13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

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Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 160 Ratings

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  • Summary: Vanillaware, the storytellers behind Odin Sphere and Dragon's Crown, craft a sci-fi mystery epic spanning thirteen intertwining stories. Uncover the truth and delve into a 2D sidescrolling adventure featuring gorgeous art and environments. Then, battle the kaiju in fast-paced, top-downVanillaware, the storytellers behind Odin Sphere and Dragon's Crown, craft a sci-fi mystery epic spanning thirteen intertwining stories. Uncover the truth and delve into a 2D sidescrolling adventure featuring gorgeous art and environments. Then, battle the kaiju in fast-paced, top-down combat. Customize the Sentinels with an arsenal of mechsuit weaponry, and fight to defend humanity! A departure from the studio's traditional fantasy style, the game takes place in a modern setting punctuated with giant mechs. Although the world may be bleak, Vanillaware's signature artistic shine and gorgeous aesthetics will bring the characters and story of 13 Sentinels to life.
    CHARACTERS:

    JURO KURABE
    A mild-mannered young high school student trying to live a normal life in the 80s. Rarely excited, he is fond of campy old Sci-Fi movies, with their giant robots and space invasions. But it seems like everyone in his life is trying to manipulate him for their own ominous ends...

    IORI FUYUSAKA
    She believes she's an ordinary high school girl, with dreams and crushes and a sweet tooth. However, she finds herself at the center of a massive conspiracy, called on to stop an apocalypse before the world is doomed. What she's not sure about is: can she really answer the call?
    EI SEKIGAHARA
    A stoic young man with amnesia, Ei finds himself next to a dead body without any memories of his past. Declared a boy "from another dimension", he's constantly pursued by armed gunmen in black suits, and often finds himself in intense life-or-death situations. Through investing the clues and people in 1985, he chases the truth beyond his lost memories...
    KEITARO MIURA
    A dutiful young soldier from 1945, fiercely dedicated to defending his country. He'd lay down his life if it meant saving even a single soul. Chosen as part of a secret military program to pilot a new weapon called a "Sentinel", Miura soon discovers that his true enemies lie beyond World War II...
    MEGUMI YAKUSHIJI
    A shy, composed girl of few words, with a nurturing domestic side. While she's devoted to her beloved, Juro, he himself has lost all memory of their past relationship. Goaded on by a mysterious talking cat, she agrees to a "contract" -- willing to go to any length to restore the boy she loves.
    NATSUNO MINAMI
    A perky, friendly girl on her high school's track team who loves a good Sci-Fi story. When she discovers a small robot hiding in the school, it seems like a story out of one of her favorite movies. However, she finds herself drawn into a massive, apocalyptic conspiracy in which the dangers of her favorite shows becomes disturbingly real.
    NENJI OGATA
    A high school punk with a heart of gold. He prefers to punch first and ask questions later, so when he gets involved in a convoluted conspiracy, most of the geek-talk goes over his head. Still, he's determined to bust through and save the girl -- even if he's resigned to her thinking he's just another thug.
    RENYA GOUTO
    A cold, brilliant young man who will use any means necessary to find the truth. Gouto processes information and startling revelations with a calm, ready intelligence that baffles (or outpaces) the adults around him. He's no villain, but he knows what's at stake, and what must be done.
    RYOKO SHININOME
    An aloof agent desperate to prove her worth to her unrequited love (and mentor) Tetsuya Ida. A mission gone wrong left Ryoko with traumatic brain damage, and dependent on a medicine of unclear origins. Still, she fights through the mental fog and pain to untangle the conspiracies...
    SHU AMIGUCHI
    An easygoing late-80s high school playboy, quick to make friends and quick to flirt. Tries not to take life too seriously, whether it's on his side or not. But when his TV turns on by itself, and an idol starts talking to him through it, begging for his help unraveling a mystery...he rolls with it as best he can.
    TAKATOSHI HIJIYAMA
    A confident young Japanese soldier in the 1940s, displaced from his home and dropped into a city both foreign and familiar. Adrift, old-fashioned, and out of place, he struggles to make sense of all the changes in his world...and then, after months of living as a solitary vagrant, he finds the young man responsible for uprooting his life.
    TOMI KISARAGI
    A flippant, shy teenager. She often hangs out with her gal pals after school, getting snacks and chatting like any other, but she seems to know more than she lets on. Determined to investigate the mysteries of her fate, she surreptitiously follows whatever lead she can, only to discover even greater peril awaiting her...

