Digimon World: Next Order

The announcement of Digimon World: Next Order was a swift reminder that this franchise is still a thing. I remember watching Saturday morning cartoons where these oddball robotic monsters would compete for popularity over other series featuring similar narratives and lore. Maybe I just phased out of the hype, but I'm amazed that games are still being made.

Digimon World: Next Order is an open-world RPG set in the namesake's universe, getting players into the thick of these creature battles. Where are we at regarding franchise and narrative developments? However, this game will be an excellent excuse to dive back into the lore and discover what keeps the series flame burning.

Return to the Digital World

Digimon World: Next Order may be a colossal comeback for the series after years of inactivity. The game is the sixth installment in this particular video game series. I've missed quite a lot since I last vested interest in Digimon. As one imagines, the title revolves around whisking the player into an open world, fulfilling whatever stories the directors have in store.

So what tale powers this part of the series? You'll play the role of either Takuto or Shiki. These national Digimon championship contenders enter their teenage years searching for purpose. Naturally, they're thrown into the digital world that will guide them through their turbulent years. What better to forge through adolescence than all-out war using digital creatures?

The story is remarkably average, and I lost interest in this open-world grind. However, six installments of the game series have refined the mechanics to a tee. The turn-based combat battles are as exciting as they are intriguing, stretching the player's brain in how to use the best creatures and abilities to overcome foes. That, matched with the gorgeous cel-shaded visuals, provide a palatable RPG experience.

Though as polished as the game is, we can't gloss over the fact that Digimon World: Next Order feels like another installment in a tired franchise. The narrative could be more intriguing. The grind to become a worthy challenger is too much investment, a common pitfall of JRPG games. Outside combat, there isn't enough to make this Digimon experience memorable.

They're Creatures, After All

It's probably not worth paying top dollar for Digimon World: Next Order if you're not a hardcore Digimon fan. However, if you are, there's perhaps enough to extract from the title to keep you happy with how the franchise is progressing. But it's not a release like the competing Pokemon games that often introduce something exciting to keep players on their toes.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Turn-based combat is well-designed
• Beautiful open world
• Even more Digimon to collect

Cons:

• Overall gameplay is bland
• Some messiness in the battle UI
• Narrative feels uninspired