Scarlet Nexus cover art

Scarlet Nexus

2021Bandai Namco StudiosXbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One

In a far distant future, a psionic hormone was discovered in the human brain, granting people extra-sensory powers and changing the world as we know it. Just as humanity was entering this new era, deranged mutants known as Others began to descend from the sky with a thirst for human brains. Highly resistant to conventional attack methods, extreme measures needed to be taken to battle the overwhelming threat and preserve humanity. Those with acute extra-sensory abilities, known as psionics, were our chance to fight the onslaught from above. To this day, psionics have been scouted for their talents and recruited to the Other Suppression Force (OSF), humanity’s last line of defense. Take on the role of Yuito Sumeragi, a new recruit to the OSF aiming to become an elite psionic like the one who saved him as a child. Armed with a talent in psycho-kinesis, explore the futuristic city of New Himuka and uncover the mysteries of a Brain Punk future caught between technology and psychic abilities in SCARLET NEXUS.

What it feels like

Kinetic rush of stylish psychokinetic combat and high-energy action sequences deliver constant momentum. Sincere, unironic emotional beats drive the narrative of Yuito's growth and the human struggle for survival.

Exhilarating75%
Earnest70%

What it's about

Set in a far-future world where psionic abilities and advanced technology define civilization, with futuristic cities and sci-fi conflict against mutant Others. Classic hero's journey where Yuito grows to become an elite psionic and fights humanity's existential threat. The narrative explores identity and purpose through Yuito's journey of self-discovery and uncovering mysteries of a transformed world.

Science Fiction85%
Heroic Quest65%
Existential60%

How it plays

Combat is scored on stylish, expressive psychokinetic execution with deep combo-driven melee combat as the core system. Players assemble and direct a squad of distinct OSF operatives with different psionic abilities in tactical party-based combat. Deep customization of psionic abilities, psychokinesis powers, and character specializations enable varied playstyles.

Character Action90%
Party Management70%
Character Builds65%
Leveling & Grind55%
Real-Time with Pause50%
Loot & Drops45%
Relationship Sim40%
Skill Checks40%

How it looks and sounds

Camera follows protagonist from behind or over-shoulder during exploration and combat. Japanese animation-inspired character design, visual language, and presentation strongly evident throughout. Saturated, bold neon-futuristic color palette defines the Brain Punk aesthetic of New Himuka.

Third-Person90%
Anime Style80%
Vibrant Color65%

How it's structured

Single-player focused experience with no multiplayer component, centered on protagonist's personal journey. A bounded, authored story arc with Yuito's narrative as the primary campaign, with Kasane's story unlocking additional mysteries. Choice between two protagonists with distinct story paths provides meaningful narrative branching and multiple perspectives.

Single-Player95%
Campaign80%
Branching Narrative65%
Wide-Linear60%
Nonlinear Progression40%

Shares Third-Person, Anime Style, Party Management, Science Fiction.

Both lean into Third-Person, Campaign, Party Management, Anime Style.

Third-Person90%Campaign95%Party Management80%Anime Style70%

Shares Third-Person, Anime Style, Character Action, Earnest.

Both lean into Third-Person, Anime Style, Campaign, Character Action.

Third-Person80%Anime Style85%Campaign85%Character Action70%

Shares Character Action, Anime Style, Heroic Quest, Party Management.

Both lean into Character Action, Campaign, Anime Style, Heroic Quest.

Character Action88%Campaign92%Anime Style72%Heroic Quest85%

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