Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth

A fun mix of a variety of different game types and a must have for any fans of Digimon. Even if you're not too into it the story is fun and the mechanics are extremely well done.

83%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

grinding, stability

90% User Score Based on 5,219 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 25 reviews

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About

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is a single player and multiplayer role playing game with anime and science fiction themes. It was developed by h.a.n.d., Inc. and was released on October 17, 2019. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is an anime fighting game offering both single-player and multiplayer modes. Players become cyber detectives or hackers, unraveling digi-mysteries in a vivid world where reality and the digital realm blur. With over 300 Digimon to collect and classic turn-based battles, it delivers an immersive and addictive experience.

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90%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,219 reviews

story858 positive mentions

grinding620 negative mentions

Engaging story with well-written characters and interesting twists.
Deep and rewarding turn-based combat system with a rich variety of Digimon to collect and evolve.
Massive content with two full-length games in one package, providing over 100 hours of gameplay.

Excessive dialogue and unskippable cutscenes that can make the pacing feel slow and tedious.
Some gameplay mechanics, like the ABI system and party memory limits, can be frustrating and convoluted.
Translation issues and minor bugs that detract from the overall experience.

story
2,957 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
63%
8%
The story in "Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth - Complete Edition" is a mixed bag, with many players finding it engaging yet slow-paced, often bogged down by excessive dialogue and repetitive fetch quests. While some appreciate the mature themes and character development, others criticize the convoluted plot and poor translation, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the narrative offers a blend of intrigue and typical anime tropes, making it enjoyable for fans of the franchise, but potentially tedious for those less invested in the story.
- “In general, the storytelling of Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory was amazing and made me very emotional.”
- “The story tackles themes like identity, technology, and morality, which give it a surprising depth for a Digimon game.”
- “The story is engaging and full of twists, making it captivating and keeping you wanting to know what's next.”
- “While it's got an extensive evolution tree and tons of ways to customize your teams and move sets, I wish I could recommend this, but honestly the story is just dreadfully boring to me to where I would have entire missions that I just sat there pressing a button while I looked at something on my other monitor.”
- “But the story is extremely boring, overwritten, and too vignette-focused to be engaging.”
- “The story is a mind-numbing slog with every teenage anime trope you can think of, and being reminded of it constantly can make it tempting to just turn the game off.”
gameplay
895 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
63%
6%
The gameplay of "Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth" and "Hacker's Memory" is characterized by a blend of traditional turn-based mechanics and monster-collecting elements, reminiscent of classic RPGs. Players engage in a mix of battles, side quests, and character interactions, with a significant emphasis on evolving and managing a diverse roster of Digimon. While the core mechanics are generally well-received, many reviews highlight issues with excessive dialogue, repetitive tasks, and a lack of depth in certain gameplay aspects, leading to a mixed reception overall.
- “The core of the game lies in its monster-collecting and evolution mechanics, which are executed brilliantly.”
- “The complete edition is a treasure trove of content, offering over 100 hours of gameplay between the two campaigns, side quests, and post-game challenges.”
- “Its compelling story, deep gameplay mechanics, and massive content make it a standout title that offers countless hours of entertainment.”
- “This game is 90% dialogue, 10% generic gameplay.”
- “You will like this for a few hours before the basic, repetitive, boring, and dare I say desperate gameplay brings you back into the fetal position you started in when you were looking for games to play.”
- “The gameplay is very repetitive like Pokémon or other similar collect and level type games.”
grinding
632 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
1%
98%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players, with many noting it as a significant part of the experience. While some find the grind tedious and frustrating, especially with the need to evolve and de-evolve Digimon for optimal stats, others appreciate the depth it adds to team building and the satisfaction of leveling up. Overall, players who enjoy grinding in JRPGs may find it rewarding, but those averse to repetitive tasks might find it overwhelming.
- “The RPG elements play exactly like the Nintendo DS versions of Digimon World DS/Dusk/Dawn with great tweaks and improvements to the training and combat; it isn't as tedious to level up or scan for data.”
- “It's not very grindy as you do not require the best or max level Digimons to finish the game, at least for normal difficulty.”
- “The game itself is fairly easy and is mostly story-driven; gameplay is fun and surprisingly not grindy. In fact, this is probably the first Digimon game I am aware of that you can beat without grinding at all.”
- “The game is extremely grindy, and if you do not create platinum numemons, your digimons will level up very slowly.”
- “The grinding is so slow and tedious, if it bothers you just look up a guide on youtube as that helped me enjoy the game a lot more casually rather than just burning myself out on level farming alone.”
- “This game is the single most tedious turn-based RPG ever.”
graphics
283 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
54%
6%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant art style and detailed character designs, particularly for the Digimon, while others criticize the dated visuals and lack of modern graphical enhancements. Although the game showcases colorful aesthetics and smooth animations, it often feels like a port from older systems, leading to some repetitive environments and low-resolution textures. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered decent for a game originally released on the PS Vita, they may not meet the expectations of players accustomed to more contemporary titles.
