Analysis/Review of a new JPRG (part 4)

A really big plus in Tokyo Xanadu is the open world and how well developed it is. There are a number of areas to visit, such as a high school (with 8 different areas), a shopping mall, a small-town shopping district with street shops, a shrine, a park, and more. Each area has its own distinct flavor and is populated by people working or roaming around that you can talk with. Most of them will say interesting things that pertain to the story, and some of them will have different lines and conversation, depending on how many times you try to talk with them. RPG’s are all about open world environments—exploring is part of the draw of these games. Yet RPG gameplay can suffer if the areas to explore seem like cookie-cutter modular pieces that have just been thrown together and the option to explore feels more like a chore when you need to traverse environments. Another great aspect of Tokyo Xanadu is that there are a number of items and different equipment that can be found or purchased. I have also been finding materials that are useful for upgrading weapons and armor, so the rewards reaped from battle always feel more exciting. In addition to all the little errands and personal goals you can make for yourself with the items and unlocks, you can also unlock character mini-stories by choosing to spend time with certain characters that periodically have the option, depending on the timing and the story. Although I’d like to get to know everyone, so far I’ve had to be selective because I only have a limited number of “affinity shards”—the currency for being able to initiate these in-depth character conversations.