Thinking of trying 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim?

Thinking of trying 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim?
Vanillaware's may not develop bucket loads of games, but when they do, they always seem to deliver on expectation and often go beyond it as well.
6 years from their previous work, Vanillaware finally returned with 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim as a PS4 exclusive, which later came to the West in late 2020.
Considering the amount of praise this game got, I inevitably got that urge. I started to think about trying out 13 Sentinels, and I made a conscious effort to do so by putting it on my JRPG backlog for the year.
And finally, I have done just that - let's see if it holds up to the hype!
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Music Used:
In The Doldrums - 13 Sentinels Aegis Rim OST
Brat Overflow - 13 Sentinels Aegis Rim OST
Halcyon Days - 13 Sentinels Aegis Rim OST
(LEUCINE) - 13 Sentinels Aegis Rim OST
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[@TheKisekiNut]

I mean... this one was pretty good.

[@BaronVonP00]

Highly recommend, at first I was like that's alot of characters for a "novel" base game (mainly) but they all play small part in the overall story and man those twists it takes. Like a few on here have already staid well worth the price tag

[@nafnlaus_vee]

13 Sentinels deserves way more in sales and way, *way* more accolades for its storytelling contributions to the medium. Even Smashlord Sakurai himself gave it his glowing praise.

[@kuvjason7236]

Don't think. Just do. Worth full price for such a narrative driven game

[@thequincy_]

I found 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim to be a absolute *masterpiece*. As you previously mentioned: in terms of the genre, it isn't the first of it kind but the execution is absolutely phenomenal. The way each unique character route melds splendidly with the overall arching narrative is wonderful. That isn't even to mention... the *music*! The music is absolutely incredible, it captures each situation the characters are in wonderfully. Especially during the "Destruction" game mode (RTS gameplay). The final battle ran chills down my spine with how beautifully crafted it was. The RTS gameplay was great as well. I enjoyed every minute of it and I played on the hardest difficulty. It never felt like it overstood its stay. If anything I yearned for more of it. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim truly is a wonderful experience that unfortunately you won't be able to experience again. After playing 13 Sentinels, my expectations for games raised. For anyone who read my miniature "review", I definitely recommend playing this masterpiece of a game!

[@TheKisekiNut]

It was fantastic. I will be honest the music didn't grip me as much as the sound design (but that's just my personal taste, I'm more in to the guitar solos and all that), but that was still decent as well.

[@thequincy_]

@@TheKisekiNut Honestly at first I wasn't too sure about the music (during Destruction) but after listening to it several times over, I couldn't help but like it. Especially tracks like "[DEOXYRIBOSE]", "(LYSINE)", "{EDGE OF THE FUTURE}", etc. I'm not particularly too into techno..? I'm not sure what exact genre of music it can be registered as but regardless I found it great! Something that I also found intriguing is the name of the battle OST are all named after different cells, proteins, etc that make up the human body; or at least something along those line. I recognize a few of those terms like "(METHIONINE)" which is a amino acid, "[RIBOSE]" and "[DEOXYRIBOSE]" being sugars that the body produces. In terms of the actual story music, I agree. The sound design was incredible. Tracks such as: "Good Times", "Stagnation", and ESPECIALLY "Bright Days Ahead".

[@holy9781]

The music when I iori chases the guy down the street in the city at nice so sweet and pretty

[@runnergo1398]

@@thequincy_ I don't know if I would call it "techno." The people who made the music are on a whole other level. Extremely artistic and "original." You can tell they poured their hearts and souls into making the music.

[@salsamonkey65]

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this game! The art is up to Vanillaware's high standards, and the writing is just as good. I could see some getting turned off by the structure based on conversations I've had with other people, so I would make sure I knew someone's preferences really well before recommending this.

[@TheKisekiNut]

It's one of the first games of this particular structure that I've tried, and it'll likely be the one I use as a benchmark for all future games of a similar nature.

[@Zakemaster]

This game was the biggest sleeper hit in 2020, hands down. Incredible characters and story. Beautiful art. Fantastic music. A unique combat system. Just an incredible ride. I very much wish I could wipe my memory and play it again for the first time.

