Tokyo Xanadu Thoughts and Opinions - Vita version with PS4 notes to come later.

While Falcom are a more niche team then most other JRPG developers, they still manage to make some all-round amazing games that are enjoyable. Recently their titles, both new ones and older ones, are slowly coming out in english more and more. After a two years wait, Tokyo Xanadu, a recent title they developed, was released on the PS Vita in English. The PS4 version is to be released later in the year.

This review will focus on the Vita version, but once the PS4 version releases and I have finished all the new content, I will add an extra section down the bottom that will give my opinions and thoughts on the changes, additions and overall package of the PS4 edition. I am very much looking forward to it!

 This game might share some similarities with Persona but also tries to be its own thing and does it very well.

Tokyo Xanadu starts off interesting straight of the bat, as within the first five minutes of the game the protagonist finishes his work for the day and gets caught up in some trouble immediately after, which leads to the start of his double life of having to pretend to be a normal high schooler while secretly defending his city from monsters called Greeds.

Kou, the protagonist, is not alone and has several other members that soon get caught up in the hijinks and mischief happening to the town and just like in Trails of Cold Steel 1 and 2, you can hang out with them in-between story segments to learn more about their backstory and lifestyle. 

The story had me hooked and learning about the events that had occured before the game, as well as what is happening in the present was interesting and overall the plot to me was really well done with some really impactful scenes and emotional parts at specific points. The PS4 version expands on this with extra story elements, which will also be covered later.

The game has an interesting story with twists and turns you don't see coming.

I highly enjoyed the gameplay as it felt overall fun to go through dungeons defeating Greeds while finding hidden treasure and other little secrets. Gameplay wise, this game is action rpg with many dungeons and there are various ways to fight enemies with different skills and abilities and special moves you can use. The mechanics for upgrading and improving your party's stats and abilities are great as you can buy and change equipment, add buffs and passives and upgrade unique character skills.

As per usual Falcom have various talented bands and musicians on hand, and as usual they make some really great music for Tokyo Xanadu. There is an Idol style music group within the city the game is set in and the opening song itself is actually made by the idol group. Presentation wise Falcom did save a bit of money and time by using a lot of assets and such from Trails of Cold Steel, but at the same time Tokyo Xanadu was also bit of a test at making something a bit different to their two other main franchises.

Falcom love having various minigames and of course references to other titles that they have also developed.

Overall I highly enjoyed this game. It felt just long enough for great value without overstaying its welcome or being boring. It takes around 20-40 hours to finish depending on how many side quests and miscellaneous content you do, and around 50-70 hours for the platinum trophy which I obtained.

Bring on the PS4 version as I am definitely looking forward to experiencing some more hijinks in Moriyama city while also learning about the characters and other lore.

If you enjoyed other Falcom titles and action rpgs in general then you will surely enjoy this!