Geek Review – 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Sometimes, it can be pleasant to be surprised and see expectations surpassed in ways unexpected. At first glance, Atlus and Vanillaware’s 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim seemingly sells the idea of giving players the reins in fighting off gigantic creatures using mech suits, but upon a deeper dive, it becomes a character-focused narrative that ties in teen drama, sci-fi twists and turns, and delivered in stunning visual fidelity that wraps everything up in a sweet package.

It is hard to pin a specific genre down when it comes to 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, and that is to its merit. The game contains elements of adventure games, visual novels, and when the action starts, a real-time strategy experience and even tower defence. At the heart of it all are the 13 characters we will meet in different time periods and situations, all linked together by the Sentinels, the titular massive robots that are our last line of defence against the monsters.

Essentially, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim can be broken down into three distinct portions. The first is Remembrance, the narrative sequences that help flesh out each of the 13 characters’ stories and adventures. Needless to say, despite the differing time periods and environments, the more you uncover, the more the threads that tie them all together begin to reveal themselves. 

There are scenes that gain more clarity as you take different perspectives, and getting into conversations with other characters, examining the world, and exploring all help to expand upon dialogue and story progression. The game sports a nonlinear structure too, allowing players to jump between stories should a roadblock presents itself, giving you more chances to live the lives of others and discover the right path forward.

Without going into spoilers, all 13 characters are well put-together as both personalities and the periods where they come from. This allows all of their adventures to be distinct and full of memorable moments, and it can be hard to decide when choosing a favourite. At least, you do not have to when 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim lets you enjoy it all throughout the game, with a cast that can stand the test of time when it comes to leaving a mark on players.

Bring all of the individual drama together and add a healthy serving of a sci-fi reality-warping overarching story, and it all works perfectly in tandem to keep players hooked straight from the off. You might wonder if one would work as well without the other, but Vanillaware has done a great job at making both indispensable and absolutely vital to the entire experience. 

In between these story-heavy sections, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim jumps into the Destruction mode, where the real-time strategy action and tower defence take place. Giving players command of up to six Sentinels, a timed battle unfolds as the enemy assaults a defence node. 

With each Sentinel fulfilling its roles as melee, support, and other archetypes, making the right call will ensure the survival of your crew and the rest of the world. There are certainly enjoyable moments as the threats get more dangerous, and seeing a perfectly thought out plan come to fruition is always satisfying. 

However, at some point in the game, the game seemingly stops sending new dangers to face our heroes, and the gameplay sections become more routine than strategic affairs. Sure, the inclusion of an upgrade system for the mechs can produce different strategies, but it does little to liven up the affairs moving forward.

As such, Destruction mode pales in comparison to the story bits in Remembrance, serving as distractions before the main course. It also does not help that the RTS sequences take place on a blocky 3D map that takes away the gorgeous 2D visuals and animations seen everywhere else in the game. Vanillaware continues its excellent skill in creating amazing art that comes to life unlike any other.

And if you ever need a recap of everything that has happened thus far and the key moments, you can utilise 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim’s Analysis mode to catch yourself up. For a game that can involve plenty of moving parts, this can be a useful tool to have at any given moment.

At the end of the day, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an amazing game that warrants plenty of attention. Despite a comparatively weaker aspect in the form of the strategy segments of the game, it is still a functional cog in the machine that causes a slight hitch rather than sinking the whole ship. 

Come for its beautiful art direction, but stay for the solid narrative that hooks you in every step of the way. The cast of characters are well developed and interesting, and one cannot help but feel invested as their stories continue to the end, and what a journey that is.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is available on the PSN Store for $78.00.