13 Sentinels is a Masterclass in Sci-Fi Storytelling - Yoko Taro Approved

THIS VIDEO CONTAINS ABSOLUTELY NO SPOILERS!
Quick video I wanna pump out about a game I have strong feelings for, 13 Sentinels Aegis Rim. I wonder if the 13 in 13 Sentinels should be like 13 Sentinels or Thirteen Sentinels? Anyways, I like this game a lot, and I'm gonna throw like, a bunch of reasons why your way. NieR Reincarnation story will be the next video I put out, I just wanted to get this out there in the meantime. Hope you enjoy it, hope you learn something.
Da Twitter: / spbrando
#13Sentinels #ThirteenSentinels #13SentinelsAegisRim #13SentinelsGameplay #13SentinelsReview #13SentinelsStory #YokoTaro

[@SteadiestRhyme]

First rule of 13 Sentinels is... YOU DON'T SPOIL 13 SENTINELS. It's very telling how loved this game is that so many fans are dedicated to not spoiling it. I've struggled suggesting it to friends because of that, but I don't want to ruin the experience of this game. Although I do amuse myself by picking out fans of the game with just bringing up Yakisoba Pan. This game is my Yakisoba pan. ❤

[@shineman7855]

Yes!!!!!! This game is truly one of a kind, so underrated and nobody talks about it. Found out about it from fither and it's one of the best games i've ever played, amazing story, good music, very unique art style, highly recommended to anyone!!!!!

[@jojipoji2322]

CAN IT LOSER

[@noe9982]

Hell yea I fucking love 13 sentinels. Loved ever single character in the cast which is pretty remarkable when you actually see how big it is. Presentation is amazing, narrative interesting, and the actual gameplay I found quite fun in spite of its simplicity. Wish more people would give it a chance glad to see you liked it Also, trying to feed that fucking cat Jesus Christ lmaoo

[@mrmagical3802]

Oh god, you brought back some memories about that cat. I kept having to retrigger the sequence of events to get to feeding the cat, that by the time I was done, I felt like a feeder in a dirty way, and it made me feel dirty about myself. Sorry for the rambling, but this is the first time I was able to share this story in the 8 months since I've played this.

[@noe9982]

@@mrmagical3802 no no I feel you dude it’s so painfully unclear to the point where all I can really do is laugh like why is it the hardest thing by far in the game and why do none of the other characters stories have a sequence even half as complicated as it. It’s like the entire reason why I put off Fuyusaka’s story for as long as I could lmaooo

[@d-swagg9683]

@@noe9982 while the cat did give me a little trouble, I found ryouko's break-down chapter more frustrating. It didn't take me long to think "oh, Miwako (I think that's thicc girl's name, it's been a minute) has the cat food", but figuring out how to make Yuki appear in the cafeteria while ur losing your god-damn mind even in-game as ryouko, took some serious patience and google searching.

[@mountainhorse9419]

This game definitely nails the Aha! moment experiences. I hadn't experienced moments like that since 999 and Virtues Last Reward. I don't think 13 Sentinels was perfect like a lot of people here, but it definitely was a fun ride and is worth playing.

[@OscarFinn]

I played this to platinum when locked down with the big C, and it became one of my all time favourite gaming experiences. That "Holy Fuuuu.....!!!!!!!" Moment when the story clicks with you and it doesn't let go until long after completing the game and deleting it to make space for the next game is truly a rare experience in any media. It's the kinda of game when you meet someone else who completed it you'll just mention the game and won't even need words as you both know the journey and where it brought you to.

[@ZeroBagger]

Clemps mentioned this game recently as well, which was the first I’d heard of it. I love Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, so I’m certainly interested but the RTS gameplay definitely gives me pause. Another great vid Brando!

[@temerianlillies]

To be fair, you don’t have to play that much of the gameplay to experience all of the story. They’re put into two different sections, and outside of the first about hour to hour and a half where you *have* to play some gameplay. You realistically only will have to play like 2 levels to experience all of the story. Even then you will be INVESTED and want to know everything about plot, world, and lore that you will most likely play the game part anyway to unlock more in depth writings about events and plot points. It also helps that the game is really easy for a RTS style game.