- “Visually, Cyber Sleuth shines with its colorful character designs, detailed Digimon models, and sleek cyberpunk aesthetic.”
- “Graphically, the complete edition benefits from polished character models, detailed environments, and vibrant animations that bring the Digimon and their world to life.”
- “The graphics are amazing and the gameplay takes me back to the days of Digimon World: Dawn and Dusk.”
- “The maps are mediocre, the graphics are bad, the text boxes remind me of the Game Boy Advance days.”
- “The graphics look 'pretty' until you look closer and see the seams and repetitive assets (or in some cases straight up PNG backgrounds).”
- “The graphics and level design are very poor, a lot of the 2D assets used for buildings and backgrounds look very blurry and low-res, and the areas feel like you're going through corridors with countless invisible walls slapped onto everything.”
music
258 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
47%
10%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its catchy and atmospheric qualities, particularly highlighting the work of composer Masafumi Takada, known for his contributions to the Danganronpa series. However, many players note that the soundtrack can become repetitive and lacks memorable tracks, with some ambient pieces failing to leave a lasting impact. Overall, while the music enhances the game's vibe, it is often described as serviceable rather than exceptional, with a few standout tracks amidst a generally limited selection.
- “The soundtrack is equally impressive, blending catchy electronic beats with emotional tracks that enhance the story’s tone.”
- “The soundtrack complements the cyberpunk-meets-fantasy vibe perfectly, featuring a mix of electronic beats and melodic themes that enhance both the tension of battle and the quiet moments of story progression.”
- “The music is outstanding, definitely one of the best aspects of the game.”
- “The combat is lifeless and static, the sound design is stupidly unbalanced, the music is uninspired and it's only ambient sounds in the real world.”
- “The music is so repetitive and generic too, which makes it even worse. You will be playing the same level over and over and you will hear that dungeon music for hours before you get to the next point of plot.”
- “A mediocre RPG with obnoxiously repetitive dungeons and a bare bones repetitive soundtrack that quickly becomes grating.”
humor
89 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in the game is a mix of mature and juvenile elements, often blending absurdity with heartfelt moments, which resonates well with fans of anime culture. Players appreciate the variety of comedic styles, from clever dialogue and quirky character interactions to absurd fetch quests, though some find certain jokes cringe-worthy or poorly executed. Overall, the humor adds a light-hearted charm to the game, making it entertaining despite its occasional flaws in translation and pacing.
- “A mixture of hilarious moments, this whole gonzo plotline in both games that features incredible amounts of rule of cool virtual reality insanity, and a couple of actually well-handled concepts like Erika and Ryuji's relationship in Hacker's Memory manage to just elevate this to a delightfully memorable mess, which is basically where I feel Digimon is at its best.”
- “The dialogue is hilarious a lot of the time, the characters are amazing, I love watching them talk and interact.”
- “The game has a great sense of humor and tends to make fun of stereotypes like anime fans and gamers.”
- “Most of it is cringey; some of it is funny.”
- “Your character dies, and the version you play in the post-game is a reconstruction of your past self based on the memories of your Digimon. In a moment that's supposed to be funny and sentimental, it just becomes openly problematic when you make the disgusting coffee that she used to make with you.”
emotional
61 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
82%
18%
The emotional aspect of "Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory" is widely praised for its compelling storytelling, which evokes strong feelings through well-developed characters and impactful plot twists. Many players report experiencing deep emotional connections, particularly during the game's finale, which is described as heart-wrenching and memorable. While some critiques mention pacing issues and a tedious narrative, the overall sentiment highlights the game's ability to blend lighthearted moments with profound emotional depth, making it a standout in the Digimon series.
- “The plot is filled with twists, emotional moments, and ethical dilemmas, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the consequences of technology on society.”
- “Hacker's memory made me cry.”
- “Overall I loved every moment of the game, both stories were heartwarming and I couldn't recommend it more!”
- “The worst part about this game is the very boring story, especially since you have to progress it to be able to capture more Digimon and to be able to evolve them. You are also forced to do a lot of uninteresting side quests to progress the story, since if you don't complete a certain amount per chapter, you can't progress.”
- “Not worth even on sale. I like Digimon and I like RPGs, but this is both boring story and gameplay-wise.”
- “You cannot even have a decent party until you unlock memory ups, which you only get if you slog through a mind-numbingly long boring story.”
character development
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
48%
8%
Character development in "Cyber Sleuth" and "Hacker's Memory" is generally praised for its depth and complexity, with many players appreciating the engaging storylines and the evolution of both main and side characters. While some character designs received mixed reviews, the overall narrative is noted for balancing nostalgia with innovation, offering heartfelt moments and a diverse cast that enhances the gaming experience. However, there are criticisms regarding certain character portrayals and design choices that detract from the overall quality of character development.
- “What makes this edition particularly notable is how it balances nostalgia with innovation, delivering an engaging story-driven RPG with complex character development, diverse Digimon rosters, and strategic battles that demand thoughtful planning and adaptability.”
- “My favorite of the two is Hacker's Memory, which has an improved narrative component and offers a compelling story that's focused on character development instead of its event-driven counterpart (base Cyber Sleuth).”
- “For the side characters, I really liked that even in a JRPG setting, which usually focuses on main character development, some side characters have distinct characteristics and development.”
- “There's no character development whatsoever on your part.”
- “Literally none of the characters presented so far are even remotely likable, and the character designs are an absolute mess.”