[@dennisbergkamp17]

Dude yes ! Man I remember playing this game last year and it’s one of the few games I can think of that had me completely addicted for the story alone. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, they’d throw something else at me and make me realize I had no idea what the hell was going on lol. I’m glad you liked this game man. This was unlike anything I’ve ever played, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@TheKisekiNut]

The thing is, it throws so many twists at you, but they never feel contrived. Everything flows brilliantly!

[@zaemzoom6807]

Just started playing the game today and I already love it

[@jackiecozzie4803]

They should totally make this into an anthology series, with many different games in different settings each with a group of 13 different characters

[@TheKisekiNut]

That could definitely work. There's no way that 'only' these 13 exist in the grand scheme of what Aegis Rim was spinning.

[@Bainonis]

I had it installed on the PS for a few months now, just gave it a go and am enjoying it a lot. Thank You!

[@Nobujiba]

I-I just want this on PC or Switch...

[@TheKisekiNut]

YAKISOBA PAAAAAN!

[@RealRoboKnight]

Wish kinda been granted

[@Nobujiba]

@@RealRoboKnight Indeed!

[@mcoupe69]

Just picked it up on switch..6 hours in and I’m fucking hooked

[@qwerty1516]

if you played smtv too, which game should i get first, smtv or 13 sentinels ( broke but can’t choose )

[@mcoupe69]

@@qwerty1516 hmm.. 2 completely different games .. gameplay in smt5 is awesome and the story is ok but the story in 13 sentinels is unparalleled .. gameplay .. or story That’s ur choice :p

[@beku8726]

The second the Clannad music starts... the feels

[@TheKisekiNut]

Masterpiece, and I don't care what anyone says. I never finished the visual novel back in Uni (I only did the school years), but the anime was one of the only ones that has made me emotional, and it did it 3 times.

[@AceWing905]

I had heard so much about this game over the last couple of years that I just jumped headfirst into it as soon as the Switch port released. And oh boy what a ride it was. My only complaint is that by around 25 hours, I had figured out what's going on so the last 9 hours or so (took approx 34 hours for me to beat it) felt slow, as nothing particularly important was being revealed. This I feel unfortunately owes itself to the narrative not being properly guided, but left to the player to decide in many instances. I see this as a strength upto that point though. But then it did give me a very satisfying ending after all that that I felt the whole thing was worth it, even the slow bits.

[@Zangelin]

One of the best sci-fi stories in any media.

[@ihavenoshameandmustscream421]

People like us, the people who will/have played this game or at least know about it... we're a rare breed I do believe. I can't speak for anyone else but me, but I know I'm not alone anymore thanks to channels like this well crafted channel, or the communities out there, like the Trails community, who had more or less adopted me with open arms. This comment probably won't make sense, but today I'm just happy knowing that I'm not alone anymore, that there's lots of people who have the same tastes in gaming and culture.

[@echos9396]

Love this game, recently got it for the Nintendo switch and it's all I've been playing on it for months now.

[@SheenaTigerspielt]

This game was quite some fun and it was put on my screen thanks to a German Let's Player who mostly concentrates JRPG's, especially a certain collection of games set mostly in a certain huge country with trains and stuff ^^ At first I was a bit "aeh?" about the game but once started, digging into the interesting story which puzzles itself together I could hardly stop to play. I mean... I got the broad strokes of the story quickly together with no huge surprises for me but all the nice details and some turn of events were totally worth the hours I put into it... one of the few games I have actually finished ^^

[@joshuarowe1476]

First! also love your videos man! discovered you a few months ago and have watched most of your content since! keep up the good work!

[@TheKisekiNut]

Thanks for the kind words bud! Here's hoping the future content will be to your liking. :)

[@TheSarste]

That's it. I'm sold!! Need this game in my life right now! :) I am an absolute sucker for a good story, so if there are any other games you would highly recommend, please share!

[@vDorgengoa]

Got to ask.... how'd you like it? I bought it but haven't played it yet. I'm very hyped to do so though.

