Scarlet Nexus Reviews

Scarlet Nexus is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Jun 29, 2021

The more serious technical issues will likely be addressed in future Scarlet Nexus updates, but in the meantime, the game is still a safe bet for big anime and Japanese action-RPG fans. There's serious bang for the buck, as Scarlet Nexus has New Game Plus and is stuffed with content, being one of the few games with two playable characters where going back through with the other one is actually a worthwhile endeavor. If the combat didn't lose its luster in the last five hours or so and if it wasn't bogged down with so many boring static cut-scenes, it would be much easier to recommend it to everyone else, too.

Read full review

Jun 23, 2021

Scarlet Nexus looks and performs really well, especially on next-gen hardware, but its gameplay is noticeably last gen. While it doesn't do anything new, it also doesn't screw up the basics either and should please Xbox fans looking for an anime fix.

Read full review

TheGamer
Top Critic
Jun 23, 2021

If you’re after an anime-infused action romp in a similar vein to Akira or Sword Art Online, Scarlet Nexus is almost certainly worth a punt. However, there are a few caveats. Combat is excellent yet not without its flaws, while the story being told and characters you encounter don’t have nearly enough depth to feel emotionally resonant. The potential for something brilliant is here, but much like Code Vein before it, this is a game that seems determined to stop itself from achieving something truly special.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jun 23, 2021

With masterfully crafted action combat, charming characters, and a very interesting setting, Scarlet Nexus is a game that action RPG fans should definitely not miss. While the game lacks any real innovation, as it features themes and mechanics lifted from other Japanese RPG series, and it is a little too linear, the high quality of the experience makes it easy to look past these few issues, making Scarlet Nexus a memorable, and extremely enjoyable game.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jun 23, 2021

Whether you latch on to the interesting technological tale of Scarlet Nexus or dig into its intricate combat system Scarlet Nexus is well worth your time and effort. It's full of beautiful characters, strange creatures, and plot twists. The camera can be irksome and some of the environments can look dated but overall the experience is a pleasant one. There is a fair amount of content for your hard-earned cash and the game never outstays its welcome. I can recommend it to most players, even people who rarely dip into the JRPG genre, such as myself.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jun 23, 2021

Scarlet Nexus offers an excellent combat system, paired with creative visual designs and with the courageous choice of having two different (but intertwined) storylines. Unfortunately, a general lack of attention to detail and less-than-impressive environments prevent it from excelling, but it's definitely a safe choice if you're into japanese action RPGs.

Review in Italian | Read full review

84 / 100
Jun 23, 2021

Unfortunately, there’s some repetition in both the enemies and the combat arenas, and the pacing stutters here and there when it pauses for the story a little too long. On the whole, though, Scarlet Nexus’ refreshing action, story, and trippy brain punk visual style are the game’s superpowers that make it worth playing.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jun 23, 2021

If you like action RPG’s, DMC, or are a fan of anime you will find something good with Scarlet Nexus. Even using the more simplified combat system the game is a blast to play and ultimately tells a really compelling story all in a beautifully done in Japanese anime style.

Read full review

JVL
L_sK
Top Critic
15 / 20
Jun 23, 2021

Scarlet Nexus is a successful first draft thanks to its story, its characters, and its unusual bestiary. The other great quality lies in the solid and exhilarating combat system, whether through the movements of your heroine (or hero) or with the combination of the powers of your allies.

Review in French | Read full review

8 / 10
Jun 23, 2021

Filled to the brim with visual novel conversations and over-the-top action, Scarlet Nexus is a surprisingly endearing game that might be more linear than people expect, but more compelling than it probably needed to be.

Read full review

GameMAG
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jun 24, 2021

There is a lot to love about Scarlet Nexus. From cool gameplay systems and engaging plot, to memorable music and stylish visuals. But sadly the game lacks much-needed polish. Let's hope that problems will be ironed out in the potential sequel.

Review in Russian | Read full review

7 / 10
Jun 24, 2021

Scarlet Nexus is an enjoyable, polished action RPG, but despite its interesting concepts and setting, it all feels a bit stunted. An intriguing plot is hampered by sloppy storytelling, and the combat system is good fun, but it loses its edge long before the credits roll. If you can play past the game's flaws, there's a lot to like about the brain punk world of Scarlet Nexus - just don't expect it to rewire your own grey matter.

Read full review

Jun 26, 2021

Scarlet Nexus is all about its combat which Bandai Namco have crafted very well, the sheer level of depth poured into it is amazing. The story will please anime fans, but it's not the most original tale, however, the writing during the character interactions is always entertaining and helps players to engage with each character. Bandai Namco has an excellent new series under their belt that really redefines the genre, especially with its stellar combat mechanics.

Read full review

M3
Top Critic
Jul 4, 2021

What may look like an ordinary Japanese action game soon turns out to be so much more. In addition to battles that are as good-looking as they are tactical, we also get charismatic characters, a captivating story, and a well-developed universe. Unfortunately, both the story and the battles stumble upon themselves at times - and the environments often leave a lot to be desired. But despite the shortcomings, Scarlet Nexus is a surprisingly successful mix of action and JRPG – and a must have for anyone who wants an action game with a focus on story and depth.

Review in Swedish | Read full review

Jun 23, 2021

Scarlet Nexus is an excellent action roleplaying game for all fans of the genre.

Read full review

Jun 23, 2021

The best superhero games are the ones that actually make the player feel like they are playing as a character from a comic book, and Scarlet Nexus manages to pull this off with style, making it an excellent choice for fans of over-the-top action or anime-style storytelling.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jun 23, 2021

Having finished Kasane's version of the story and getting ready to experience Yuito's side, I'm truly appreciative of the storytelling. Japanese sci-fi has long been a genre I enjoy. Last year players were spoiled with 13 Sentinels, and Scarlet Nexus has delivered another wonderfully woven narrative worth playing. Do not sleep on this game! JRPG July is just around the corner and the perfect time to spend 60 hours playing video games.

Read full review

4 / 5.0
Jun 23, 2021

The combat is no doubt the star of the show, though. Even when it becomes hard to take the narrative seriously at times, those sweet, sweet combat mechanics will overshadow the issues to pull you right back in, no matter which platoon you choose to roll with.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jun 23, 2021

Bandai Namco and the team behind Scarlet Nexus should be proud of what they’ve made. It’s never easy to launch a new IP and Scarlet Nexus is a debut full of confidence and swagger. It is some of the most fun I’ve had with a game this year and has all the makings of a cult classic.

Read full review

90 / 100
Jun 23, 2021

Scarlet Nexus is a great hack & slash with a lot of RPG elements. Its profound gameplay mechanics, complex narrative and amazing visuals, makes it a must have game.

Review in Spanish | Read full review