wow, is this an amazing and slept-on game. I feel like I hardly have heard anything about it surrounding its release and especially since then, but it has been a fantastic example of how Platinum Games operates.

The core DNA carried from capcom and clover is here, with multiple iterations, recessive genes reappearing(such as MGR's blade system) and some entirely new systems.

On its face and until you get the hang of it, partway through the 2nd file, it seems daunting and convoluted, but it feels just as good as any of the more straightforward(and in fact is a little bit simpler) platinum action games. The chain mechanic feels a bit like the concept on display in Okami, only with more 3D space to grasp. and it's not quite like anything else I've seen in a game. it works fluidly and dynamically, and it's a bit suprising I haven't found any sort of frustration in it. There's almost no downfalls to its execution which is a feat.

Aesthetically, the game drips much like most of their other games. extremely flashy, colorful and probably the best cyberpunk game I've played this year(barring that other Cyberpunk game if it can make it in time before 2021) The character designs are alright, though their faces are a bit odd but that's really digging for a complaint. It's very odd that this and control came out in the same year and had fairly similar depictions of the Astral Plane, being a lot of simple colors(mostly red in control, extremely red in AC). I wonder if they're both drawing on some source material, copied or compared notes, or it's some bizarre coincidence. Either way, it's definitely cool. And I didn't love or hate the zelda-like puzzles in it(get a power up, progress in the "dungeon"), and made it a bit more interesting to have these unique powers tied to legions

It also has a lot of customizability, including the UI which is always a surprising and welcome plus. And several unlockables that are worth hunting for, even if they're fairly minor cosmetic apps(hologram cat face projected in front of your character's face is top tier).

The sidequests are pretty fun for the most part and range from slide puzzle traffic jam minigames to boss rushes. I also really enjoyed the investigation segments, which felt fairly close to the Arkham asylum games.

My biggest complaint which the story helps quell is the copaganda in it. I don't have a ton to say about the effects of copaganda, but I do feel that even without the path the story takes, it doesn't feel close enough to real police officers to feel too icky, save for the couple sidequests about busting graffiti artists.

The story itself is good, although not extremely unique. If you're decently well-versed in anime you'll pick up on its beats pretty quickly as having seen them before. That being said, it still is interesting and enough to make me want to continue it beyond the stellar gameplay.

also you can pokemon amie to rip crystals off your fighting pets. that rules. And unlock the lappy suit. that also rules.