One Piece: Unlimited World Red Reviews
For fans of the series though, it's not a difficult recommendation — the game is passable on it's own merit, but filled with many nods to established characters and events that One Piece enthusiasts will love. Overall, this title goes some way to take the series away from some of the mis-steps in its past.
Next to games like Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle, Unlimited World Red is a real disappointment.
Overall, One Piece: Unlimited World Red feels like a game made for fans of the series, and ultimately, they're the only people we can consider recommending this game to. Anyone unfamiliar with One Piece will have a tough time completely understanding what is going on and who every character is, and this really hinders its accessibility. While the character models and the variety in locales are real high points for the game, the combat and repetitive level structure make the game a complete bore to play through by the halfway point. Fans of One Piece may get a kick out of One Piece: Unlimited World Red, but newcomers should look elsewhere.
Overall this game is a must have for fans of the series and newcomers will enjoy how easy it is to jump in and play. I would advise newcomers to keep up with the anime in order to get the full experience but since the game has an original story, it isn't much of a requirement. Aside from the Coliseum Mode, this has to be one of the greatest One Piece games I've played yet.
Fans should know that they won't have to scour the seven seas to find the treasures that One Piece: Unlimited World Red has buried beneath its somewhat rough exterior. Alas, even if you're not an honorary member of the Straw Hats, Luffy's latest outing proves to be an accessible, well rounded, and enjoyable action RPG – although we daresay that the title's tried and tested gameplay structure would better suit the handheld version of the release.
A few minor annoyances aside, the developers should be commended for not just putting together any old licensed pap and waiting for the One Piece fans to lap it up. A lot of effort has clearly gone into capturing what people enjoy about the anime, coupled with some strong gameplay and you have a worthy package for fans of the series.
One Piece: Unlimited World Red is easily one of the best anime tie-ins ever developed. Fantastic fan service, satisfying combat, deep town creation and crafting, dozens of hours of content and exquisite visuals make for a compelling lengthy experience that's more Grand Line than Grind Lane.
If One Piece is a series you follow, my words aren't going to impact your choice to buy this. But if, like me, you're new to the series, Unlimited World Red is surprisingly enjoyable. It's all silly and over the top, full of daft enemies and exaggerated characters, and it positively screams "I am a game! Have fun with me!" Sometimes, though, that's exactly what you want.