Hi everyone! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Digimon World: Next Order. This monster-collecting RPG from HYDE, Inc. and Bandai Namco Entertainment released on February 21, 2023. It’s earned mixed reviews, so let me break down why it can feel both cozy and frustrating.
Overall Impressions
I loved how Digimon World: Next Order blends nostalgic Digimon care, strategic battles, and vibrant Digital World exploration—charming but expect grindy loops and UI quirks. brings classic Digimon World vibes into a modern package. The Digital World bursts with color, and Machinedramon’s chaos sets up a clear goal. Early story beats feel nostalgic, like the PS1 original, but with smoother controls and deeper systems. Compared to other monster-collecting sims—like Pokémon or Temtem—I found it more strategic yet more punishing at times. The training loops and digivolutions hit the sweet spot if you enjoy sim-style progression. But if you hate grind or unforgiving difficulty spikes, this one might test your patience.
Gameplay Mechanics
I really enjoy how layered the Digimon training feels—between feeding, battling, and caring for your partners, every mood swing and stat shift carries weight. The battle system itself adds a neat tactical flair: issuing orders like “Defense” or “Aggressive” keeps fights engaging, and I had a blast experimenting with different combo setups. Roaming the wild areas to recruit new Digimon scratches that classic monster-collection itch, too, making exploration feel rewarding.
That said, the grinding in Digimon World: Next Order can be brutal. Some bosses spam their ultimate moves relentlessly, and if you haven’t stacked enough Defense orders, fights end in seconds. A few players have pointed out—and I agree—that Defense should be unlocked from the start; having access to key commands earlier would smooth out that steep learning curve.
Another frustration is that Digimon will leave after a set timer. For those of us juggling work or with limited playtime, it’s heartbreaking to lose a hard-earned partner before we can evolve them. That mechanic felt especially crushing during busy weeks when logging in daily just wasn’t possible.
Menu navigation and sprinting also wear out your thumbs. Constant button mashing to move through menus or sprint feels unnecessary; automatic sprinting and the ability to flag key items on the map would make the overall experience much more fluid.
Standout moment
I sent my Agumon into a tough boss fight, and in a clutch moment he dodged a massive beam before countering with a blazing fire breath—turning a potential wipe into the saving of my entire campaign. It’s those unpredictable triumphs that keep me coming back.
Story and Characters
The plot feels classic Digimon: you’re a Digidestined aiming to restore order. Early characters bring charm. My Digimon duo, a curious Guilmon and stoic Gabumon, sparked sweet banter. The story highlights teamwork and friendship without heavy drama. Some side characters and NPC digimon blend into scenery, though. There’s little guidance on where to find specific NPCs or items. I spent too long looking for a rare digital fragment quest. A clearer log or hint system would boost comfort for casual players.
Visuals and Graphics
This game looks vibrant. The Digital World’s grassy plains, neon Tech Cities, and stormy ruins each have distinct feels. I loved how Machinedramon’s factory area oozes metallic menace. Character models and digivolution animations are crisp. On Switch, you’ll spot occasional draw-in at longer view distances. But the art direction shines. It nails that mix of warmth and digital wonder.
Sound and Music
Composer Seiji Kikuchi delivers an upbeat soundtrack that suits exploration and battle. I hummed the town themes long after playing. Sound effects land with a satisfying smack or zap in fights. There’s no full English voice acting, but the few Japanese lines carry charm. I only wished for more varied battle jingles. The tunes can loop too quickly during grind sessions.
Difficulty and Replayability
Digimon World: Next Order blends nostalgic Digimon care, strategic battles, and vibrant Digital World exploration—charming but expect grindy loops and UI quirks. offers Easy, Normal, and Hard modes. I stuck to Normal and felt several spikes in the late game. Bosses spammed area attacks back-to-back, and I had to babysit stats and stock full heals. A handful of reviewers warned that post-game demands near maxed Digimon and heaps of items. They’re right. It skews hardcore if you chase 100% completion. But for me, those challenges fueled my desire to refine strategies. Once you conquer Machinedramon, you unlock extras like new digivolutions and secret battles. That replayable content can keep dedicated tamers engaged.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes
HYDE, Inc.’s experience on Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth shines through in Next Order’s world-building, lending the narrative a surprising depth and cohesion that enriches every interaction. After launch, Bandai Namco continued to celebrate the series’ legacy by releasing seasonal DLC packs featuring cameo Digimon from earlier entries—so keep an eye on their updates if you’re hoping to add some classic favorites to your roster.
Final Thoughts
Digimon World: Next Order blends nostalgia with modern monster-collecting sims. Its deep training mechanics, vibrant world, and cozy story moments will charm fans of laid-back RPGs. However, you should brace for grindy battles, limited playtime woes, and occasional UI headaches. If you can invest time and enjoy strategic depth, you’ll find real joy in raising your digimon family.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I hope this review helps you decide if Digimon World: Next Order fits your cozy gaming queue. Whether you’re a veteran tamer or a casual player, there’s plenty to love—and a few hurdles to prepare for. Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!