- “It's still a decent story but it's just messy in getting to the point and most of the fluff story that aren't serious barely gives any character development for anyone and are just basically wacky adventures.”
replayability
41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
61%
7%
The game offers significant replayability, primarily due to its extensive content, dual narrative approach, and a variety of Digimon to collect and evolve. However, some players noted that unskippable cutscenes and certain gameplay mechanics can detract from the experience, leading to mixed opinions on its overall replay value. While many find it enjoyable enough to return to, others feel that the lack of incentives and repetitive elements limit its long-term appeal.
- “While it has a few minor flaws, such as a slow start and occasional grind, these are easily overshadowed by the game’s charm, polish, and replayability.”
- “This dual narrative approach greatly increases replayability and narrative depth, encouraging players to explore both sides of the digital mystery.”
- “The wide variety of Digimon to collect and customize added depth and replay value to the game, even if some dungeons will get recycled a couple of times.”
- “Replayability is based solely on digivolving, which funnels into plot progression.”
- “Some annoying things about this game would be unskippable cutscenes and text, which takes away from replayability.”
- “There isn't a big incentive for replayability.”
optimization
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
51%
10%
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly on PC and Nintendo Switch with stable performance and no major crashes, some players experience significant stuttering and performance drops, particularly in larger areas or during late-game battles. Suggested fixes, such as disabling threaded optimization for NVIDIA GPUs, can help improve performance, but some users still report issues that affect gameplay pacing. Despite these concerns, many players appreciate the solid performance and graphical quality, especially considering its origins as a Vita title.
- “The game runs smoothly on both PC and Nintendo Switch, making it accessible to a wide audience.”
- “Runs smoothly on PC with no major FPS drops or crashes.”
- “It's got great Digimon variety, an engaging battle system, surprisingly good graphics for what was originally a Vita game, and the optimization seems pretty good so far in my experience.”
- “Updated NVIDIA driver, windowed 720p, having a hacker's memory save, disabled threaded optimization in NVIDIA control panel, etc. All the suggested fixes and it just keeps happening.”
- “Every hour, the performance dropped and it stuttered like crazy, even though I have a powerful PC.”
- “Worst of all, the performance issues extend beyond just stutters and jitters; it in fact 'steals time'.”
stability
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
10%
70%
Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance and minimal crashes, some have encountered bugs, particularly with achievements and online multiplayer features. Users have noted that troubleshooting can resolve issues, and the game runs well even on low-end PCs, but there are still complaints about occasional freezing and graphical glitches. Despite these concerns, a significant number of players have enjoyed a stable experience, highlighting the game's potential when functioning properly.
- “10/10, also runs great on Steam Deck, just have to run it in desktop mode.”
- “Runs great even on my super low-end PC, 60fps is decadent.”
- “The graphics look beautiful as they would on these consoles, and I experienced no glitches.”
- “I have been troubleshooting all day.”
- “There are buggy achievements, missable achievements, and one of the single grindiest achievements I have seen in a long time.”
- “Not to mention the buggy, laggy mess when you walk in a room, and the blurry pixel walls.”
monetization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
29%
57%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing it as a "cash grab" due to its perceived lack of content and poor execution. While there are no microtransactions, which some players appreciate, others find the gameplay grindy and feel that the overall monetization strategy is poorly implemented.
- “It can be a little grindy if you're not willing to use exploits, but it's manageable; also, there are no microtransactions (kind of a shame I have to even clarify this).”
- “It just feels like a half-baked cash grab.”
- “This game is a super lazy cash grab with a tacked-on garbage story, awful pacing, and even worse translation. It's been balanced around a dead-on-arrival PvP feature, making single-player gameplay feel slow and boring.”
- “There was for sure a lack of advertising, as I never would have found this game if I had not done my research after seeing the new game hit the front page of Steam.”
atmosphere
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
14%
29%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with graphics and sound design closely mirroring the original title. The soundtrack effectively enhances the mood, featuring a blend of upbeat and atmospheric tracks, while each area is rich in style and filled with engaging content. Overall, the unique environments and cohesive atmosphere contribute significantly to the game's immersive experience.
- “The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a mix of upbeat and atmospheric tracks that enhance the mood of the game.”
- “Can't believe how each and every one of them is unique in its own way and fits the atmosphere perfectly.”
- “The atmosphere, graphics, sounds—everything is exactly like the first game.”
- “Each area is brimming with style and atmosphere, filled with secrets, quests, and side content that makes exploring a joy.”

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80%Critics’ scoreBased on 25 critic reviews

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69h Median play time

88h Average play time

20-100h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 57 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is a role playing game with anime and science fiction themes.

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and others.

On average players spend around 88 hours playing Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth.

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth was released on October 17, 2019.

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth was developed by h.a.n.d., Inc..

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Digimon Survive, Digimon World: Next Order, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, Tales of Berseria, Tales of Arise and others.

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth

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