[@oaktoro]

I had just seen you post this game in your "favorite games" post (we shared a lot of the same favorites) looking forward to learn more about this!

[@floppadoo1022]

One of the most underrated games ever! Please go play this game

[@filianoreboreal2595]

Vanillaware are one of the best studios out there in the art style and awesome games

[@magatsuverison3835]

I was truly interested in the game a while back after randomly encountering a discussion on it while on a forum discussing Nier Replicant, but as far as I saw at the time it was a PS exclusive, and I don't have one so yeah... Trapped

[@shupasopni]

Its on Switch too.

[@jojomicheldu59]

I watched this video a few months ago and I finally decided to pick it up recently. I just beat it today and I have to say it's one of the best stories in video game history.

[@jameskozy7254]

It's really good

[@seanbarton4940]

This truly is THE game for the person who often feels like they can (and actually do) guess exactly where most stories are headed early on, causing a loss of interest. You might think you know what’s going on like a half dozen times in this game and you’ll most likely be wrong every single time. And I’m not talking about some cheap Last Season of Game of Thrones “subvert your expectations through stupid twist with little to no foreshadowing,” style jumping the shark moments. It’s just a masterfully crafted story.

[@souit957]

Your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites on KZbin. You're doing some great work man. Cheers !

[@ThBrando]

Thanks a lot!

[@JP_0306]

I decided to play 13 sentinels just because of this video. I just finished playing it last night and oh boy... What a roller-coaster, that story was. By far the most unique game I've played since Disco Elysium. I do have one gripe with the story, but I do not wish to risk spoiling it for anyone. I hope at some point you get a chance to make another 13S video, with spoilers; there's so much to talk about!

[@havocbringer2100]

Good timing, I just ordered 13 Sentinels the other day.

[@CloakofAuron]

I really do love this game, and I'm glad I jumped on getting it around Christmas last year.

[@mikachine6560]

considering the title of the video, i thought you were about to tell me there was canon NeiR lore in this game and i wouldn't even have been surprised. delighted that, that's not the case and this game looks really good. thanks for the rec

[@AegisKHAOS]

Consider being called 'Vita Guy' a badge of honor.

[@salmonfish4829]

The story was so amazing and complex, but thanks to the archive they give you, you can slowly piece together the story and it’s so freaking cool. Especially when something that didn’t make sense before suddenly starts clicking in your head. AND THE OST. The OST is such a goddamn banger. Such a shame that this game hasn’t sold more copies worldwide, hope this video convinces more people to stop missing out on such a good game with great visuals and an overall banger soundtrack EDIT: The only reason I’m a fan of this game now is because of someone commenting how the beginning of Isoleucine was a bit similar to the beginning of SMT Nocturne’s Town Battle Theme. Thank God for that person, otherwise I wouldn’t have gone on the most big-brained journey I’ve ever been on so far.

[@ThBrando]

Gonna have to relisten to that track. The 13 Sentinels OST is like, 4 CD's long and there isn't a single miss on it

[@Extrapants8]

This game is an absolute 10/10. It seemed like they didn't market it in the U.S that much cause I only saw one ad

[@ily9718]

Genuinely one of my favourite games, glad to see a video about it, keep it up man!

[@MandyleePlays]

Can we get some 13 sentinel lore vids :o I loved the game but my god the names got so confusing sometimes but maybe that’s because I don’t really remember Japanese names well

[@brennanconnelly]

Loved this game. There was nothing like it. It also had one of the most satisfying endings I can remember. I enjoyed it so much

[@MiguelRPD]

Someone menthoned that ill like this game since I loved 999, VLR & AI Somnium files. It slipped my mind but your video brought me back and I went ahead and purchased it. Thank you ! . (My thoughts in a future update !)

