Code of Princess EX Reviews
Code of Princess EX is currently the definitive version of Code of Princess and is a must play for anyone who is a fan of retro arcade style beat ‘em ups, especially if they can appreciate a game that doesn't take itself too seriously.
If you're a fan of the original, you'll likely enjoy the minor tweaks and upgrades on offer, but don't dive in expecting a 'remaster'. You get couch co-op and a healthy framerate, although it doesn't look great on a TV and the original's excellent English voiceover is AWOL. Despite modest enhancements, the 3DS origins of this six-year-old game are plain to see, which may put off newcomers. It's a solid hack-and-slash experience, as it always was – we just wish it did more to earn that 'EX' addendum.
Code of Princess EX might itch your craving for a Japanese-style beat em' up: if you missed the game when it released on Nintendo 3DS, it's not super expensive and might be worth a try. I don't think everyone is going to enjoy this game though; I certainly had a lot of on and off moments with it. In the end, Code of Princess needs to do a lot more if it hopes to have any staying power in the future. I will say, though, that I'm somewhat excited to see some of the characters reappear in Blade Strangers when it releases next month.
Code of Princess EX really doesn't take itself seriously, but you should. Though not all of the 50+ characters are worth maxing out, the eight heroes of the campaign and the unlockable bosses are an absolute joy to play, learn, and master. With so many modes and so many quests, this is yet another quality Switch title ready to suck up dozens of hours of your life.
Code of Princess EX is pleasantly playable, finally fluid compared to the 3DS version, and the combo fans will find a very flexible game system. Unfortunately, it is also repetitive to the bone, and the visual impact on a big TV screen doesn't look so great.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you're looking for a hack n' slash game with a certain aesthetic, Code of Princess EX has you covered. If you don't like the look however, you may find yourself left wanting more.
This game that promises to be the ultimate version of the previous Code of Princess does not fully respond to expectations, especially as far as the quality of the visual environment is concerned but despite that, the variety of characters and movements involved is still something to be happy about.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
From an aesthetic and button layout perspective, Code of Princess EX is really good. If its story was more layered, its characters were more fleshed out, and you could split the Joy-Con, this would have easily been one of the top games of the year. Unfortunately, they are not, and you cannot.
With the newly added co-op campaign mode, higher definition visuals, higher framerates, and plenty more additions, Nicalis has breathed new life into an oft-forgotten title. Just make sure you prepare yourself for the inevitable bout of 'Nintendo thumb'.
While lacking in some areas, Code of Princess EX is a solid enhanced port that keeps all of the goofy charm and adds some performance improvements to the final package. This is one adventure beat-em-up fans should look at if they want a solid and humorous experience.
In the end, Code of Princess EX manages to combine all three styles rather well. The unique combination of genres certainly make it an interesting experience. Players looking for a good co-op experience can certainly enjoy this game. If you're looking for a solid beat-em-up – or even a change of pace to the usual stage-to-stage fighting style – this one is worth checking out.
Between slow and clunky controls to a generic story that is basically making fun of similar generic stories, you're left with an underwhelming game that just isn't that fun to play. So, unless you really want to play a beat 'em up on the Switch, play as countless characters or just enjoy the usual anime game tropes, this isn't for you.
Code of Princess EX just doesn't seem to scratch that itch for the beat 'em up style that I grew up with. Despite the story being engaging and the characters being wonderfully colorful, the stale and disengaging gameplay just brings it down so far. This makes me sad because Code of Princess EX could have been a proper remaster instead of a port with enhanced graphics. Consider the boat fully missed.
Code of Princess EX is an attractive investment for action-RPG fans who don't mind some monotonous fighting or lackluster character models.
If Code of Princess EX's combat was just a little bit better, it'd be quite a solid game.
Code of Princess EX doesn't justify its full price with its lack of new content, and its lack of previously included English dub, and it hasn't aged particularly well. It's a serviceable game that doesn't excel in any area, and there's not much to check out if you've played it before. otherwise it's worth picking up once it goes on sale if you're fancying a button-masher – this is made out to be an easier choice considering there's no physical version in Europe, so there's very little rush to secure a copy of this niche game.
This game isn’t going to offer you a great combat system but there is an impressive cast of playable characters. The writing is solid and the art style is captivating, however, the quest-based mission design is a major flaw that hinders the potential of the story.
Code of Princess EX is a wonderful remaster of an already great game. The rebalancing of enemies and heros makes it easier to pick up and play and the ability to play on a TV makes the HD graphics really pop. If you had missed this on the 3DS, and are a fan of anime, do yourself a favor and pick this title up.
It would be nice to see the world of Code of Princess explored in greater depth in the context of a more narrative-driven experience. There's enough material there for a "proper" JRPG, and the characters are certainly an appealing, amusing bunch.
It's not clear why Code of Princess on 3DS was ever a cult hit; maybe because it was the only action RPG on the 3DS at the time? Organising a local multiplayer session ends up taking up more time than the time spent playing together since the core gameplay of Code of Princess EX is very shallow and very tedious. Battles just drag on for an eternity as heroes constantly wail on goons, making everyone who is playing feel only regret. What a waste of excellent character designs that they have to be used in such a milquetoast beat 'em up.