I can't believe it, but this Digimon RPG truly was the best game I saw at SGF

Digimon Story: Time Stranger impressed the reviewer at SGF with its vibrant world and tactical combat.

: Digimon Story: Time Stranger made a strong impression at Summer Game Fest 2025, turning a skeptic into a believer through its engaging gameplay and vibrant digital world. Character designer Suzuhito Yasuda's involvement brought credibility, complemented by a setting reminiscent of a Splatoon-Outer Heaven blend and featuring dynamic Digimon interactions. The combat system, with types and elements akin to Pokémon and Shin Megami Tensei, offered depth and required strategic planning, enhancing the player's experience. The Digi-volution system allowed for extensive customization, providing a complex yet accessible RPG experience, eventually captivating the reviewer despite initial doubts.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger made an unexpected splash at Summer Game Fest, surprising many attendees with its depth and charm. Set in a dynamic hub called Central Town, the game features Digimon NPCs that interact with each other and their environment in a way that feels natural and immersive. This level of environmental storytelling added a sense of culture and everyday life to the Digital World, making it feel more alive than most RPG towns.

The game’s turn-based combat is refined and strategic, using an elemental weakness system and visible enemy encounters in the overworld. It also includes quality-of-life features like speeding through easy battles, keeping the pacing tight and satisfying. The gameplay is reminiscent of classic JRPGs but enhanced with modern mechanics and smooth transitions.

A major highlight is the extensive Digivolution system, which allows players to evolve Digimon down multiple paths based on stats and decisions. With over 450 Digimon confirmed in the roster, Time Stranger is shaping up to be the most content-rich entry in the franchise. This opens up a wide range of tactical possibilities and personalization for each player's team.

The game also stands out visually, thanks to character designer Suzuhito Yasuda, who gives both human characters and Digimon a distinct, anime-styled flair. The Digital World itself blends vivid environments with darker industrial elements, giving the game a unique aesthetic. The combination of artistic direction and polished animation has drawn praise across the board.

Reactions from press outlets and fans have been overwhelmingly positive. PC Gamer called it the most surprising hit of SGF, RPG Site described the demo as addictive, and RPGFan emphasized the lively design and traversal. Online communities like Reddit and ResetEra echoed similar sentiments, declaring Time Stranger a standout and possibly the best Digimon RPG to date.

Sources: PC Gamer, RPGFan, Wccftech, ResetEra, Reddit

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