[@WoodmanFLG]

Probably my favorite VN style game ever at this point. Right there with the Ace Attorney games! Absolutely blew me away honestly, was very happy I picked it up on a whim and some friends reccomendations.

[@ChaosAura452]

0:56 Let them talk, the Vita rocks! I take mine with me wherever I go! With Pride, my good sir! I'll watch out for 13 sentinels when it goes on sale. Thanks for the recommendation dude! Any other awesome games you'd recommend? 4:07 Hmm... I'd like to know, maybe sometime, what your thoughts on games such as Outer Wilds or the Zero Escape Trilogy are. The way you were talking about how the plot of this game is dispersed but creatively interwoven reminded me of these games.

[@xleaselife]

I spent a little over 60 hours with this game, inside of two weeks. I haven't devoted that much time to a single game in that short span of time since I played Xenogears when I was 14 and put 80 hours into it in one week (summer was the best). I have told every single one of my friends that remotely enjoys RPGs or visual novels to get this. It's such an amazing game.

[@cthrugrl]

I'm gonna have to try this game. I was definitely sold by the idea of a story the player has to piece together in a very nonlinear way. As a general rule I don't really like RTS games or RTS sections in other games (side-eyes Final Fantasy Type-0) but I'm willing to have an open mind in this case

[@Gabrielfrota]

This game is a treasure, to see it lose the best narrative of the year to that trash called tlou 2 hurted my soul.

[@newstyla8579]

Just Found your channel.Bingewatching everything!

[@Toe_Jamson]

Hello! Just wanted to say this video is what convinced me to play the game. I'm here, not 20 minutes after beating 13 Sentinels. Great story. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@moistpajamas]

Ok well that's it I'm getting this game as soon as I can. I first heard about it from Clemps, and I was curious about it, but the gameplay looked intimidating. I kinda forgot about it, but seeing this again is reminding me how cool it looked, and how great the story sounded

[@avalanchemkii7506]

Easily one of my favorite games period. It's up there with Persona 2 and VLR in terms of it's story and the art style is drop dead gorgeous.

[@pappysheart6710]

What's VLR?

[@Aklaz-m1l]

@@pappysheart6710 virtue's last reward, sequel of 999 (should be)

[@pappysheart6710]

@@Aklaz-m1l thnks. I'll have to look those up.

[@Aklaz-m1l]

@@pappysheart6710 just be careful it has some very dark tones but it's really a good vn, although the puzzles might not be to your enjoyment

[@MrXMysteriousX]

I bought it simply because i recognised the art style.Hot damn, the story was fantastic. It was one of my top runners for game of the year.

[@TheDeadmanTT]

tbh you shouldn't trust anyone who doesn't stuff noodles in their bread.

[@samueltheprideofafrikarobi9319]

I ADORE 13S:AR. It is, without hyperbole, one of my top five games based in the science fiction genre and one of my top five pieces of anime storytelling. It's also one of only four games that can technically be described as point-and-click that I own and the ONLY game that can loosely be described as a visual novel that I own. (For reference, I've been gaming since the OG NES in 1985-86 and I physically own over 800 games across 14 platforms.) So to say that 13S:AR is special to me and impacted me in a certain way, I believe, says a lot. It's a masterpiece. Genuinely. And it's most assuredly VanillaWare's magnum opus. I don't know anyone whose played it that hasn't been truly charmed by it. And I think that the fact that it hasn't garnered the love and attention that it deserves lies squarely with the marketing and advertising...that is to say, the COMPLETE LACK OF IT. 13 Sentinels wasn't advertised at all in my neck of the woods (central Texas, USA), and none of the big KZbin reviewers (Angry Joe, ACG, Gameranx, Girlfriend Reviews) even bothered to cover it. In point-of-fact, many of the mid tier reviewers (Pelvic Gaming, VN Paradise) had to be hammered into playing it by their fanbase. I myself only discovered it by chance 1 MONTH BEFORE ITS RELEASE because of a smaller KZbin videogame enthusiast named Radical Reggie; in just enough time to secure myself a launch edition of the game with slipcover and art book. Had this game gotten proper game coverage from gaming news outlets and had it been more visible I've no doubt that it would have been received as a modern day classic and would be widely considered one of the best and most unique games of the PS4 generation...second in my opinion only to The Ascent; a masterclass of cyberpunk worldbuilding.

