《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》Nintendo Switch Version In-Depth Review: A Time-Traveling Epic Masterpiece

Hello, fellow Switch players! I'm your old friend, a seasoned gamer and game critic with ten years of gaming experience. Today, I'm bringing you a review of a masterpiece ported to the Nintendo Switch platform –《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》. This game has received critical acclaim since its release. Its unique narrative style, exquisite visuals, and moving storyline are all unforgettable. So, how does this game perform on the Nintendo Switch? Let's dive into today's review! We'll also look ahead to how the graphics and performance might improve if the game were to run on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the future.

1. 《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》Game Introduction: A Sci-Fi Epic of Intertwined Times

《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is a sci-fi adventure game developed by Vanillaware and published by Atlus. Set in 1980s Japan, the game tells the story of 13 teenagers who pilot giant robots called "Sentinels" to fight against monsters called "Kaiju." But the story isn't just about mecha battles; it cleverly blends elements of time travel, memory loss, and conspiracy theories, creating a vast and complex narrative network.

The gameplay is mainly divided into two parts: "Remembrance" and "Destruction." "Remembrance" is primarily in the form of a visual novel, telling the story from the perspective of the 13 protagonists. Players need to explore scenes, talk to characters, and recall fragments to gradually unravel the mysteries. "Destruction" is a real-time strategy battle where players need to control Sentinels to fight Kaiju and protect the city.

2. Nintendo Switch Version of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》Review: A Classic Reborn, Better Handheld Experience?

2.1 Gameplay: Unique Narrative Structure and Strategic Combat

The biggest feature of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is its unique narrative structure. The game doesn't use a traditional linear narrative; instead, it scrambles the storylines of the 13 protagonists. Players need to gradually piece together the complete story truth through their own choices and explorations. This non-linear narrative greatly enhances the game's sense of immersion and desire for exploration, making it addictive.

In "Remembrance," players need to carefully read the text, analyze the relationships between characters, collect clues, and advance the story through "Thinking." The amount of text in the game is enormous, but the writing is excellent, the character portrayals are detailed, and the plot is captivating.

"Destruction" adopts a real-time strategy battle mode. Players need to rationally match Sentinels according to the type and number of enemies, and use terrain and skills to achieve victory. The battles are highly strategic, requiring players to think carefully to pass the stages.

Comparison with Similar Games:

• 《Steins;Gate》: Also a sci-fi work involving time travel, but《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》has a more complex narrative structure, more characters, and a grander story.
• 《Final Fantasy Tactics》: The battle mode of "Destruction" is similar to《Final Fantasy Tactics》, but《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》focuses more on real-time strategy and is easier to operate.

2.2 Graphics: Vanillaware's Signature Exquisite Art Style

Vanillaware is known for its beautiful 2D hand-drawn style, and《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is no exception. The characters, scenes, and Sentinels in the game are drawn very delicately, with bright colors and rich details, making you feel like you are in a dynamic work of art.

The Nintendo Switch version doesn't skimp on the graphics, and still maintains the high standards of the original. However, in handheld mode, some details may be lost due to the limited screen size. If it can run on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the future, with more powerful performance and higher resolution, I believe the visual performance will be even better. The nintendo switch2 first look mentions that the new Nintendo console may use more advanced display technology, so let's wait and see.

2.3 Sound Effects: Atmospheric Soundtrack and Voice Actor Cast

The soundtrack of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》was composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, who has created soundtracks for games such as《Muramasa: The Demon Blade》and《Dragon's Crown》. The game's soundtrack is grand and full of sci-fi feel, perfectly matching the game's plot and atmosphere.

The game's voice actor cast is also very strong, including famous voice actors such as Maaya Uchida, Kaito Ishikawa, and Risa Taneda, whose superb performances inject soul into the characters.

2.4 Storyline: Full of Twists and Turns, Thought-Provoking

The storyline of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is one of its biggest highlights. The game's story is full of twists and turns, full of suspense, and always keeps people highly interested. The elements of time travel, memory loss, and conspiracy theories involved in the story are all thought-provoking.

The game's plot is not simply about the opposition of good and evil, but an in-depth exploration of issues such as human nature, destiny, and war. The characters in the story all have their own difficulties and choices. Their destinies are intertwined, forming a complex and moving story.

2.5 Handling: Optimized for the Switch Platform

The Nintendo Switch version of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》has been optimized for the characteristics of the Switch platform, and the handling is smoother. Players can use Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers to play the game, or use the touch screen to operate.

In "Remembrance," players can use the touch screen to select dialogue options, explore scenes, etc. In "Destruction," players can use the joystick and buttons to control the Sentinels, or use the touch screen to select skills and targets.

2.6 Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros:

• Unique narrative structure, captivating
• Exquisite 2D hand-drawn graphics
• Atmospheric soundtrack and voice actor cast
• A twisting, thought-provoking story
• Optimized for the Switch platform, smooth handling

Cons:

• A huge amount of text requires patient reading
• The "Destruction" battle difficulty is high, requiring strategy
• In handheld mode, some details may be lost

2.7 Score

Overall,《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is a very excellent sci-fi adventure game. Whether it is the plot, graphics, sound effects, or gameplay, it has reached a very high standard. The Nintendo Switch version has been optimized in terms of graphics and operation, allowing players to experience the charm of this game on a handheld device.

