That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles offers fans of the anime a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of the Jura Tempest Federation, blending familiar stories with new adventures and gameplay elements. Published by Bandai Namco, this action-packed RPG might delight fans, but it may struggle to engage those unfamiliar with the source material. We took a look at the PlayStation 5 version.
The game’s narrative draws heavily from the anime, allowing players to relive key moments from Rimuru’s journey, from the encounter with the Kijin to the climactic battle against the Kingdom of Falmuth. For fans, this is a trip through familiar territory, enhanced by the addition of two original story arcs: the Goblin’s Revenge Arc and the Religious Nation Arc. These new tales, penned by the original author, add depth to the world of Tempest and offer fresh content for fans of the original, which is a major plus for them.
However, for newcomers, the story might feel overwhelming, as it relies on pre-existing knowledge of the anime’s lore and characters. The game assumes a level of familiarity with the series that could leave uninitiated players feeling lost amidst the many references and character interactions. The fully voiced dialogues do help in bringing the characters to life, but they can only do so much to bridge the gap for those not already invested in the world of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
Gameplay in ISEKAI Chronicles is a mix of action-oriented battles and city-building mechanics. The combat system is flashy and dynamic, with Rimuru and his allies unleashing powerful combo attacks and special moves. The inclusion of retro 8-bit style animations for Secret Skills adds a charming touch of nostalgia to the proceedings that brought a smile to our faces, though the combat can occasionally feel repetitive, especially during longer play sessions. The city-building aspect, where players expand and develop Tempest, offers a nice change of pace, allowing for some strategic planning and creativity. However, the impact of this mode on the overall gameplay experience feels somewhat underdeveloped, with the building mechanics serving more as a side activity than a core feature.
Controls are generally responsive, which is crucial for the fast-paced action sequences. Yet, there are moments where the camera can be a bit unwieldy, particularly in more crowded or chaotic battles. This can lead to some frustration, especially when trying to execute precise maneuvers or when navigating through the city-building sections. The interface, while functional, could benefit from a bit more polish, as it sometimes feels cluttered and overwhelming.
Visually, ISEKAI Chronicles is a mixed bag. The character models and environments are faithful to the anime’s art style, capturing the essence of the show’s vibrant world. However, some of the textures and environmental details feel a bit dated, particularly on the PlayStation 5, where we expected a higher level of graphical fidelity. On the audio side, however, the game excels with a soundtrack that complements the action well and voice acting that brings the characters’ personalities to life.
In conclusion, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles is a game that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the anime, offering a mix of familiar and new content wrapped in a package that stays true to the source material. However, its appeal may be limited for those not already invested in the series, as the game’s reliance on existing lore and character knowledge is a barrier to entry here. The gameplay, while engaging at times, also suffers from some repetitiveness and control issues, and the visuals, while faithful, don’t fully take advantage of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities. If you’re a fan of the anime, this is a journey worth taking, but others might find it harder to justify the trip to Tempest.
Score: 6.3/10
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