Reynatis, developed by FURYU Corporation and published by NIS America, brings players to a futuristic Shibuya, with a mix magical combat and exploration. Set in 2024, the game’s plot centers around two protagonists, Marin Kirizumi and Sari Nishijima, whose conflicting ideals drive the narrative. While Marin seeks liberation from a society that oppresses wizards, Sari stands firm in her quest to maintain order by upholding the strict laws against magic use. This duality forms the core of Reynatis, delivering an intriguing, if occasionally uneven, storyline. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
The story’s strength lies in its exploration of the opposing perspectives that our protagonists have, presenting moral ambiguity between Marin’s quest for freedom and Sari’s sense of justice. However, the pacing can feel disjointed at times, with certain narrative beats struggling to maintain momentum, which affects the emotional depth and impact of the characters. While the setup offers a promising dynamic, the dialogue and plot development lack the weight needed to elevate it beyond typical RPG fare.
In terms of gameplay, Reynatis introduces an engaging combat system that relies heavily on switching between “Suppressed” and “Liberated” modes. Suppressed mode allows for defensive maneuvers, while Liberated mode encourages all-out offensive attacks at the cost of defense. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to combat, requiring players to carefully time their attacks and defense. However, the novelty of this system starts to wear thin after longer play sessions, as combat tends to become repetitive, especially when facing similar enemy types. The ability to switch between up to three characters mid-battle adds some depth, but it’s not always enough to keep battles feeling fresh.
Exploring the real-world-inspired Shibuya is another key component of Reynatis, and it’s where the game shines visually. The developers have recreated famous landmarks, giving the city a sense of authenticity that makes walking its streets feel immersive. However, this authenticity is somewhat undercut by the lack of meaningful interactivity. While players can talk to NPCs for tips and new quests, these interactions often feel superficial, failing to deliver the depth one might expect from such a richly detailed setting.
Reynatis impresses with its mix of real-world Tokyo and the alternate magical dimension known as “Another.” The contrasting environments are well-designed, with “Another” offering a more fantastical, dreamlike realm to explore. However, some graphical inconsistencies can pull players out of the experience. While Shibuya’s streets are vibrant and detailed, certain areas within Another feel less polished, with simpler textures and environments that don’t live up to the visual standard set elsewhere in the game.
The game’s audio design complements the experience with a solid soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere, particularly during intense combat moments. Voice acting is serviceable, though some performances lack the emotional depth needed to match the game’s dramatic moments. Additionally, the background music in the Shibuya sections adds to the immersion, but it occasionally becomes a tad repetitive as well.
Controls in Reynatis are generally responsive, though there are occasional hiccups when navigating the game’s environments or executing more complex combat maneuvers. The switching mechanic between characters can sometimes feel a bit clunky, especially during more frantic battles. While these issues are not game-breaking, they can lead to moments of mild frustration, particularly in later stages of the game when precision is key as the action gets more hectic.
Overall, Reynatis offers an interesting take on the action-RPG genre with its dual-character narrative and fast-paced combat mechanics. But while its setting and story have the potential to stand out, certain gameplay and narrative issues hold it back from reaching its full potential. Fans of JRPGs and action-oriented combat systems will likely find enjoyment here, but those seeking a more polished and cohesive experience might find Reynatis falls short of expectations.
Score: 6.5/10
Press Play Media 