Scarlet Nexus is an action JRPG developed by Bandai Namco. It was created by a team that worked on the Tales of series, God Eater, and Code Vein. The setting is a total departure from the fantasy setting seen in the Tales series. Its producer and director, Keita Iizuka and Kenji Anabuki, respectively, have coined their own self-styled genre “Brainpunk” for Scarlet Nexus’ world setting.
The term Brainpunk is a spin on the "Internet of Things" idea where society is connected to everything. In this reimagined world, humans developed a link between psychic powers and technology in the 1990s. Of course, there were massive consequences that lead to the events of Scarlet Nexus. With the level of talent involved, it's unsurprising that Scarlet Nexus was one of the nominees for the best RPG in 2021. For those looking for something to satiate the need for more anime-styled action until the inevitable sequel is released, here are some of the action JRPGs available.
Updated January 4, 2022 by Michael Llewellyn: As one of the best and most original JRPGs released in 2021, Scarlet Nexus has proved to be a success story for the developers. With the original setting, fast-paced combat, and a script that's capable of surprising even veterans of the genre this new IP seems to be here to stay.
Scarlet Nexus is a lengthy game with dualling protagonists for a lot of replay value and story beats that make playing both worthwhile. However, when all is said and done there will be many players still wanting more that's why this list has been updated with more action JRPGs to keep adventurers of all types busy until the inevitable sequel is released.
13 Kingdom Hearts 3
- Released: 2019
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One
After a long wait, Kingdom Hearts 3 was finally released in 2019. It's a stunning achievement and easily one of the best-looking games on any system. Like Scarlet Nexus, it runs on Unreal Engine 4, and the developers at Square Enix get the best out of it.
The story and its timeline are complex but it does a good job of bringing the player up to speed with the game's predecessors and spin-offs. However, for newcomers, there's nothing wrong with switching off the brain and immersing oneself in the beautifully crafted Disney worlds from Tangled to Toy Story. It also has the best combat system in the series to date, feeling more dynamic and responsive as a result.
12 Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana
- Released: 2016
- Developer: Falcom
- Platform: PC, PS Vita, PS4, Stadia, Switch
Developers Falcom may not have the AAA budget that Square Enix can afford, but they should be credited for doing things their way. They created worlds, characters, and stories that are unique to them with both the Legend of Heroes and the Ys series.
They have also refined the combat system to make it one of the best and most accessible fighting systems in the genre. Where Ys 8 succeeds is in its simplicity and the fun mechanics that harken back to old-school arcade fighters.
11 God Eater 3
- Released: 2019
- Developer: Marvelous First Studio
- Platform: PC, PS4, and Switch
Released worldwide in 2019, God Eater 3 is an action RPG in the same vein as the Monster Hunter series. While there are obvious connections to its predecessors when it comes to world-building, God Eater 3 is an easy game to jump right into.
Visually, it has a beautiful anime-based art style that is very similar to that of Scarlet Nexus. In addition, the combat is fast-paced, it has epic monsters to fight, and hours of content to keep players busy after completing Scarlet Nexus.
10 Tales Of Graces F
- Released: 2012
- Developer: Namco Tales Studio
- Platform: PS3
Released in the West in 2012, Tales of Graces f is an action RPG developed by the Namco Tales Studio. Its tone and style are far more traditional and light-hearted than the apocalyptic/dystopian “Brain Punk” setting in Scarlet Nexus.
However, the combat in Tales of Graces f is considered by many fans as the best in the series. Its “Chain Capacity” mechanic allows players to chain together combinations in a fluid way that improves with the character’s weapons. Furthermore, there is a lot of content and post-game content to keep players busy for at least 40 hours.
9 Star Ocean: The Second Story/Second Evolution
- Released: 2000 and 2009
- Developer: Tri-Ace
- Platform: PS1 and PSP
First released worldwide in 2000, Star Ocean: The Second Story is an action RPG developed by tri-Ace. It was remastered with brand new content and voices for the PSP in 2009 but both are worthwhile if one can find themselves a copy of either version.
Like its predecessor, Second Story uses a science fiction fantasy setting that felt unique at the time of its release. The combat system set itself apart with its action-oriented real-time battles and the ability to create strategies for the AI-controlled party members. Thanks to its two main characters Claude and Rena the player can choose from two different story paths for replayability. The dual story paths also feature in Scarlet Nexus by allowing players to choose either Yuito or Kasane.
8 Astral Chain
- Released: 2019
- Developer: PlatinumGames
- Platform: Switch
It’s not strictly a JRPG but Astral Chain developed by PlatinumGames for the Nintendo Switch is one of the best games of the generation. It’s primarily an action game but there are enough RPG mechanics for Astral Chain to qualify.