    YUKI TAKAMIYA
    A surly delinquent who (reluctantly) infiltrates the school as a spy to save her best friend. Despite her disdain for her underhanded allies, she stubbornly seeks the truth when everyone else has something to hide. Tough and caustic, but she's got a protective streak and a sharp mind.    … Expand
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13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - Announcement Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Apr 26, 2022
    100
    13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is lengthy and complex, particularly if you really want to understand every little nuance of the story. The story might not feature player agency, as it has no branching choices or bad endings (and I’d argue that this is a strength of the game, that it’s determined to tell one story and tell it well) but even then the narrative alone will take at least fifteen hours to see to the end. Add on a few hours of the strategy RPG and you’ve got a hefty title on your hands. Ultimately though, I stuck through with 13 Sentinels because it’s paced immaculately – the mystery of the narrative gets its hooks into you and rushes you through an intricate web of conspiracy, discovery, and self-reflection. It got me to laugh, to gasp, and to view the world differently. We talk a lot about the potential of interactive storytelling to deliver experiences beyond film or print, and yet not many games do – but here is Vanillaware making it look effortless. Here’s hoping that 13 Sentinels is remembered long afterwards for all it has achieved.
  2. The Mako Reactor
    Apr 5, 2022
    95
    13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is easily one of the best games in a decade and an absolute must play on Nintendo Switch despite the technical issues in some battle situations. I was skeptical of how it would run in parts given the performance issues on PS4, but the port is very well done and it looks fantastic on the Nintendo Switfch OLED screen. If you skipped this on PS4, you absolute have to buy it on Switch.
  3. Noisy Pixel
    Apr 5, 2022
    90
    13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim on Switch is just as great of an instant classic as it was on PS4. While the new content (extra weapons) is essentially insignificant, if you haven’t played the game yet, this new version is a great chance to fall in love with this one-of-a-kind work from Vanillaware and Atlus.
  4. RPGamer
    Apr 15, 2022
    90
    13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a gem with fully justified award wins in 2020, and the Nintendo Switch port is a very welcome opportunity for more players to dive into its fantastic sci-fi story. While it’s light on the action, it’s a wholehearted recommendation for those who enjoy narrative adventures and RPGs in general.
  5. XGN
    Apr 5, 2022
    85
    Despite the battles being a bit of a letdown, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a must have for those who love plot driven games. Up until the very last moment you're still not sure of what's going on, but that's not annoying. Far from it: every single plot twist just makes it harder to put your console away.
  6. Movies Games and Tech
    Apr 28, 2022
    85
    As a whole, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an incredibly engaging game. It is equal parts entertaining and compelling whilst remaining fun and light. It’s super easy to pick up and pass the time, and is something that I constantly find myself thinking about. The story is thick enough to really sink your teeth into. There’s enough depth to keep you coming back to it time and time again. If you’re a fan of previously published titles from Atlus and Vanillaware, then I cannot recommend this enough.
  7. Cubed3
    Jun 6, 2022
    70
    Despite its subpar Destruction mode, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a delight. The story will captivate the minds of those interested in pulpy sci-fi adventures, and the gorgeous art style and compelling script are enough to warrant putting up with some tedious RTS battle sequences. On the whole, this is a title easy to recommend for those who enjoy sci-fi and visual novels, as the strengths of 13 Sentinels more than makeup for its weaknesses.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 49
  3. Negative: 7 out of 49
  1. Jho88
    Apr 14, 2022
    10
    This has immediately become one of my all time favorites! One of the most memorable stories in any media, include amazing and well voicedThis has immediately become one of my all time favorites! One of the most memorable stories in any media, include amazing and well voiced characters, a plot that keeps you glued to your couch, and a killer soundtrack. 10/10 all around! If you're even thinking about playing this, do yourself a favor and get it, and avoid spoilers at all costs since this is a mystery game at it's core.… Expand
  2. itamarJr
    Apr 28, 2022
    10
    Essa é um experiência única de um jogo, essa jornada é maravilhosa em tds os sentidos, o jogo é cheio de plots( o melhor é que, por vc ter umaEssa é um experiência única de um jogo, essa jornada é maravilhosa em tds os sentidos, o jogo é cheio de plots( o melhor é que, por vc ter uma certa liberdade para avançar na história, alguns desses plots ñ são inteiramente explicados jogando com um só personagem, vc precisa ver cada perspectiva diferente pra ficar boquiaberto pela sensação incrível que é entender 100% cada segredo revelado), o jogo é cheio de referências a outras obras de ficção científica, o que deixa ainda mais prazeroso pra quem curte essa temática, o combate tb é legal ( achei que ñ gostaria mt, mas quando vc joga é uma delícia), eu simplesmente recomendo essa obra pra qualquer um, vc percebe que esse é um jogo feito com muito amor pela Vanillaware(Dificilmente deve ter outro assim), qualquer um que jogou esse jogo fica chateado por ñ ter vendido no mínimo dez vezes mais doq vendeu, eu preciso dizer uma coisa: esse jogo possui um dos melhores roteiros dos jogos da história com certeza, vou guardar com mt carinho os momentos que passei nessa carta de amor para os amantes dos jogos.… Expand
  4. igolrum
    Jun 10, 2022
    10
    Excellent story with many world changing twists to it. And unlike most other stories that go wild like that, this one actually manages to tieExcellent story with many world changing twists to it. And unlike most other stories that go wild like that, this one actually manages to tie everything together in the end so that it all makes sense.

