TEST Digimon Story Time Stranger: Too Many Battles, Too Long… or Just Perfect?
After nearly a decade in development, Digimon Story: Time Stranger brings Bandai Namco’s monster franchise back with style — but does its ambitious scope pay off?
After almost ten years in production, Digimon Story: Time Stranger finally lands on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC — a bold new entry that mixes nostalgia, time travel, and tactical combat. But does it truly capture the Digimon spirit?
A Decade in the Making
Bandai Namco and Media.Vision — the studio behind Cyber Sleuth — return with their most ambitious Digimon game yet. In Time Stranger, players embody Dan or Kanan Yuki, agents of the secret organization ADAMAS, sent to investigate a mysterious phenomenon in Shinjuku. A catastrophic event sends them eight years into the past, with one mission: prevent the end of the world.
It’s a promising setup, but the story takes time to find its rhythm. The first hours intrigue, yet the mid-section drags before picking up with an emotional and surprisingly cohesive finale.
A Deep and Rewarding System — If You Have the Patience
The game features 451 Digimon, each with unique stats, traits, and evolutions. Players collect them via “Conversion” or “Digivolution,” building a balanced team while expanding the in-game “Digidex.”
Strategic growth through the Digifarm and skill trees adds satisfying depth, though it can feel overwhelming at first. This system shines for completionists who love experimenting and optimizing every stat.
Learn more on the Launch of Digimon Story Time Stranger!
Turn-Based Battles that Overstay Their Welcome
Combat remains the heart of the experience — fully turn-based and often thrilling. Strategic options abound: swapping team members mid-battle, exploiting enemy weaknesses, and triggering Cross Arts at the perfect time.
Unfortunately, Time Stranger suffers from overexposure. Random encounters become repetitive fast, especially in areas like the Mechanical Forest where enemies respawn too quickly. Boss battles are intense but can frustrate due to pacing and difficulty spikes.
From Koromon to Omnimon and everyone in between, every Digimon in Digimon Story #TimeStranger has a unique Special Move! Are you ready to explore 450+ Digimon’s Special Moves on October 3rd?
Let us know which Special Moves you’re looking forward to! pic.twitter.com/VDXshOsuib — Digimon Games (@digimon_games) September 30, 2025
Visuals, Sound, and Performance
Visually, Time Stranger delivers. From Tokyo’s neon streets to the mystical Digital World of Iliade, the environments are rich and well-crafted. Character models and attack animations stand out, though the camera sometimes sits too close during fights.
The soundtrack complements the action, even if it lacks variety. Performance is stable, and only minor bugs appear post–Day One patch — proof of a well-polished release.
Verdict — A Strong Return, Held Back by Repetition
Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a love letter to long-time fans — narratively ambitious, technically solid, and bursting with content. But it’s also a reminder that more isn’t always better. Beneath the charm and emotional moments lies a game that demands patience. Still, for players ready to dive deep into Digimon’s lore and evolution mechanics, Time Stranger is a satisfying — if uneven — return to form.
What do you think? Has Time Stranger lived up to your expectations or missed the mark? Share your thoughts below — which Digimon made your final team?
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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