As a long-time fan of Japanese RPGs and a connoisseur of Falcom’s work, I was eager to dive back into the world of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ on the Nintendo Switch. With its roots tracing back to the legendary Dragon Slayer series, this game has always been a bit of an enigma in the Falcom catalog. Having played it before with the original localization, I was excited to see how much the new version would improve upon the original.
As an avid gaming enthusiast, I can confidently say that delving into Falcom’s RPG legacy feels like stepping back in time to a golden era of role-playing games. This esteemed studio has managed to carve out a significant niche for itself on the global stage, particularly with series such as Ys and The Legend of Heroes/Trails gaining widespread acclaim in recent years. However, what truly sets Falcom apart is their unparalleled contributions to the RPG genre since the 80s, primarily on PC platforms that remained a Japanese secret until recently.
It all goes back to Dragon Slayer
Initially, Falcom was expanding globally and making strides with series like Trails of Cold Steel. They returned to the Xanadu universe in 2015 with Tokyo Xanadu on PlayStation Vita. Compared to its predecessors, this action-RPG seemed more similar to Persona and appeared experimental and unpolished. The game’s localization was also subpar, which combined with the Vita’s declining popularity made it a peculiar choice at best. A later release on PC and PS4, titled Tokyo Xanadu eX+, added new content and improved the localization. This revival saved the game from being forgotten and gave it cult status. In fact, there’s even a sequel in development!
1. During recent years, Falcom has expanded significantly, and the Trails series has seen tremendous growth, while even Ys has maintained its strong presence in the competitive JRPG market. Interestingly, Falcom has grown more confident in releasing their games on Nintendo Switch and has started developing them internally to tap into a vast, alternative audience. Now, it’s Tokyo Xanadu’s turn for a second wind, with the release of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ on the Nintendo Switch. However, this release is not just an exciting port of a peculiar Vita game; the localization has undergone significant improvements, which was a personal passion project for some team members.
Demons really hate high schools, huh?
1. After the update, Tokyo Xanadu’s narrative truly finds its rhythm. The unusual aspect about this game is that there’s an initial hurdle to overcome in its early stages. You assume the role of Kou Tokisaka, a surly, unkempt high schooler who gets embroiled in a complex supernatural mystery that could potentially dismantle reality itself. As the story progresses, a group similar to Scooby-Doo forms around Kou, and he and his companions band together to confront this existential danger using mystical weapons capable of transporting them into metaphysical labyrinths, shielding them from demonic attacks. Initially, it may seem generic. However, it soon sheds that appearance.
Tokyo Xanadu starts off with a typical Japanese high school RPG setting, filled with familiar tropes such as the kind-hearted childhood friend, the prickly exposition-giver, and the delinquent with hidden goodness. But unlike most games in this genre, each character, starting with Kou, receives ample attention, allowing for deep exploration of their individual stories and growth within the group. Contrary to RPG norms, these familiar tropes are turned on their head, as Tokyo Xanadu seamlessly integrates what would normally be side content into the main storyline. If Persona is known for its “social link” mechanics, Tokyo Xanadu brings this concept to the forefront.
By the conclusion of the game, you become deeply acquainted with each character, learning about their individual identities and what drives them in these specific situations. This familiarity comes not only from observing them individually, but also from witnessing how they interact within their group throughout numerous chapters and extended playtime. Falcom is celebrated for its intricately crafted narratives that keep audiences engaged for the long haul. The Trails series, in particular, is renowned for its elaborate world-building. However, since Tokyo Xanadu features a more grounded setting, the majority of character development is geared towards enhancing their individual stories rather than constructing an intricate world around them. Previous localizations pale in comparison to this approach, making the experience even more enjoyable in retrospect.
More buttons isn’t always better
Tokyo Xanadu’s writing is top-notch, but its action gameplay requires more than just translation. Falcom, known for their expertise in action-RPG mechanics, particularly with Ys series, delivers an unexpectedly clunky experience in Tokyo Xanadu. The EX+ version brought improvements, introducing intricacy to a deceptively simple system. However, the fundamental combat remains somewhat unrefined and unwieldy. The game boasts an array of elemental weaknesses, character gear, and meter management that are engaging and thrilling. Yet, the standard attack sequences and dodge rolls fail to live up to these expectations.
Approaching the third finale, I found myself growing weary of the monotony in battle. Solving it, I resorted to brute force against bosses by swiftly consuming potions and playing recklessly. As the game progressed, enemies became stronger and swifter, often outsmarting my youthful team of high schoolers. Ducking remained awkward and inconsistent, while repeatedly using grand moves diminished their effectiveness. If not for the gripping narrative and being near the end of a 50-hour journey, I might have quit prematurely.
As a gamer eagerly awaiting the Tokyo Xanadu sequel, I’m hoping for some significant improvements to the combat system. Instead of feeling like a Trails game was beaten with a hammer to make it turn-based, let’s aim for a smoother experience. It’s not necessary for every Falcom action-RPG to be an adrenaline-fueled button-mashing fest like Ys, but a touch more fluidity in the fundamentals could greatly enhance gameplay. Given that we’re dealing with a new Switch version of a 2015 Vita game, it’s already quite impressive what we’ve got so far.
1. “Revisiting Tokyo Xanadu on Switch is worthwhile even with a few minor errors in the updated localization, especially if you’ve played it before. There are some occasional performance issues and the graphics aren’t as sharp as on PS4 or PC. However, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ remains the best version of this unique Falcom game. It has its flaws that a simple rerelease can’t address, but it’s packed with intriguing concepts. If you’re seeking something novel, larger JRPGs might be more recommended, but if you’re up for something offbeat, there aren’t many games quite like Tokyo Xanadu.”
The enhanced version of Tokyo Xanadu, known as Tokyo Xanadu eX+, is now accessible on the Nintendo Switch platform, as well as the PS4 and PC versions. I’ve been given a review code by the publisher.
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2024-07-30 16:27