[@unleashed2724]

I mean... I did purchase it quite a while ago now but haven't been able to find the right time to start. I have so many games started at this point. Also, I need to be in the correct headspace to enjoy a good Visual Novel. If I'm not in the mood, I usually end being bored. My two favourite VNs right now are 999 (Zero Escape) and AI The Somnium Files. I think because these aren't your conventional VNs, as they have gameplay in them, I enjoyed them a lot. I feel like having English voice acting also helped, as most VNs either don't have voice-over or are voiced in Japanese. For a visual novel, I'd like to just sit back and listen as the story unfolds. I know I am limiting myself of good VNs this way, but I don't want to dislike something that is beloved by many over something as nit-picky as voice-over, but they help me stay invested in a story, especially with the amount of dialogue they have. I know 13 Sentinels has gameplay so maybe I will also enjoy this. Also I don't want to start 13 Sentinels near another game's release date, as I will end up putting it on the shelf for that game. Currently, I'm waiting for Scarlet Nexus which is releasing on the 25th I believe, so now wouldn't really be the right time.

[@runnergo1398]

I just started this game. Got 4 hours into it and wasn't sure how I should be playing it. After watching your video, I now know how. Thank you!

[@simplisticflower8660]

Glad to see more love for this game :D

[@TheKisekiNut]

Spoilers, but you'll see it on my top 10 JRPG's for 2021 (I know it's not a JRPG in the strictest sense, but it's a game that fans of the genre will enjoy).

[@nicholasyoung1000]

I absolutely loved this game - my first ever visual novel style game - so it has got me very interested in the genre now!

[@bili6885]

This randomly showed up on my feed. But I’ve already played the game while back. Highly recommended 23/18

[@KangQi]

The story narrative and presentation to me is unique and one of the best i've ever played.

[@larcek.giglamesh]

when you mentioned those interconnected paths, i couldn't help but remember "Radiant Historia (Perfect Chronology)" though it's alot more RPG heavy. i would have considered this series, but i simply don't own the PS4 for it. liked the review alot though and will try to remember the game :D

[@TheKisekiNut]

I can't speak for Radiant Historia, but I can't recommend this game enough. Give it a whirl if you get the chance!

[@johnguthrie8798]

It's coming out on Switch in April.

[@smgofdvld]

I'm on the atelier and yakuza trains I'm not sure when but Ill get to this game one day 🤔

[@StraightcheD]

I just finished it after almost 2 years, taking 2 big breaks in between. And, holy *h*t that ending was amazing. I had it all figured out towards the end, but nothing prepared me for the way they brought together all the loose ends. Incredible. I think there were better ways to structure the game though, especially in the first half. Maybe group them up to streamline the story telling. Also give us more streamlined ways to review what happened so far. That way I think more people will sit through it all and the word would propagate even more.

[@Flash3001]

I got the Platinum for this one for how much I loved it

[@mystic865]

I'm going to try it out after finishing ff 7 remake :)

[@TheKisekiNut]

Hope you enjoy the remake! (It's great by the way).

[@sherrdreamz7232]

I loved the story of this game and the gameplay is pretty solid too. Definitely challenging to strategize on the intense mode. Loved the game so much!

[@TaiketsuG]

Mhmm never heard of that game before but from what i saw in your video it looks interesting and now that i finaly got a PS4 recently i might give it a try in the future

[@TheKisekiNut]

If you love your story driven JRPG's, I think this is a shoe-in for being a positive experience!

[@kohakusora7474]

*Before watching the video* FUCK YES YOU SHOULD PLAY

[@lberman5707]

I can’t wait to play on the switch!

[@frozengamer3030]

I want to buy it for the switch too.

[@vDorgengoa]

Visual Novels to try: 1. Utawarerumono 2. Worldend Syndrome Thanks for your thoughts. I bought it.

[@Regorsnas]

This channel is pure gold!

