Hey everyone! I recently spent a good chunk of time with Digimon World: Next Order on PC, and I wanted to share my cozy, down-to-earth thoughts. I’m a fan of laid-back games that still offer a spark of challenge. While this title has its beautiful moments, it also has a few rough edges that might make you hesitate.
Overall Impression
Digimon World: Next Order presents a vibrant and chaotic digital landscape where you become a Digidestined fighting a world overrun by Machinedramon. The premise is solid—collecting and raising Digimon to restore order in chaos is an intriguing mix of strategy and story. I admired the energy and the bold attempt to evolve the series with new mechanics. The recent critical consensus is “Very Positive,” and many players can see why. However, compared to cozy simulation or puzzle games, Next Order has a more intense pace and demands active combat management. It departs from the stress-free enjoyment I usually seek, but it still offers comfort during quieter moments.
Gameplay Mechanics
The introduction of two Digimon partners stands out. I absolutely loved this mechanic. Having an extra partner adds layers to your strategy. It is especially fun when you trigger the EXE evolution and then see a surprise comeback with a death exe evolution. That moment when you think you’re losing a fight and then see Accentier steamroll an enemy really made me smile. This twist adds unpredictability that sets it apart from other monster collection RPGs.
However, some changes didn’t hit the mark. The material gathering aspect—farming rare resources like wood, water, gems, and metals—feels more like a chore than a challenge. I wished the developers had kept it minimal. It slows the pace and introduces a grind that clashes with the fast, real-time battles of previous titles. Additionally, the shift to an “order points” system detracts from the free-flowing, strategy-driven battles I loved. I preferred when orders tapped directly into the Digimon’s MP pool. Now, managing a separate resource that depletes your special finisher ability takes away from the spontaneity of combat. The pause in battle when selecting orders gives it a turn-based feel and interrupts the excitement of real-time action. I long for the fluidity of the older system.
Story and Characters
The story and characters provide some of Next Order’s biggest charms. The game builds a detailed world filled with quirky NPCs who offer quality-of-life boosts—like mood or discipline assists—to help you on your journey. I enjoyed the English dub overall, though I did wonder about some voice choices, such as Rina’s direction or the pronunciation of MachineDRAYmon. These choices add an unexpected layer of personality. The narrative, while not groundbreaking, offers enough twists and emotional moments to keep you engaged. I appreciated the attention to lore and nods to earlier entries in the series. However, the story sometimes feels secondary to gameplay mechanics, which can be overwhelming if you’re not used to managing multiple Digimon partners. For longtime fans, the callbacks are a bonus; newcomers might find the lore a bit dense at first.
Visuals and Graphics
Next Order’s visuals build a vibrant, futuristic atmosphere. The digital world bursts with dynamic colors and mixes modern design with retro callbacks to previous Digimon titles. The character designs are charming and detailed, adding to the cozy feel. Unfortunately, occasional graphical hiccups, like brief blurry screens, mildly interrupt the immersion during fast-paced action. Still, the art style remains a strong point, evoking both chaos and hope in equal measure.
Sound and Music
Sound and music are notable positives in my playthrough. The background music sets a pulsating yet relaxing tone that keeps you motivated during battles and relaxed during downtime. I really appreciated the combat and ambient tracks—they feel crisp and tuned to the game’s pace. The sound effects, from the clash of Digimon abilities to subtle cues during exploration, add to the charm. The voice acting in the English dub mostly works well. Even if a few lines missed the mark, the effort to bring life and personality to the characters was clear and added immersion.
Difficulty and Replayability
Next Order keeps you on your toes with its difficulty. The real-time battles demand quick thinking and careful resource management. Some players, especially newcomers, might find the risk of a Digimon dying jarring at first. However, the game offers a safety net; you can transfer stats to your next Digimon when rebirthing, giving you a fighting chance after a setback. Still, the grind can feel relentless. While the early stages are moderately challenging and fun, the later parts sometimes lean too heavily on grinding resources and managing the order points system. This approach may work well for players who enjoy a challenge, but it can break the cozy feeling for those seeking a stress-free experience.
Replayability is mixed in Next Order. Fan-favorite elements like complex Digimon evolutions and extensive character customization invite multiple playthroughs. On the flip side, repetitive resource gathering and some combat mechanics might discourage casual gamers. If you love fine-tuning your strategy and optimizing your partners, you’ll likely return. Dedicated players may find new ways to enjoy the system, but those who prefer laid-back gameplay might tire of the grind.
Behind-The-Scenes
A few behind-the-scenes tidbits add extra flavor to the game. The developer, HYDE, Inc., worked hard to innovate on classic mechanics while keeping the Digimon series’ spirit intact. Bandai Namco Entertainment, the publisher, ensured that the game fits well into today’s PC and digital console landscape. There’s even fan hope that more Digimon games will join the modern lineup—maybe even a remake of Digimon Adventure for the PSP someday! Both the developers and the community are clearly passionate about the series, despite some controversial tweaks.
Conclusion
After weaving through the highs and lows of Digimon World: Next Order, I must say it’s a game that both delights and challenges. The dual Digimon partners are a refreshing twist, and the rich world-building keeps you invested in every battle and exploration. However, the introduction of order points, the heavy grind for resource gathering, and the changes in combat pacing can pull you out of the fast-paced, heart-pounding moments that made older titles so beloved.
At the end of the day, I’d give Digimon World: Next Order 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s enjoyable for dedicated fans and those who appreciate a more dynamic, if flawed, battle system. New players should be aware that while the game offers a lot of depth and customization, it can demand more patience and strategy than a typical cozy game. I still loved revisiting a cherished franchise, even if this particular title left me wishing for a more balanced approach in some areas.
If you’re a fan of monster collecting RPGs and enjoy a mix of relaxing world-building with moments of intense gameplay, give Digimon World: Next Order a try. Just be ready for a few bumps along the way. Thanks for reading my review, and happy gaming, friends!
