Hi everyone! Today I’m sharing my cozy thoughts on Digimon World: Next Order. This monster-collecting RPG from HYDE, Inc. and Bandai Namco dropped on February 21, 2023. It’s got a mixed reputation, but I found a lot to love—and some room for improvement. Let’s dive in!
Overall Impressions
I jumped into the chaotic Digital World where Machinedramon runs wild. As a Digidestined, I needed to restore order with trusty Digimon partners at my side. The early parts felt fresh and fun, like a nostalgic nod to the PS1 Digimon World games. I especially loved exploring new areas and seeing classic Digimon models updated in 3D. Compared to other monster-collecting RPGs (like Pokémon), Digimon World: Next Order adds real-time training and survival mechanics. Sadly, it also brings a steep grind that wears you down. In short, it balances nostalgia and novelty—but the pacing can drag.
Gameplay Mechanics
Training, feeding, healing, and battling your Digimon drives the core loop. I adored customizing my duo’s skill set. Early battles felt satisfying, and feeding them sushi or fruit was surprisingly wholesome. But then the grind creeps in. Several players note how boss fights spam ultimate moves back-to-back. You often need to abuse the Defense Order command (which annoyingly unlocks late). I got ragdolled by some bosses until I mastered perfect timing with Defend. Another tricky piece is the time limit on wild Digimon. If you grind for hours at work, your new buddy might vanish before you log on again. That timer stole some joy from me. And yes, sprinting requires holding a button—an odd design choice that slows exploration. Still, the core gameplay felt solid once I accepted its quirks.
Story and Characters
The story follows our Digidestined quest to push back Machinedramon’s chaos. It leans on classic Digimon tropes—friendship, growth, rebirth—but it hits those beats with charm. I enjoyed bonding with Agumon and Gabumon as they evolved, trained, and even wandered off (yes, they eat and rest on their own). The Digi-Presence city hub has friendly NPCs, though it lacks clear info on item locations and Digimon encounters. That mystery can be fun for explorers, but it frustrated me when I hunted rare items. Overall, I smiled at the nostalgic banter and felt a genuine connection with my Digimon duo.
Visuals and Graphics
Next Order uses cel-shaded 3D models that pop in vibrant colors. Digimon designs look crisp and faithful to their original art. I love watching a Greymon tear into an enemy with pyro claws. The environments feel cozy, from forest glades to futuristic labs. On the flip side, view distance can be shallow. I spotted some pop-in on terrain and NPCs, which pulls me out of the immersion. Still, the overall look stays true to the Digimon brand and sets a playful tone.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack mixes new themes with nods to classic Digimon tunes. It feels uplifting when your Digimon evolve or triumph over a boss. Battle effects pack a punch with satisfying clash sounds and digital bleeps. Most audio comes in Japanese, though English subtitles guide your way. I wish there were more voiced lines during story scenes, but the minimal chatter works for a laid-back vibe.
Difficulty and Replayability
This game shines in its challenge and depth. Newcomers may stumble on sudden difficulty spikes. Bosses spam ultimates, and you’ll need precise timing or plentiful full-heal items. I saw players recommending maxed-out stats and tons of healing items for endgame—which feels punishing when you just want a cozy session. Easy mode eases the pain, but post-game still demands near perfection. On the plus side, raising Digimon along divergent evolution paths invites multiple playthroughs. If you love tinkering with builds, you’ll find hours of replay value. Just be prepared for the grind.
Trivia & Behind the Scenes
Did you know HYDE, Inc. developed this using a custom engine optimized for hybrid portable/console play? They wanted to keep load times short when you switch between modes on Nintendo Switch. Also, longtime Digimon composer Toshiyuki Kishi returned to add fresh electronic twists to classic melodies. These dev touches show real care behind the chaos.
Final Thoughts
Digimon World: Next Order is a cozy, nostalgia-fueled trip that stumbles over its own complexity. I loved the classic Digimon charm, evolving partners, and varied areas. But boss difficulty spikes, sprint mechanics, pop-in graphics, and time-limited Digimon can stress casual players. If you relish deep training systems and don’t mind a grind, you’ll find joy here. If you prefer a breezy, stress-free adventure, you might feel held back.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
The game’s strongest appeal lies in its faithful tribute to classic Digimon designs, complete with partners that evolve in ways both familiar and surprising. Its training and battle systems offer remarkable depth, rewarding careful strategy and preparation, while the vibrant cel-shaded visuals bring each creature and environment to life in striking fashion. Complemented by an uplifting soundtrack that weaves in cherished, nostalgic themes, the experience feels both fresh and comfortingly familiar. Add to this the myriad evolution paths available for each Digimon, and you’ve got a title that invites multiple playthroughs to uncover every secret and variant.
Cons
Yet, the adventure isn’t without its frustrations. Several boss encounters rely heavily on relentless spamming of powerful attacks, and the elusive defense command—if you even notice it—is hidden poorly, leading to avoidable defeats. Certain Digimon are bound by strict time limits, risking overnight vanishing if you don’t attend to them promptly. Movement can feel awkward, too, as the sprint mechanic lacks fluidity and distant scenery often “pops” into view. To top it off, the game offers scant in-game information on item functions and the whereabouts of key Digimon, forcing players to resort to external guides more often than they might wish.
Thanks for reading my cozy review! If you’re looking for a deep Digimon RPG that rewards dedication, give Next Order a try. If you need a truly laid-back stroll, plan for some in-game hurdles. Either way, may your Digimon evolve strong and your adventures be fun!
Add Digimon World: Next Order to your Steam game collection!
