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Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore review round-up
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is an enhanced port of the 2016 Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem crossover set in modern-day Tokyo. What do the critics say?
- Nintendo Insider (Score 9/10) – ”Yet another brilliant Japanese RPG to add to the Nintendo Switch’s growing line-up. More Shin Megami Tensei than Fire Emblem, it’s hard to care too much when the end result is this enjoyable. Likeable characters and a satisfying combat system all wrapped in vivid visuals and a wonderfully weird and often uplifting story. Of the remaining Wii U games left to bring over to Switch, this was quite the curveball, but it’s one I hope gets the recognition it deserves second time around.”
- DualShockers (Score 9/10) – ”The aesthetic, charm and gameplay Tokyo Mirage Sessions brings make it worthy to stand on its own and I hope that those who end up playing the game see it this way as well. Nintendo seemed to think that Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE was worthy of an encore here on Switch, and I find it to be a worthy encore, indeed.”
- Nintendo Enthusiast (Score 9/10) – ”With quick loading and Nintendo Switch portability, it’s easy to call this the definitive version of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE. It’s a fun, silly, and engaging experience that excels at paying homage to two iconic game franchises while also crafting its own memorable, endearing world. Fans of the addictive RPG gameplay of Persona 5 or the charming characters of Fire Emblem: Three Houses will be right at home with this game, as long as you’re prepared for yet another lengthy RPG experience to absorb your life for a while.”
- TheSixthAxis (Score 9/10) – ”Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore feels particularly timely. The world hasn’t been the brightest, most hopeful place in recent years, but leading a team of cheerful, committed teen pop idols against demonic entities makes it feel that much brighter. This is a game that’s dedicated to hope for the future, and that creativity is an integral component of that. I’m willing to believe them too.”
- Twinfinite (Score 4/5) – ”While I never found myself all that engaged by the story or its characters –both integral parts in an RPG– I did enjoy the little interludes in between main missions. There are catchy song performances and music videos to bop to, along with cutesy outfits to put on your characters as you progress further.”
- Nintendo Life (Score 8/10) – ”Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is one of the most colourful, approachable and downright endearing RPGs you’ll find on the Switch. Its new story chapter, music tracks and character assists improve on the original to an extent, but not enough to greatly affect its overall quality. Thankfully, what was there was already fantastic, meaning those who missed out on it the first time around really have no reason not to get stuck in now.”
- USgamer (Score 4/5) – ”Whatever you think of port-begging, it’s justified with Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore. Not only does #FE Encore give us a chance to play a great game that was overlooked on the Wii U, but it also adds a new dungeon, new songs, and content that was previously DLC. A lot of new Persona fans have been minted since #FE’s initial release in 2015, and this is one song they should all enjoy.”
- Press Start Australia (Score 6/10) – ”Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore features some much-needed quality of life improvements, as well as a strong opening and novel combat. But, ultimately, tedious dungeon design and unrefined boss battles that plagued the original remain and prevent Encore from being the improvement it could be.”
Unscored / Pending
- Destructoid (Score Pending) – ”Although it does have some issues with text readability in handheld mode, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore otherwise represents a clear improvement over its Wii U counterpart. The ability to speed up Session combos makes the combat feel substantially faster in the game’s later stages, and the new content exclusive to the Switch release is a more than welcome addition to an already sizeable package. Despite my one issue with it, I can’t help but consider it the superior version of an already excellent game.”
- Eurogamer – ”Unable to combine the best of two beloved series, this JRPG can’t really find its focus.”
- The Verge – ”Tokyo Mirage Sessions is the next best thing, and yet another perfect fit for the Switch. It’s a game that didn’t get nearly enough attention as it deserved at launch — but one that will hopefully find new life on Nintendo’s tablet.”
Time For A Quick Daily Quiz?
What is first episode of Doom called?
- Thy Flesh Consumed
- Inferno
- Knee-Deep in the Dead
- No Rest for the Living
The answer will be revealed at the bottom of today’s issue. Join up with our community on Twitter and Facebook to discuss what the answer could be.
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Daily Fact
From Zool to fool: Ninjabread man didn’t impress rights holders
Data Design Interactive was working on a reboot of Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension, but the right holders weren’t particularly impressed and took back the license. Data Design, however, couldn’t be stopped.
They rebranded their platformer as Ninjabread Man, and released it on PC and PlayStation 2 in 2005, and then for Wii in 2007. It wasn’t particularly well-received, with critics complaining about a short campaign along with lacklustre controls, camera and graphics.
Once again, Data Design were unperturbed and planned a sequel for 2008 – but the studio went bust in 2012, without ever releasing the sequel.
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