Scarlet Nexus: Play as Dual Protaginists in this Anime Inspired Action RPG

Scarlet Nexus is a fast-paced action RPG set in a futuristic world where psionic abilities are humanity’s greatest weapon against grotesque creatures known as the Others. Blending intense hack-and-slash combat with deep narrative storytelling, the game follows two protagonists with intertwining stories, each wielding powerful psychokinetic abilities. With stylish visuals, dynamic combat, and a gripping cyberpunk-meets-brain-punk aesthetic, Scarlet Nexus offers a unique and engaging sci-fi RPG experience.

Plot and Setting

In the distant future, a psionically powered substance known as the psionic hormone is discovered in the human brain, granting some individuals extraordinary abilities. This leads to the rise of the Other Suppression Force (OSF), an elite military unit dedicated to defending humanity from the Others—mutated beings that descend from the sky and prey on human brains.

Players choose between Yuito Sumeragi, a noble-born recruit with a strong sense of justice, or Kasane Randall, a mysterious and highly skilled fighter with a hidden past. As they navigate the ranks of the OSF, they uncover dark secrets about the origins of the Others, the nature of their own powers, and the hidden manipulations of a dystopian society controlled by brain-enhancing technology.

Gameplay Mechanics

Dual Protagonist System: Players can experience the story from either Yuito or Kasane’s perspective, each offering different combat styles, story developments, and character interactions.
Psychokinesis Combat: Both protagonists use psychokinetic powers, allowing them to hurl objects at enemies, chain attacks, and manipulate the environment for strategic advantages.
Stylish Hack-and-Slash Action: Fast, fluid combat combines melee attacks, ranged abilities, and powerful psychic skills for high-speed encounters.
SAS (Struggle Arms System): Players can temporarily borrow powers from allies, such as teleportation, invisibility, duplication, or elemental enhancements, adding layers of strategy to combat.
Bonding System: Strengthening relationships with OSF teammates unlocks new combat abilities and deeper story moments, enhancing both gameplay and narrative depth.
Brain Drive & Brain Field: Players can enter heightened states of power, amplifying their abilities for devastating attacks at the cost of increased risk.

Themes

Mind and Technology: The game explores the implications of brain augmentation, neural connections, and a society governed by psionic abilities.
Fate and Free Will: The protagonists struggle against forces attempting to control their lives, challenging the idea of predestination versus self-determination.
War and Identity: As OSF soldiers, Yuito and Kasane question their roles in a seemingly endless war against the Others and the truths hidden by those in power.

Visuals and Audio

Scarlet Nexus features a vibrant, anime-inspired aesthetic with cel-shaded character designs and futuristic cyberpunk cityscapes. The brain-punk art direction blends sleek, neon-lit environments with unsettling organic horror elements, particularly in the disturbing, surreal designs of the Others.

The soundtrack, composed by Hayata Takeda, mixes electronic beats, rock, and orchestral elements, creating an energetic, immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements the high-speed action. Strong voice performances in both Japanese and English bring depth to the game’s diverse cast.

Have you played Scarlet Nexus? What’s your favourite part of it? We’d love to hear from you.

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Is Scarlet Nexus a good game?

Scarlet Nexus received critical acclaim for its engaging combat, unique setting, and compelling narrative structure. The dual-character perspective and strategic depth of the combat system were particularly praised, though some criticism was directed at its occasional pacing issues.