[@acebreaker7]

Man I can't not recommend this game enough, the story is a good type of mindf*uck that slowly comes together and its completely satisfying just like it's characters as well. I also did enjoy the tower defense esqe battle system as it expanded

[@nateortega2912]

Play it. Its so good and the action ngl is great in my opinion and it fits the story too

[@BacklogBattle]

No idea how you were able to talk about the game in 13 minutes. I spent a whole 20 on mine! Kidding aside, this is still one of my favorite games of the past year.

[@TheKisekiNut]

It's a gem for sure. :)

[@Akirapoet]

13 Sentinels is one of the13 Sentinels is one of the best Sci-fi games I've had the pleasure to play.

[@foreveraweeb3514]

I was stuck on the second from last boss for a long time before I beat it last night and I just beat the game today and honestly apart from how unfair I think it was I would love a sequel of some kind

[@knightofastora916]

Do it, I've never played a VN before but this one was phenomenal.

[@pauls713]

Just got to jump in and say, excellent review; if I wanted this before, I want it ten times more now, and so does my wife!

[@nafisishtiaque]

I hope this game come to other platforms 🙂

[@TheKisekiNut]

We can hope! This would be a great experience on the move.

[@Semi-Addict-Gamer]

I played some visual novel games, I got into them maybe 3 years ago 4 at most. Finished many like nonary games series, Danganronpa, the Pheniox Wright trilogy and others that I forget their names. This one didn’t hook me as the other games I’ve played, when I wake up I’m planning to give it a second chance since I’ve dropped it for a year now.

[@teejay818]

I thought this was a very special game. Loved it!

[@Terranigma23]

I'm quite hype for the Switch version in April, but I'm scare for the performance during mech battle lol.

[@abel3790]

There was a demo on the Japanese eshop, and apparently on there the battles ran great !

[@jermorg]

Great game! I hope people give VNs more popularity

[@holy9781]

One of the best games I've ever played.i just played trials of cold steel 1-3 and and im on the 4th...let's be honest cold 1 and 3 are very similar games and storys and so far 2 and 4 are very similar...13 sentinels is so good that I put cold steel 4 down to play it again.this game is truly a masterpiece

[@Knight_of_Inimeg]

finished the game just few minutes ago and now i see your video :D

[@TheKisekiNut]

I hope your journey was as satisfying as mine!

[@Feorh]

oh i believe you become 13S Nut too. Yes it definatly worth of trying and be i damned this is awesome game.

[@TheKisekiNut]

It's too bad that it didn't get the reception it deserved. It's one of the best standalone stories I've played in a while.

[@binglee8000]

Masterpiece indeed

[@Aikrehn]

I've played the first hour this morning. I can at least parrot a couple of points. The sound design and art are very good. Play with a good headset if you got it.

[@Cneqq]

Must read VN's for trails fans: Utawarerumono Baldr Sky Umineko Higurashi Muv-Luv Alternative Entire Sci-ADV series

[@Hilversumborn]

Definitely a worthwhile experience

[@vshadowolfv]

I love this game so much I even pre orderd the Natsuno Minami＆BJ figure which I hardly ever do.

[@TheKisekiNut]

I also got that! The only issue is that I ordered mine from Kotobukiya, but I didn't realise they don't take proxy services. No cancellation as of yet though...

[@erikk7478]

Buy the game please, its a MASTERPIECE. Really, don't look back.

[@ルーディ-d1w]

I wish it were on PC, I would jump in immediately. But buying PS4 now maybe is not the best idea. Still from what I've seen the game looks AWESOME!

[@andrewharper8995]

I loved 70% of this game. The story is amazing, no doubt. The art and music as TKN already mentioned are top notch. The mech combat however, is poor IMO and at times felt like an annoyance I had to get through to progress the captivating story. If the combat had been more Tactics Ogre style, then this could have smashed it's way into my to 10 games. Still a worthwhile play through and at 35hrs to complete, is time well spent.

[@radretro3777]

I'll put it on the list...

[@goodthings2life]

I'm curious if you've seen Sable's Grimoire yet. It fits this genre as well, but I have no idea if it's any good...

