Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed Reviews

Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is ranked in the 9th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
6 / 10.0
Jul 29, 2021

So overall, Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is going to most likely find itself as more of a novelty experience than one that draws new fans to the series being the precursor to Akiba's Trip: Undead and Undressed. It's not a bad brawler or beat 'em up, but it does show its age in its mechanics especially when compared to its sequel that we've had our hands on for much longer.

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6 / 10.0
Jul 20, 2021

Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed needs to played without any distractions from other games because the second you put it down, you may never care to return to it. Its lack of quality-of-life features solidifies it as a relic of the past, but its writing and characters make it out to be something that fits right in with your group of otaku friends. It’s not an easy game to get through, but its charm is enough to want a true sequel.

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60 / 100
May 16, 2021

If you just judge by the graphics, it feels very outdated. But the idea of it all is pretty decent as it focuses on the geographical location of ‘Akihabara’ and the stories based around it. Although the entire run is roughly around 8 hours, so the hype dies down quite sooner than you think. Play through multiple side missions and try to unlock all the various endings to stretch that play time longer. There are several factors that may not be fulfilling, but if you’ve never been to Akihabara before, while it’s not the best time to physically travel the world, this digital version of Akihabara may ease your urge and your otaku spirit can rest with this game... for now.

Review in Korean | Read full review

60 / 100
Jul 20, 2021

Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is a fun and even impressive title considering its origins, but one that needed more of a remake than a remaster.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

6.4 / 10.0
Jul 20, 2021

This is a title I find quite difficult to describe in traditional terms since I've played few games like it...

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6.5 / 10.0
Jul 29, 2021

Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is a very fun game with an unusual proposal that can be finished in less than 8 hours. The only problem is that the remastering has been left only in the typical "File-Export to PS4" and whether we like it or not most PSP games from 10 years ago graphically have not aged well enough.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

6.5 / 10.0
Aug 7, 2021

AKIBA’S TRIP: Hellbound & Debriefed is more than your run-of-the-mill anime game. If you really look into it, you’ll find a challenging, yet flawed combat system. An entire series born from an urban legend with ties to the Hikikomori phenomenon in Japan. And an anime story complete with misunderstandings and pure intentions. The first one, I tolerate. The 2 after are reasons why you should be buying this game.

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6.5 / 10.0
Jul 28, 2021

Akiba's Trip: Hellbound and Debriefed is a rudimentary port that certainly shows its age, but the stripping-based combat and crazy story/quests are unique enough to provide a refreshing experience for action gamers who are open to its mature content.

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3.5 / 5.0
Jul 20, 2021

Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is a lot of fun, but it also leaves something to be desired given the fact that we’ve had its sequel for almost a decade at this point. If you’ve never gotten into the series and want to start, or are like me and love Undead & Undressed so much that you just want to know what came before it, then Hellbound & Debriefed is absolutely worth your time. It’s a charming title with a good amount of replayability, and gameplay that, in all likelihood, you probably won’t find anywhere else. Do be warned, however, that its age is showing at this point.

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Jul 21, 2021

As confusing as it is that this game happened at all, I loved having the chance to play it. Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed might look like a game that should have stayed on the PSP, but the satire and humour is there, the grainy rendition of Akihabara is still enough to make this homesick otaku miss Japan, and the action remains on the right side of simple and entertaining that you can enjoy it while it lasts. Akiba's Trip isn't going to win GOTY awards, but I sure enjoyed collecting a big pile of skirts.

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7 / 10.0
Jul 20, 2021

Most of the time, though, it’s like playing a stripped-down version of Yakuza. You wander a Japanese neighborhood, shop, do side-quests, build up your character, much like in that venerated series. But then the combat sucks and the story is poorly paced. On the other hand, I can’t deny it grew on me. It feels like one of those janky, Japanese, early PS2 titles like Mr. Mosquito or Robot Alchemic Drive. It might not be the most fun to play, but it’s unique enough to captivate.

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Jul 20, 2021

There’s a lot to love in Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed, whether you’re a veteran or newcomer to the series. It looks and plays much like the games of yesteryear, but that’s what gives it much of its charm. You can definitely add Akihabara to my list of spots to visit when I finally make my way back to Japan. I’m no vampire demon, but perhaps I’ll wear an extra layer or two. You know, just in case.

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INVEN
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
May 17, 2021

"AKIBA'S TRIP: Hellbound & Debriefed" is an old game that was released on PSP, but it is acceptable that it has a unique B-class sensibility and material that captivates otaku.

Review in Korean | Read full review

Jul 20, 2021

Akiba’s Trip is still one of the most unique franchises in gaming. I mean, what other game can you pick up a crazy weapon like a rice cooker, beat down a vampire with it, and then strip their clothing? This may sound crazy, but it’s just a ton of fun. The story is great no matter which path you choose, and it took me around 28 hours to complete all three of them. There are still some sidequests and items I need to collect to have 100% of everything. There are some annoying bits of combat and some muddy textures, but these are very minor flaws. If you were a fan of the previous release, you should definitely pick this one up. You’ll find more of what you love here at the $39.99 price tag. If you are new to the series, this is a great place to jump in, since this is technically the first title in the franchise.

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8 / 10.0
Jul 20, 2021

Despite being a very simple HD re-release of the PSP original game, AKIBA’S TRIP: Hellbound & Debriefed has as much charm, lewd narrative, and addictive gameplay as its superior sequel. Once you get stuck into the game you’ll begin to overlook the fuzzy assets and simplified gameplay, becoming enthralled by the comedic writing, addictive stripping combat, many side missions, and questionable dialogue. There’s lots of replayability due to multiple paths, endings, and characters, with a massive list of tasks to complete, not to mention the insanely difficult ‘Holic’ mode. AKIBA’S TRIP: Hellbound & Debriefed may not be a looker in terms of modern JRPGs, and I may prefer the sequel over this original game, but I’m glad that we finally got a chance to play it in English officially on modern consoles. If you enjoyed Undead & Undressed then you’ll enjoy this one too, as long as you can look past the very low-quality visuals.

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Cubed3
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jul 8, 2022

An intriguing plot coupled with a focus on questioning morality and who is truly an enemy, Akiba's Trip: Hellbound and Debriefed brings the original story to a new generation of gamers. Bugs, the lack of autosave which does seem a little odd for a remaster and some clunky game mechanics aside, there are easily over twenty hours of game time in the fairly realistic portrayal of Tokyo's Akihabara region. Replay value for those who played the original will vary depending on nostalgia feel, but a second playthrough is highly appealing for completionists and those who want to make different choices in their gameplay since supporting a faction does influence in the end story.

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Niche Gamer
Welfare Walrus
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jul 21, 2021

I can already tell that this is going to be a cult game in the west. Something that may be too frustrating and outdated for some, but just the thing for those who are looking for that specific comfy feel. That memory of youth, hanging out with friends on a weekend in your local downtown area, a place you know better than the back of your hand.

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Unscored
Jul 22, 2021

It’s hard to really see who Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is aimed at. People that were put off by some of the issues in Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed aren’t going to play its even jankier predecessor, and £34.99 is a steep asking price even for someone that might be interested in trying this out. If you’re desperate to see the series’ origins, then this might be worthwhile — just go in with appropriately low expectations!

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Avoid
Jul 20, 2021
AKIBA'S TRIP Hellbound & Debriefed (Quick Review) [PC] video thumbnail