• Gameplay: 9/10
• Graphics: 9/10
• Sound: 9.5/10
• Story: 10/10
• Handling: 8.5/10

Overall Score: 9.2/10

《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is definitely a masterpiece not to be missed. It is highly recommended for players who like science fiction, adventure, and story-driven games. This game has received a high score of 86 on Metacritic Metacritic, and IGN has also given it a score of 9.0 IGN, which is enough to prove its quality.

3. 《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》Nintendo Switch Version Guide: Beginner's Guide

3.1 Beginner's Guide

• Read the text carefully: The plot of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is very complex and needs to be read carefully to be understood.
• Actively explore the scene: In "Remembrance", actively exploring the scene can get more clues.
• Reasonably match Sentinels: In "Destruction", according to the type and number of enemies, reasonably match Sentinels.
• Use terrain and skills: In "Destruction", using terrain and skills can more easily achieve victory.
• Do more "Thinking": In "Remembrance", doing more "Thinking" can advance the plot.

3.2 Advanced Tips and Strategies

• Master the character's skills: Each character has its own unique skills. Mastering these skills can fight more effectively.
• Reasonably allocate resources: In "Destruction", reasonably allocating resources can improve the performance of the Sentinels.
• Use the "Analysis" function: In "Destruction", using the "Analysis" function can understand the enemy's weaknesses.
• Pay attention to the enemy's attack pattern: In "Destruction", paying attention to the enemy's attack pattern can better dodge attacks.
• Make good use of the "Guard" command: In "Destruction", making good use of the "Guard" command can protect vulnerable Sentinels.

3.3 Walkthrough of Levels or Challenges

Since there are many game levels, it is impossible to list them all here. But the overall strategy for clearing the game is:

• Understand the goal of the level: Each level has its own goal. Understanding the goal can better formulate a strategy.
• Analyze the enemy's configuration: Understanding the enemy's type, number, and weaknesses can better choose Sentinels and skills.
• Flexibly adjust tactics: According to the changes on the battlefield, flexibly adjusting tactics is the key to victory.

3.4 Best Equipment, Skill Combinations, etc.

• Equipment: Prioritize equipment that can improve the Sentinel's attack power, defense power, and movement speed.
• Skills: Choose appropriate skills according to your game style. For example, players who like melee can choose skills that increase melee attack power, and players who like ranged attacks can choose skills that increase ranged attack power.

3.5 Speedrun Tips and Hidden Element Guide

Speedrun tips mainly lie in being familiar with the plot, understanding the enemy's configuration, and finding the optimal combat strategy. Hidden elements are mainly some hidden dialogues, scenes, and plots, which players need to explore carefully to discover.

4. Game Recommendation: Who Should Play 《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》?

《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is a very excellent sci-fi adventure game, but it is not suitable for all players.

Recommended for the following players:

• Players who like science fiction themes
• Players who like adventure themes
• Players who like story-driven games
• Players who like exquisite graphics and beautiful music
• Players who have the patience to read a lot of text

Not recommended for the following players:

• Players who don't like reading a lot of text
• Players who don't like strategic battles
• Players who like fast-paced games

4.1 Recommend Suitable Games Based on User Preferences

If you like the science fiction theme and plot of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》, then you might like games such as《Steins;Gate》and《Disco Elysium》. If you like the strategic combat of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》, then you might like games such as《Final Fantasy Tactics》and《Into the Breach》.

4.2 Provide Game Purchase Suggestions for Different Budgets and Types

The price of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》on the Nintendo Switch eShop is relatively moderate, and it is a game with a relatively high cost performance. If you have a limited budget, you can also consider buying a used cartridge. nintendo switch2 price may launch a bundled set containing this game when it is released, so you can pay attention to it.

4.3 Analyze Game Cost Performance

The game time of《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is very long, and the plot is very rich. It is a game that is very worth buying. Although the graphics effect may not be as good as other platforms when running on the Nintendo Switch platform, the portability is excellent, and you can experience the fun of the game anytime, anywhere.

4.4 Pay Attention to New Game Release Information and Give Predictive Reviews

Although there is no news about a sequel to《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》, Vanillaware has been committed to developing high-quality games, and I believe that more excellent works will be released in the future. We look forward to Vanillaware being able to launch more excellent games on the future Nintendo Switch 2, making full use of the new console's powerful performance. If a high-definition remastered version is released on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the future, I believe it will attract more players. If《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》can achieve higher resolution and smoother frame rates on the Nintendo Switch 2, I believe it will bring a more shocking visual experience. nintendo switch2 compatibility I believe will perfectly compatible with Switch games.

5. Conclusion

All in all,《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》is a masterpiece not to be missed. Whether you have played the original or not, it is worth experiencing on the Nintendo Switch. It has a unique narrative structure, exquisite graphics, moving storyline, and handling optimized for the Switch platform. If you are a fan of science fiction, adventure, and story-driven games, then《13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim》will definitely immerse you in it. And for the Nintendo Switch 2, we are even more looking forward to it bringing more powerful performance, so that more excellent games can be perfectly presented on the handheld.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this review has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a message in the comments section, and I will try my best to answer them. See you next time!