    Pretty neat strategy part aswell.    … Expand
  5. vagabondLee
    Apr 19, 2022
    10
    A must play game if you are a fanboy of VANILLAWARE.
    A must play game if you are interested in JRPG.
  6. davygravy93
    May 28, 2022
    9
    Another fantastic game from Vanillaware. If you're a fan of sci fi, tower defense, or just well written stories with memorable characters thenAnother fantastic game from Vanillaware. If you're a fan of sci fi, tower defense, or just well written stories with memorable characters then 13 Sentinels is a must play. Funnily enough the switch version actually has a better framerate than the ps4 version so if that matters to you get the switch version.… Expand
  7. lesiuML
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    I was considering to give this game an 8 but I simply can't go lower than 9 after seeing the game credits. The story of 13 sentinels isI was considering to give this game an 8 but I simply can't go lower than 9 after seeing the game credits. The story of 13 sentinels is remarkable, very interesting and unique. It's a real holy grail for science fiction enthusiasts. And for the story so unexpected and beautiful I gave this game a 9. As for the "destruction", part when you need to fight against robots... It was fun at the beginning but for me it was definitely too much of it and later on I was feeling like I'm wasting my time doing those boring fights over again, that unfortunately was necessary to push the story forward. I highly recommend this game to everyone who likes good story, this game will definitely have some impact on anyone if you just give it a chance and at least try to understand it. I can't stand people that are rating this game after an hour or eight... It's like reviewing book after seeing it's cover and few pages. It's one of the most interesting story I've witnessed in quite some time.… Expand
  8. shirex
    Jun 15, 2022
    0
    Just bad design honestly. In my personal, humble and honest opinion this weeb game should not have been released in such a devastating state,Just bad design honestly. In my personal, humble and honest opinion this weeb game should not have been released in such a devastating state, dissappointed.… Expand

See all 49 User Reviews

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