[@Tael98]

Had my eyes on this game for a while now. Gonna give it a try!

[@xSONCASUAL]

I’m just waiting for it to go on sale. I’ve been peeping in the PS store for a minute

[@vestal3430]

Me, who dosen't have a Playstation, only a pc: Yes, cool :'(

[@TheHipHopBrothers]

I heard it has an awful translation and after playing through NEO TWEWY I'm done putting up with story heavy japanese games filtered through some idiot doing the bare minimum taking massive liberties changing things around for no reason. Also they're not even putting it on PC, game looks great visually but definitely not going to play it at 500~p on the switch.

[@Tsiri]

Any time I hear a translator- oh, sorry "localizer" as they like to be called in the west (which I absolutely despise), going on and on about how their team did a great job on some recent Japanese game it only makes me interested in finding out how many politically left leaning buzzwords, memes, censorship (moralistic + legal) and all the personal liberties they took with script alterations. I hardly play Japanese games anymore these days because of it. I find myself sailing the seas for a small number of AAA games and buying a handful of indie games. Maybe I should get off my ass and start learning Japanese, huh?

[@jayplays9976]

This was probably my game of 2021. An absolute masterpiece and a joy to behold.

[@michaeloconnor1281]

Fucking amazing, absolute gem of a game. Then I saw Yoko Taro recommend it. And that felt good.

[@ThBrando]

It was all I needed to hear

[@Cman04092]

Well, im sold. Just bought it, delivery date is August 30th. Cant wait to check it out.

[@superluismigueL100]

I will if it comes to PC or Switch

[@SouthpawdSlayer94]

I just got a physical copy for the switch from gamestop it came with cards with the characters on them and then I looked it up on KZbin and here I am

[@eurynomos84]

yah, Vanillaware, Vanillaware is the greatest. I'll support any game they make. I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed 13 sentinels. Sakimoto delivers yet another classic OST as well.

[@ChaosAura452]

You talk about the Vita all you want dude! that shit's fire!

[@kusamaID]

OK. soo a game with everything great with meh gameplay(when in battle) and with different perspective. I see why yoko taro would recommend this. And children, lots of children. Let's hope that yoko san don't collab with them, oh wait Now I kinda want to see it now. And about a week ago PlayStation japan release shorts clip about fishing fish and cook it with "become a god" bgm. Is that going to be canon/ in the plot?

[@plokun42]

I really wish I could be more positive about the game, but man I did not like the combat. Story however, spectacular.

[@Darkandmenacing]

I played this game when it became available on PlayStation Plus on a whim. It pulled me away from a Disco Elysium and didn't let go until it was finished. The character are alright, but the story they tell is top notch. Whole heartedly recommend.

[@DKZK21]

Game so good I double dipped with the Switch version just to support Vanillaware.

[@TimelessOne123]

I really want to play it...but not on PS4. I'm too poor to buy one, and buying a PS4 just for 3 games (13 Sentinels, God Of War 2018, Spider-Man PS4) is just not something I think is wise to do.

[@MN-jw7mm]

400k copies worldwide but they only released it on PS4/5, even though it probably only requires 1/4 of the PS4's computing power. Why?

[@MN-jw7mm]

I don't know why I watch videos about Atlus games. They're either on PlayStation, which I don't have, or the prequel is on it, and I get annoyed I don't get all the games on one platform.

[@LunarDrills]

I haven't played this yet but I'mma throw my 2 cents in here and say you'd prolly like 999 :x

[@ThBrando]

I played VLR a long time ago but when I finished my first route and saw how many times it wanted me to clear the flowchart it killed my momentum. It was a long time ago though and maybe I should give the game another shot.