There are elements of exploration in its futuristic city and the story progression perfectly complements Astral Chain's amazing hack-and-slash gameplay mechanics. Fans of Platinum’s other titles like Transformers: Devastation and Bayonetta will feel right at home with Astral Chain.
7 Radiata Stories
- Released: 2005
- Developer: Tri-Ace
- Platform: PS2
From the creators of the Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile series, Radiata Stories is a PS2 action RPG set in the fantasy world of Radiata. Its combat system shares many similarities to tri-Ace’s Star Ocean series and the Tales of series Linear Motion Battle System due to its arcade-like nature. The story will keep players hooked and despite its light-hearted nature, it has lots of twists and surprises in store.
It is possible to recruit over 150 characters and even pick fights with NPCs in towns and the surrounding world. Fans of the Valkyrie Profile series will also be delighted to know that Lenneth will make a cameo appearance as a boss fight and can be recruited as a party member.
6 Ys 9: Monstrum Nox
- Released: 2016
- Developer: Falcom
- Platform: PC, PS Vita, and PS4
The Ys series is one of the longest-running action RPGs in gaming. The series began on the PC in 1987 with many of its entries getting remastered and remade over the years while fans waited for the next mainline entry.
Even though are occasional allusions to past titles due to their recurring character Adol, each new game functions very much as its own story. Ys 9: Monstrum Nox is no different and is arguably the best entry in the series yet. Not only is Ys 9 a darker tale than its predecessors but it also has the best narrative yet. The combat is fast, responsive, and dynamic but it's very easy to pick up and play for newcomers and like its predecessors, Ys 9 is simply a lot of fun to play.
5 Final Fantasy 7 Remake
- Released: 2020
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PC, PS4, and Ps5
Released on the PlayStation 4 in 2020, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake is the first episode in what is to become a series based on the Final Fantasy 7 universe. It lived up to the lofty expectations of fans by being a fitting tribute to a timeless classic while building toward something new in the princess.
Its dark tone and cyberpunk-like setting make it a great fit for fans of Scarlet Nexus’ setting and its science fiction themes. In addition, the action-based combat system and inventive boss battles are very much in line with what has been shown of Namco’s next big JRPG. Even though the art design is quite different, Scarlet Nexus and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake are built using Epic's Unreal Engine 4 and the smoothness and responsiveness are on par.
4 Code Vein
- Released: 2019
- Developer: Bandai Namco
- Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One
If there is one recent JRPG that shares an almost identical art style to Scarlet Nexus it’s Code Vein. Released in 2019, it was produced by Keita Lizuka who is also serving as the producer for Scarlet Nexus.
Stylistically, Code Vein’s mechanics have more in common with the Dark Souls series but in terms of atmosphere, progression, and characters Code Vein will appeal to fans of Scarlet Nexus. Once again the studio managed to make the player feel like they are a part of epic anime series.
3 Tales Of Berseria
- Released: 2017
- Developer: Namco Tales Studio
- Platform: PC and PS4
Released in 2017, Tales of Berseria is the most recent entry in the Tales of series until Tales of Arise is released and highly regarded as one of the best. It’s a much darker tale than its predecessors and features flawed protagonists that border on anti-heroes.
It’s also interesting to note that Scarlet Nexus was developed by a team who worked on both the Tales series, God Eater and Code Vein. Narratively, Tales of Berseria is a prequel to Tales of Zesteria, and playing both is a great way of getting more longevity out of the main story and improving the story arc from both.
2 Tales Of Arise
- Release: 2021
- Developer: Namco Tales Studio
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X
Taking the top spot for the best RPG of 2021 at The Game Awards was Namco Bandai's other major release that year Tales of Arise. It's a worthy title, however, and has proved to be one of the best entries in the series, using a more dynamic and impressive combat system.
Tales of Arise managed to stay true to its roots while modernizing the long-running mechanics and character interactions that fans have always loved about the series. Even though there are some significant differences between Scarlet Nexus and the Tales series, both games have the same DNA that will feel familiar to fans.
1 Nier: Automata
- Released: 2017
- Developer: PlatinumGames
- Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One
Scarlet Nexus was created by a team comprised of staff that worked on the God Eater, Code Vein, and Tales of series. However, Scarlet Nexus appears to take some inspiration from Nier: Automata. The destroyed earth setting will resonate with fans of both games and the fast-paced combo-based combat draws parallels between both titles.
In addition, Scarlet Nexus’ user interface uses a similar augmented reality viewpoint that Nier: Automata does. This is thanks to the world’s advancement of psychic technology which allows people to control electronics with their minds by remaining connected to the “Psynet”. This allows the player to lock on and mark items on the map as if they are seeing them through the eyes of the protagonist just like Nier: Automata.
Scarlet Nexus is available for the PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.