13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - Nintendo Switch

I bought and completed this game around 2 years ago as I had heard it had a really good story. And it really does. I loved the way the story was presented. It gives you this sense of choosing how you want to proceed the story, but at the same time locks the story in a way that you don't spoil something big before it should be shown. The feeling of connecting the dots was such a good feeling to me. The only part of the game I wasn't a big fan of was the battle portions. I was much more interested in the visual novel side of the game since I prefer story in games more. It's a game that had me trying to guess the twists or ending the entire way, and I ended up being wrong up until the last twist.

This is one of the best games I've played in the past few years. It's not like most visual novels in that you walk around like a sidescroller in this game, but you're still mostly investigating things and talking to people - when you're not in a giant mech suit doing RTS stuff.The art is absolutely some of the most beautiful art, and the scenarios you'll find yourself in as you play are somehow incredibly unique while paying homage to a variety of source material.Do yourself a favor and don't look up anything about the characters or the story before diving in. This game takes you on a wild ride and you got to experience it for yourself. Some mind blowing revelations throughout. Chapters constantly leave you on engaging cliffhangers that keep you wanting more - I don't know how they managed that so effectively, but it worked on me. Every little bit of new information or lore you uncover changes the context of everything you've experienced up to that point. And because the story is presented nonlinearly, you're constantly piecing things together as you choose different points of views to engage with the plot. Something you see happen while playing as one character is revealed on an entirely different light when you see it from a different characters's perspective.I don't play many VNs or RTS games, but this is certainly the type of VN and RTS for people who've never played much of either genres. English voice acting is high quality and immersive. The music is also outstanding.Others said they got the EU version, but I got a US copy when I ordered in April 2025.

Enjoyable story driven game with turn based mech combat.

I played this game on the PS4 and in my opinion, it is an absolute masterpiece. It is quite possibly the greatest piece of non-linear sci-fi storytelling in gaming history. I got my Switch physical copy today, and while I don't have a ton of time into it, nothing is lost on the Switch version.Yes, it is mostly a visual novel, which normally isn't my thing, however it plays out in a way that is reminiscent of a graphic adventure of old (think Maniac Mansion, Secret of Monkey Island, etc etc), only admittedly a lot more basic. I am not into visual novels. At all, really. But this is an exception. The story starts out completely confusing, but as the 13 characters' stories intertwine and develop spanning time and space, the big picture slowly unfolds until you get it. This is a game you don't want to start, get a ways into, and then take a pause for any lengthy period of time. It is a complex but extremely rewarding story.Mixed into the VN aspect of the game is a tower defense portion (I love tower defense games). It's relatively simplistic, but very fun. It may not be for everyone.The English voice acting is top tier and perfect. Even if you might normally like playing games in the native language, this is one I would say you should try in English.The graphics really need no introduction. Signature Vanillaware hand drawn art. Absolutely beautiful.Please don't read any spoilers or guides and jump into this blind. Don't spoil your first opportunity to experience the story, because as others have said in other places: "I wish I could just forget the game and play it again for the first time".Lastly, yes, the Switch version plays great, and you're missing nothing from the PS4 version.It doesn't matter which console you play on, just play this game. It's an absolute gem.

This game is a masterpiece.Without getting into spoilers, 13 Sentinels is about teenagers who can pilot giant time-travelling mechs trying to save humanity.Yes. This game has thirteen protagonists and time travel. Understandably, this is going to be a bit of a confusing story at first. You are thrown into the story, and you *will* be confused at first. But, as the story goes on, bits and pieces of the plot and the underlying mysteries at the heart of the conflict get unveiled. I have audibly gasped and shouted in surprise at some of the reveals.The combat is good as well, but honestly, the story is where this game shines. The game is aesthetically beautiful as well, with a fairly unique animation style. I can't speak for the English voice acting, but the Japanese voice work is also stellar.I cannot recommend this game enough. If you love visual novels, you need 13 Sentinels in your library.My rating:There are not enough stars in the sky/10☆

Though the product is pictured as being the North American version of the game, I received the EU version. This will still function correctly with my Nintendo Switch, but my entire collection of games are the NA versions and I bought this product because it was advertised as being the NA release. This is false advertising and I've since returned the product.