklogBattle may i ask, once you complete the game, is there sort of like a ng plus or a gaunlet mode where you can just do battle with no story?
@@solonavi3928 No New Game Plus, but there are a series of battles that does unlock afterwards! I don't know how long it is though... I'm at wave 20 and I've yet to see the end! LOL
@@BacklogBattle I heard some say its 9999! Thanks for confirming it. Ill be playing this for awhile when it reaches my hand. Looking forward to the game and more of your reviews.😃
The only Vanillaware game I've played was Muramasa on the Wii, which I enjoyed quite a bit. But this looks unique compared to their previous offerings, especially in the gameplay department!
It really is! And the bets paid off!
What a comprehensive review. Good job man!
Thanks a lot! Will you be picking up the game?
@@BacklogBattle I absolutely will. I can't wait to check it out!
Thank you for that review! Probably the best one. I just wanted to ask about if there are any elements of point and click adventures games in story mode. Are there any choices to made? Or it's more like plain Visual Novel?
I don’t quite understand the questions since many of these have been answered in the review itself. Visual novels have choices, and there are elements of point and click adventure games in the game itself.
@@BacklogBattle Yep. Sorry. I asked before watching till the end (I was in hurry, and watched mainly review of battle system). However I've came back later on to finish and Yep all answered in review.
@@maciejdomagaa391 Glad to have answered your questions at least! Hope you let me know what you think if you do get it!
I'll get it for sure, as fan of Pacific Rim and Japanese Culture I cannot miss it. However need to beat last boss in Persona 5 ;)
@@maciejdomagaa391 Good luck with that!
Great review I am having a hard time deciding whether I should get 13 sentinels aegis rim or ghost of Tsushima
Two very different games, so that's tough! Just gotta ask yourself what are you in the mood for: a thrilling, deep suspenseful narrative with strategy combat (13 Sentinels), or the feeling of being a samurai during a Mongolian invasion, riding across the Japanese countryside (Tsushima)!
I'm here after the game was confirmed on ps extra
I have so much love for Vanillaware that I’ll pick this up even though the genre shift is jarring after Odin Sphere. One question Alex: does Vanillaware still have an obsession with making lots tasty food for XP grinding in this one? All their games have this mechanic!
Sadly no! However, that doesn't mean that they didn't throw in a ton of food to look at in this game! Check out my Twitter feed - I posted something about Hijiyama's yakisoba pan there, as an example!
Backlog Battle that’s amazing!! I’m glad they reference it at least, i can see it wouldn’t make sense in the context of kaiju battles.
Is the story going to really make you think on a deep level like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Steins;Gate? I know it’s not the same but I played an incredible visual novel / action side scroller called Baldr Sky and it was such a cerebral experience that it solidified my love of mecha and Scifi themed anime
I don't want to say anything, but I stand by everything I said in the review! It's a wild ride that everyone who plays it will enjoy! The fact that I even talked about the time travel part is something I laboriously went and considered omitting, but I just had to mention it!
Backlog Battle sounds wonderful. I’m glad you’re keeping it spoiler free, thanks for replying and thank you very much for your review, I love that developers like Vanillaware get some much needed love and attention. I really hope they keep making more games for the ps5
You're welcome! Be sure to let me know what you think of it once you played it!
At first I wasn't sure whether to get this game or not, but thanks to your review I was able to made up my mind and decided to buy it.
I think I felt like you when you played the demo "What kind of game is this?" even after playing that said demo xD
Ironically, the Japanese demo literally ended exactly when the game actually opened up! After that happened, it became crystal clear how the game ACTUALLY plays! And, as it turns out, it's freaking awesome!
Wait what is the game with the bowling balls and boxing gloves called!!!!?? I played it tons when I was a chibi!
The Incredible Machine!
@@BacklogBattle wow. I'll definitely have to see if it's emulatable when I fix my pc lol
Well I'll definitely be chipping away at this game for a while :D
I'm trying to figure out how, as a community, we can all collectively talk about what we played without spoiling people. I'm thinking of opening up a Community Tab post for it...
Wait so do you have todo the battles at all?
Yes. I mentioned it in the review that progression gets locked after getting to certain parts of the story.
KINO. Also this was a great review
Jimmy Russles thank you so much!
I thought 13 sentinels was a visualnovel game for years lol
I'm gonna try this in now :)
I assumed I'd enjoy 13 Sentinels - it's Vanillaware - but didn't expect to love it as much as I did. Great review! Such a complex game to explain effectively but you nailed it.
The Game Grinder thank you! This has been both a joy and a challenge to talk about!
This looks great! Would love to see a switch version drop :)
What I *didn't* show is how the PS4 actually struggled displaying thousands of units onscreen in later battles! It's in that sense that I'm not really too sure that a Switch port is even possible! 😅
honestly i came from your how to get into tactical rpgs video and saw your comment saying you made a video abt 13 sentinels so i looked for it and i really like this video !!! i'm planning to get a copy for the switch i think before the year ends. ( or at least i hope :< ) anyway i love how detailed this review is without giving away any spoiler. thank you so much for this !!!! i subscribed bc this is rly good and i'll check your other trpg reviews too !!!! ^^