[@DerTomatenToaster]

13 Sentinels has every single plot twist from the entire Zero Escape series, and then adds more on top of them.

[@NieR.Amanda]

Yes I HAVE heard of 13 Sentinels, so I have one for you. Have a look at Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights for a NieRVania vibe.

[@ThBrando]

Damn that game looks GOOD. That's getting added to the wishlist, thanks for the tip

[@NieR.Amanda]

@@ThBrando Unfortunately I can't source a physical, but it has been available as a download for a month now for PS4.

[@jojipoji2322]

They all die in the end

[@tag0006]

My favorite game I've played in 2021! Such a great story!!

[@zackeryparkerson]

Fucking wild. I JUST beat this game last night.

[@twooty2148]

Wish I could play this but I don’t have a DAMN PS4

[@DBOtaku]

Will u be ever covering the cross over between soul calibur and nier automata and how it also effects the games lore

[@theslickrips5904]

Muramasa was fucking amazing. Didn’t like dragons crown quite as much but I liked that too

[@PwnySlaystation01]

I just picked this up randomly a couple weeks back and LOVED it. The writer is a damned genius.

[@PwnySlaystation01]

Yeah as some other people have said, I had never even heard of the game, even though it's right up my alley. Someone in marketing messed up or something

[@n7sArchive]

another game i wish i could forget and play again over and over and over and over and over and over and ov

[@thewhitewolf7241]

I had looked at this at GameStop and was curious but didn’t want to pull the trigger at the price point. Consider the trigger pulled.

[@strwrbttlfrnt]

I never recommend a game to my brother a person that doesn't play as much as me but does still play games I knew after finishing the game that he needed to play it and just recently i gave him my copy of the game and told him to play it. This is the first time I've ever done something like but since i know he likes weird story telling like memento i think this is right up his alley

[@jello_are3372]

I’ll never forget this game. It was amazing

[@iStricer]

So I'm having this thought as I'm looking at my copy of GrimGrimoire, the first ever Vanillaware I played and thinking: "Is it possible that this game has the same core ideas of gameplay?" And by that I mean narrative first, gameplay second. But then the afterthought, which is the gameplay section, gets to be loved by some to the point where they prefer it over the narrative side, myself included. I'd be more than willing to do a replay of GrimGrimoire just to see whether I was right or wrong.

[@ThBrando]

GrimGrimoire is a fire game tbh, but definitely hard to play in the modern age

[@iStricer]

@@ThBrando I have some faint hope in a Leifthrasir-like remake for it, but I'm not holding my breath for it.

[@MeikoWu]

Is this available on any other platforms? Ps4 recently got stolen 😔

[@tigerhorse6321]

I just finished this game, and what a great ride it was! It seemed like every time I thought I had a handle on what was going on, the game would throw me for a loop in the best way.

[@GunRunner106]

well dun put it on PS4 store only and some ppl might actually play it....

[@Zand3rsson]

People are selling copies of this game for 105 dollars here in Brazil wtf

[@gilded_lady]

I knew this video would be great when you opened with the love of Yakisoba Pan

[@thewitchertales]

Dude knows vanilla wear games and love the vita, sor can we be best friends?

[@SeagullIV]

I would love to play Vanillaware games if I could. I only own a PC.

[@valoric4767]

Hoping my brother will play it. Wonderful game

[@spectralfire4842]

Loved 13 Sentinels. Side note: Easy platinum.

[@TheGeneReyva]

This was my GOTY that year and I love Vanillaware. Looking forward to GrimGrimoire OnceMore... I hope it comes west.

[@ThBrando]

Who do I have to petition to get a GrimGrimoire Rerelease? EDIT: OH WAIT IT'S REAL THAT'S GETTING PRE ORDERED RIGHT NOW

[@arthurruizborin9580]

when are vanillagames going to be on pc, goddamit, i always wanted to play those

[@darkmagi6574]

Mannnnnn you didn't talk about the musicccc

[@archivist_13]

Literally my favorite piece of media of all time

[@Gypherogha]

Got it on sale on Amazon. Need a new game to play anyway.