[@TheKisekiNut]

I'm afraid I've never heard of it, but I'll give it a look in if it's similar to this. I've already got AI: The Somnium Files to try out first though.

[@subjetividadobjetivaconmak4259]

Video games are video games. VNs are VNs. This game only reinforced that perception in me. As a story is complex and and thought provoking.... But as a game is mediocre at best. I've never returned yo it after plating it, whereas Odin's Sphere and Dragon's Crown are games I never really got tired of. I always come back to them twice or three times a year. 13 Sentinels... Will make a great anime series someday... And that is ALL I can say in its favor nowadays.

[@ssjdennis6058]

Now that I can't get my hands on a physical copy of Unicorn Overlord (Switch) for the moment, looking for something else. Thought I had to buy The Diofield Chronicle, which I finished last night. But Aegis Rim is actually the title I was looking for. Not gonna lie, the battle scenery turns me off right now. Is that normal? You briefly mentioned it. Will I get used to it? Worth €33,- ?

[@l.asriel9005]

Yeah I loved that game too. Great minds think alike, huh? Kidding aside, it's genuinely nice to see people talking about this game, which flopped at launch, and is still not doing that great.

[@TheKisekiNut]

I still can't believe this game had a hard time when it first released, a real shame.

[@Haarwyvern]

13 Sentinels isn't considered as a Visual Novel it was even remove from vndb the database of visual novels. Maybe it will one day if the genre evolve tho and I understand people who think of it like that., because there is a lot. And I don't know if they are right or not. But we don't really care, it's an amazing experience. Visual Novel have a better story than jrpg so it's interesting to see something at the middle of both.

[@stone3016]

it was removed from vndb because the weebs over there couldn't stand how it had taken the #1 spot on the rankings lmao

[@Haarwyvern]

@@stone3016 It wasn't top 1 tho but in the top 10 I think. And weebs liked this game so..

[@thequincy_]

@@stone3016 13 Sentinels isn't "weeb" as some would call it.

[@TheKisekiNut]

Visual novel as a term is already quite loose. It doesn't exist in Japan, they just call them adventure games. But for all intents, this is still a visual novel at it's core despite not being 'traditional'.

[@cyberpunkdarren]

There are more than 13 protagonists but only 13 are playable because they are pilots.

[@robertsyzdek8810]

Good one :)

[@tebhernandez]

Imagine somone who likes JRPGS, now watch the video. Its exact

[@ashleyward3277]

Absolutely adored this game, easily my favourite game of 2020 (which is saying a lot, considering how much I loved Trails of Cold Steel IV and Xenoblade Chronicles!). The story, characters and the execution was just perfect and the art style is just absolutely gorgeous.

[@krimzonstriker7534]

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir next? 😉

[@TheKisekiNut]

Who knows, maybe in the future? :) 2021 is already shaping up to be a hell of a good year for JRPGs, so I can't see it happening anytime soon.

[@Gigga9]

spectrobes vibe

[@yy-hj4br]

Just got this. Agree with everyone that this game should be on switch and PC. I hope Sega whips Atlus into shape with their stupid auteur console release choices. One of the reasons I love Falcom, at least they learned.

[@randysvids4774]

Unbelievable, I'm acting like an amateur

[@nafnlaus_vee]

No worries bro. Here, have a Y A K I S O B A P A N.

[@Hchris101]

Is on Nintendo?

[@40warrior]

13 Sentinels was my favorite game of 2020, even over CSIV, which is a Trails fan is saying a LOT. The art, the music, the story/characters were all incredible. Advancing through each character, the pacing, the ability to shift between battle and story made it so enjoyable, and it was so gripping that I couldn't wait for the next arc. This was well worth it at full price.

[@vDorgengoa]

I am a HUGE Trails fan. I'm definitely bumping this up on my list now. I adored CS4. As soon as I'm done with Tokyo Xanadu ex+ then Aegis Rim it is! (Was gonna go back to Tales of Arise but....).

[@dilox374]

No pc release... *Sighs* Guess I hyped myself up for nothing.... again.

[@GreyMASTA]

Just. Play. It.