Digimon has always been a beloved franchise since the late ’90s, spanning from physical devices where kids would have friendly battles on the streets, to a wide range of anime series. Above all that, the iconic Digimon Rumble Arena on PlayStation was a massive hit for a lot of players in their childhood. Over time, the franchise has expanded to not only deepen its storytelling but also enrich its lore.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger is the latest entry in the Digimon Story series. Cyber Sleuth, released a decade ago, was considered one of the best—so much so that it received multiple re-releases across different platforms in the following years. Fast forward to 2025, Time Stranger once again delivers—an ambitious sequel that fulfills many of the RPG elements fans have been asking for. It features a more mature narrative and numerous quality-of-life improvements that directly address player feedback.
Right from the start, the game throws players into the action. You begin by choosing between a masculine or feminine protagonist who, for some reason, can’t speak. After a massive lore dump and a call to save the world, players find themselves wandering through the city, eventually reaching downtown Shinjuku, which surrounds a destroyed, walled-off building. Soon after, you encounter Digimon and must choose one of three to accompany you. These Digimon are stored inside a Digivice that looks like a sleek smartphone—so advanced that it can transform into a gun to summon your Digimon during combat.
As the story unfolds, it becomes a bit convoluted and complex—but also undeniably creative. At one point, you’re tasked with protecting a girl, and moments later, you’re being chased by a colossal Digimon capable of swallowing you whole. The pacing can feel confusing early on, but it all comes together once you get past the introductory chapters.
Combat-wise, it’s straightforward but engaging. Players can have three active Digimon in battle and three in reserve. Each Digimon encounter allows you to scan them; as the scan percentage increases, you can later create and recruit those Digimon as allies. True to the franchise’s roots, evolution remains the heart of the game. Each Digimon evolves uniquely, and the ability to digivolve back and forth allows players to create truly distinct partners. You can even fuse two Digimon together to form stronger ones—imagine it as a branching tree that grows more intricate as you progress, offering endless combinations and possibilities.
Beneath the surface of the turn-based combat lies a wealth of mechanics. Every Digimon has one of 16 personalities, each affecting its growth and stat distribution. The protagonist also wields a unique ability called ADAMAS, which enhances Digimon mid-battle and boosts their performance as they develop. Additionally, the DigiFarm serves as a safe haven to train and further strengthen your Digimon. It may feel overwhelming at first, but it quickly becomes a rewarding system once you understand its depth.
Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly. The visuals are well-optimised for modern hardware—while a bit rough around the edges, they still captivate with their vibrant overworld design. Each Digimon model looks better than ever, featuring detailed textures, expressive animations, and distinct personalities that shine through.
The developers clearly understand their audience, collaborating once again with some of the finest creative minds in the industry. Character designer Suzuhito Yasuda, known for his work on Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem, returns to lend his signature style. Meanwhile, composer Masafumi Takada, famed for Danganronpa, delivers a layered and dynamic soundtrack that enhances every world and moment of the game.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger stands out as one of the most impressive RPGs of 2025. Though it may be overshadowed by the sheer number of RPG releases this year, its addictive mechanics and generous content will keep players hooked for hours. With over 40 hours of gameplay, it’s a satisfying experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Among the many Digimon titles out there, this one is bound to be remembered as one of the franchise’s best entries.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger is out now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Special thanks to Bandai Namco for providing the review code.
