Kikee’s Report on 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Hey folks. I know, I know, the 2020s have been one low tier year.  I’m talking about a solid 3% on Metacritic. The only S tier moment of 2020 so far is the gaming season. There have been plenty of releases that are top contenders for 2020’s coveted “Game of the Year” prize. Given we aren’t even halfway through, there are more releases barreling through this year. One of which drops this September, alongside pre-order goodies. For you gamers who happen to be a lover of anime, and pre-order memorabilia, 13 Sentinels, Aegis Rim (13SAR),  maybe worth a preorder?

13 Sentinels Details

Now, to be honest, I have never heard of this series up until the press release that found it’s way into my email box. I am, however, well acquainted with the developers Vanillaware. These are the same folks behind Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown. Odin Sphere is a title I had the luxury of reviewing for Beast Gamer Kuma years ago and is an amazing game. If you haven’t played that, you can check what I had to say about it here. I highly suggest you pick it up.

Based on titles like Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, Vanillaware’s niche is its interwoven storylines, and 13SAR follows in the same format. 13SAR is a sci-fi mystery epic detailing 13 intertwining stories. Players will get to uncover the mysteries in this 2D side-scrolling, action-adventure, whilst playing through beautifully crafted environments. Players also get to experience fast-paced topped down gameplay when battling the kaiju.

Alongside the beautiful environments, and various forms of gameplay, players can customize their Sentinels with an arsenal of mech suit weaponry. 13SAR will feature an epic story through visions of the past, present, and future, The doomsday clock, which ticks away as Sentinel fight waves of kaiju, and most notable, Vanillaware’s signature hand-painted visual style. It should be noted that 13 SAR has won a variety of awards in 2019, which I shall list below:

Key Features:

• Japan Game Awards 2019, Future Division Winner
• Famitsu Dengeki Game Award 2019, Best Scenario Award & Best Adventure Award (2 divisions)
• Japan Otaku Awards 2019, Grand Prize
• IGN Japan Game of the Year 2019, 6th Place
• IGN Japan User’s Choice 2019, 2nd Place
• Weekly Famitsu (PS4 Special Feature, sold March 12th, 2020), Ranked in 10th for “PS4 Must-Play Titles,” selected from all PS4 titles ever sold
• 51st Seiun Award, Media Category, Nominee

So if the description and awards above are enough to consider a purchase, then you ought to hear about the artbook available for preorder. Since Vanillaware is known for it’s unique and intricately crafted visuals, the art book to 13SAR is a great addition to add to your purchase. For context, I have the Odin Sphere art book, so I have a good idea of what to expect from the 13SAR artbook. These books are filled with character and environmental concept art.  So if you’re into artbooks and whatnot, I highly suggest a preorder. 

It should be noted that due to COVID19, the English Voice Overs for 143SAR are delayed. As a result, the September 2020 release will be subbed online. However and English voice patch will be released in the future. So if you don’t mind reading, understand Japanese, or don’t mind waiting for a patch. Then pick up Sentinels 13, Aegis Rim on PS4 September 8th, 2020! Remember to stay strong and game on!