Code of Princess EX

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 96 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Code of Princess EX Game Cover
I’ve never played the original version of Code of Princess. Though even if I had, I’m pretty sure my opinion of Code of Princess EX would be the same.

Code of Princess EX is a Nintendo Switch game that combines hack-and-slash action with role-playing depth. Players follow Princess Solange of DeLuxia as she fights to restore order in a world overrun by monsters. Armed with the legendary DeLuxcalibur, Solange leads a team of skilled fighters on a quest to defeat the monsters and uncover their mysterious origins. This game offers a thrilling and immersive experience for players seeking action and adventure.

  • Nintendo Switch
Play Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 96 reviews
gameplay9 positive mentions
optimization3 negative mentions
  • The game features improved performance with 60fps, making combat feel smoother compared to the 3DS version.
  • It offers a fun and lighthearted story with a huge variety of characters and enjoyable multiplayer options, both local and online.
  • The physical edition includes extras like a game manual and soundtrack mini CD, enhancing the collector's experience.
  • The removal of the English voiceover from the original 3DS version is disappointing for many players.
  • Character models appear outdated and lack significant graphical improvements, making them feel very much like a 3DS game.
  • Gameplay can feel repetitive and disengaging, with some players finding the missions tedious and lacking depth.
  • gameplay20 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some praising its nostalgic, old-school beat 'em up style and simple yet effective mechanics, while others criticize it for being repetitive, shallow, and tedious. Players appreciate the bite-sized missions and local multiplayer options, but many feel that the gameplay lacks depth and engagement, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the game seems to appeal to fans of classic gameplay, but may disappoint those seeking more modern mechanics and variety.

    • “I’m giving this a 5 because I’ve played nothing like it; its gameplay is old school.”
    • “If you played old school beat 'em ups like Final Fight and similar, the game is quite reminiscent of that gameplay.”
    • “Fighting is interesting at first but can become repetitive over time, but the wide variety of missions and quick gameplay makes this ideal for short bursts of playing; I often find myself just picking this up every so often and playing a few missions.”
    • “There is no seamless gameplay.”
    • “The story is mind-numbingly stupid, the characters are over-the-top anime trope trash and the gameplay is beyond boring.”
    • “Organizing a local multiplayer session ends up taking more time than the time spent playing together since the core gameplay of Code of Princess EX is very shallow and very tedious.”
  • story20 mentions

    The game's story is described as whimsical and entertaining, featuring colorful characters and a lighthearted tone, though it often lacks depth and can feel predictable. While the narrative provides a fun backdrop for the gameplay, many players find the combat repetitive and the character selection somewhat generic, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the engaging story and vibrant art style contribute positively to the game's appeal, especially in short, multiplayer sessions.

    • “Fun game, great story, and a unique battle system for what it is.”
    • “The story is really whimsical and the characters are nicely made, although due to the graphics, at times you get quite a contrast between the cutscenes and the actual gameplay.”
    • “The story is interesting and the mechanics are simple, but effective.”
    • “Just be aware that most of the 'characters' you get to play as are monsters/enemies you fight in the game and are pretty generic when compared to the main story characters.”
    • “The story is mind-numbingly stupid, the characters are over-the-top anime trope trash, and the gameplay is beyond boring.”
    • “Nothing special about the story, it just revolves around new characters joining the party or running away from the imperial troops.”
  • graphics15 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many noting that while there is a clear upgrade from the 3DS version, the visuals still feel dated and lack significant enhancements. Players appreciate the charming character designs and whimsical story, but some express disappointment in the contrast between cutscenes and gameplay, as well as the overall fidelity not meeting expectations for a remaster. Overall, the graphics are considered decent but could have benefited from further refinement.

    • “This is a definite upgrade, way easier, endless replayability, and awesome graphics, and best of all, a better level-up system.”
    • “[beautiful HD graphics, generally funny story, huge variety of interesting characters to play as, local and online multiplayer, lots of content].”
    • “The actual graphics are clearly upscaled from the 3DS, but the characters during talking sequences look great.”
    • “This game was re-released more because it was a chance to reach a larger audience, and less because a graphical or mechanical upgrade was mandatory due to aging well, or lack thereof.”
    • “Very much an up-res from the 3DS version, so don’t go in expecting revolutionary graphics.”
    • “Graphics do not look like they have been updated beyond 2D stills of the characters.”
  • music8 mentions

    The music in the game has received high praise, with many reviewers highlighting the excellent soundtrack as a standout feature. The physical launch edition includes a mini CD of the soundtrack, a game manual, and other collectibles, making it particularly appealing for collectors. Overall, the soundtrack is described as impeccable, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

    • “The launch edition comes with a game manual and a soundtrack mini CD.”
    • “The first run of copies comes with a soundtrack CD, instruction book, stickers, and miscellaneous extras.”
    • “The soundtrack is impeccable; it's a great piece for collectors.”
    • “The soundtrack is impeccable, but the story is somewhat bland; it's a great piece for collectors.”
    • “It does not include either the soundtrack or the manual.”
    • “While the game is good and has excellent animation and designs, the soundtrack is just average.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its funny story and a diverse cast of interesting characters. However, some note a decline in humor compared to previous versions, particularly due to the absence of a beloved English dub. Overall, it offers a solid and entertaining experience for fans of the genre.

    • “This is one adventure beat-em-up fans should look at if they want a solid and humorous experience.”
    • “Beautiful HD graphics, generally funny story, huge variety of interesting characters to play as, local and online multiplayer, lots of content.”
  • optimization3 mentions

    The optimization of Code of Princess EX is notably improved, with a significant performance boost from sub-30fps to a smooth 60fps, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. While it may have some shortcomings, the port retains its charm and benefits from visual and performance upgrades that contribute positively to the game.

    • “The fun and lighthearted story entertains, and the bite-sized missions and gameplay work well; performance and visual upgrades are a welcome addition.”
    • “The 60fps vs sub 30fps of the 3DS version is night and day in terms of performance.”
    • “While lacking in some areas, Code of Princess EX is a solid enhanced port that keeps all of the goofy charm and adds some performance improvements to the final package.”
    • “Performance and visual upgrades are a welcome addition.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    Players highlight the game's "endless replayability" and improved leveling system as significant upgrades, making it easier and more enjoyable to revisit. The enhanced graphics further contribute to a compelling experience that encourages multiple playthroughs.

    • “This is a definite upgrade with endless replayability, awesome graphics, and a better level-up system.”
    • “See above for replayability and extended game length if desired.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding in "Code of Princess EX" to be tedious and unfulfilling, with the shallow core gameplay leading to more time spent organizing multiplayer sessions than actually enjoying the game. The RPG elements are criticized for lacking depth, and the level grinding is described as frustrating and uninspired.

    • “Organizing a local multiplayer session ends up taking more time than the time spent playing together, as the core gameplay of Code of Princess EX is very shallow and tedious.”
    • “RPG elements fall flat; there's a bad kind of level grinding ahead, and the story is predictable at best.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Reviewers express disappointment in the character development, noting that despite the potential of the character designs, they are underutilized in a lackluster beat 'em up game, resulting in a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling and engagement.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

65% average critic score

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