The WhatsNext verdict
If you want a stylish handheld RPG whose music, visual identity, and hardware-specific combat are the main event, this is a strong fit. Skip it if imprecise touch controls or systems-heavy repetition quickly wear you down.
What it does best
A soundtrack that carries the entire Shibuya experience
A handheld RPG built around ideas other games rarely attempted
A graffiti-charged Shibuya identity you recognize instantly
What might put you off
Touchscreen combat can feel confusing or imprecise
The completion-focused systems can become tedious
Look
Peek inside
The setup
What you are walking into
In the game, Neku Sakuraba and his allies are forced to participate in a game that will determine their fate. The battle system uses many of the unique features of the Nintendo DS, including combat that takes place on both screens, and attacks performed by certain motions on the touchscreen or by shouting into the microphone. Elements of Japanese youth culture, such as fashion, food, and cell phones, are key aspects of the missions.
Where it lives
Genre
Vibe
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