[@SP41891]

Nothing wrong for being the Vita Guy.

[@bean5022]

What happened to that p5 cooking video?

[@averagesoul8256]

Ive wanted to play this but sadly no ps4

[@willixwolf300]

If my lord says so… I suppose I’ll give it a try

[@RetroMythologist]

One of the greatest games of all time.

[@sufferingmp4102]

This game looks cool and all but I know for sure I’m playing it for the bread dude

[@ThBrando]

Hijiyama Takatoshi is a top tier character

[@NewOrleansSpeed]

The only thing I’m disappointed about is the video length. Could have been 2x as long ;). Been loving the content! Keep up the good work!

[@MrTsunet]

Now I feel bad that I bought it used

[@qriderjoe9793]

13 protagonists, a story not told in chronilogical order, and battles being locked away behind how much of the story is completed, imho, drags the game down. To be clear, its not a bad game. I love the battles but the next battle is locked til im at 30% story progression. Currently im at 10% so i have to play SOOOOOO much of the visual novel to get to the gameplay i actually enjoy

[@FallingStar1080]

If it was a bad story I would understand but it's not so I don't understand what the problem is

[@projectaether1431]

i would if i could.... sadly i cant :(

[@fearnach]

Great, now I just need a PS4! ... I seriously dislike when developers only publish their games on a single console.

[@ThBrando]

Same, I understand Vanillaware is a small company, but wish it got a wider release

[@joearnold6881]

Noodle… _stuffed_ bread? 🤢

[@CalebMorea]

My goty last year such a good game

[@Sadeyo1]

I'm a vanillaware fanboy and have heard of 13 sentinels but it was mainly the combat that detracted me away from the game. I do own Muramasa Rebirth, Dragon's Crown (original and latest), and Odin Sphere (original and latest).

[@TheGravityShifter]

I was browsing Japanese games on the PS Store and came across this one. I kinda just blew it off cuz it wasn't really my taste of game, but then by (probably) sheer coincidence I see your video on this in my Recommended (it was inevitable cuz I love your NieR Content and you in general), and you've convinced me to look into this game further. I really need to rethink my schedule on buying games but I really wanna get this game and beat it before Tears of the Kingdom drops. Update: This is one of my favorite games of all time. If you haven't played it, play it.

[@panuru9175]

I love this game soo badly This is one of my favourite games of all time without a doubt, i love in every aspect and as vanillaware fan that have played every game (except griimoire, princess crown and that ds game that i think is kinda meh)i really like those titles but Muramasa was good in he gameplay and visual apartment,also in the ost and cultural references But the story wasn't that deep as odin sphere, i gave a 8/10 Dragons crown is such one of the examples of good beat em up with such hot chicks and musculars sigma males with good gameplay and "good" story 7/10 Odin sphere...i felt cringe myself loving this game... Dont get me wrong, i love the game and the story is probably one of the best until i played 13 sentinels I think gwendolyn as my 1 favourite girl protagonist (after kat from gravity rush)she has his own plot and by my perspective is a really her story(i dont want sound like a simp so)the other characters are fine, maybe i was rude with oswaldo the first time and after playing on his adventure and kinda get it why is the way he is and then mercedes and cornelious are neat,mercedes is kinda op if you choose easy mode My truly ps2 game, oh fuck the framedrops i forgit to add it but its fine if you play the ps vita or ps4 Until you know thir games are really unique and gorgeous but it falls appart with the gameplay,its too repetitive and the same with other games thats why a freacking love 13 sentinels and the way "gorgeous kamitani"manages to improve in it But even with that If no wasn't by odin sphere i never feel soo intrigued with vanillaware latest game, That game is my jam even if it wasnt perfect...

[@bzipoli]

hey, dad! it's the vita guy!

[@CASSIUSATBESTWV]

I hated the visuals of the mech system at first but man, that gameplay is so fun. Would love to see a spiritual successor with more rendering and animation.