Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

74%
Game Brain Score Based on 102 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Game Cover
While Tokyo Mirage Sessions is only going to appeal to a niche audience, it's a solid enough JRPG in its own right that it's worth checking out even if you're not a fan of either SMT or FE. However if you're in it for the story, you're likely to be disappointed.
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"Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE" is a single-player fantasy role-playing game that combines elements from the "Shin Megami Tensei" and "Fire Emblem" series. The game features an intriguing story, exceptional gameplay, spectacular visuals, and great music, immersing players in a captivating world filled with exciting battles and engaging characters. As described by the game itself, it is a crossover RPG developed by Atlus and Intelligent Systems for the Wii U.

  • Wii
  • Wii U
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

74%
Audience ScoreBased on 102 reviews
story15 positive mentions
grinding5 negative mentions
  • The combat system is engaging and fun, utilizing a mix of turn-based mechanics and flashy combo attacks that keep battles exciting.
  • The game features a colorful art style and a catchy soundtrack, with well-designed characters and enjoyable side quests that enhance character development.
  • The light-hearted story and quirky humor provide a refreshing change from darker RPGs, making it accessible to a wider audience.
  • The main character cannot be swapped out of the party, which can limit strategic options during battles.
  • The game lacks an English voice track, and some battle dialogue is not subtitled, which may detract from immersion for players unfamiliar with Japanese.
  • The idol theme and J-Pop elements may not resonate with all players, potentially alienating those expecting a more traditional RPG experience.
  • story46 mentions

    The story is characterized as light-hearted and somewhat silly, focusing on Japanese pop culture and idols, which may not appeal to everyone, particularly fans of darker narratives like those in Shin Megami Tensei or Persona series. While it features quirky humor and engaging character development, the plot is often seen as cliché and less impactful compared to other JRPGs, making it a fun but not deeply resonant experience. Overall, it offers an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, narrative that suits fans of upbeat RPGs.

    • “Overall, I've been enjoying the game immensely and would recommend it for story-rich RPG fans.”
    • “There is a lot of quirky humor with an interesting story behind it all, centering around Japanese pop culture and idols, whether they are singers, actors, or even models.”
    • “With a fun setting that doesn't take itself too seriously, a flashy and fun combat system, a lovably goofy plot and characters taken straight out of the 'anime cliche 101' handbook, it's a great, silly time that will last you about 60 hours depending on your personal preference with grinding.”
    • “The story is somewhat cliche, but it suits the game very nicely.”
    • “This game was disappointing for me because of the heavy j-pop/idol story.”
    • “However if you're in it for the story, you're likely to be disappointed.”
  • gameplay36 mentions

    Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE offers a vibrant blend of gameplay elements from Shin Megami Tensei and Persona, featuring strategic turn-based combat that emphasizes exploiting enemy weaknesses and a unique skill system. The game is praised for its well-designed mechanics, engaging character development, and a lively presentation that combines JRPG elements with a J-Pop aesthetic. While it retains familiar gameplay trappings, it introduces fresh mechanics that keep the experience dynamic and enjoyable.

    • “As for the gameplay itself, it features a neat skill system where exploiting enemy weaknesses allows for extra attacks.”
    • “The battle mechanics are interesting, performed on a stage complete with an audience, and easy to pick up, with lots of visual cues to help you figure out what abilities to use on what enemy.”
    • “Gameplay feels quick, strategic, and satisfying.”
    • “Decent game, but it is not really SMT or Fire Emblem outside of a few mechanics here and there.”
    • “Just when you think you've gotten accustomed to the gameplay, a new mechanic comes into play.”
    • “While combat and gameplay will feel by-the-numbers for Persona fans, the style, soundtrack, characters, and overall levity of this game is endearing, and makes for one of the most engaging, fun RPGs in recent memory.”
  • music35 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its catchy J-pop style, vibrant presentation, and integration with the gameplay, featuring unique pre-rendered cutscenes for each song. While some tracks may not be particularly memorable, the overall soundtrack is considered a highlight, enhancing the game's tone and themes. Players appreciate the effort put into the music, noting that it resonates even without understanding the lyrics, making it a significant aspect of the game's charm.

    • “The songs all get their own pre-rendered cutscenes that are an absolute treat to watch.”
    • “The soundtrack is also spot on and features songs and music videos.”
    • “The music complements the tone and themes of the game.”
    • “One major note however... it's best to know what you're getting into premise-wise, so if you're not cool with J-pop music, a silly story, or a focus on Japanese entertainment, you're best off waiting for either Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, Persona 5, or another JRPG altogether.”
    • “I was concerned whether the music would resonate with me since I don't speak or know Japanese.”
    • “While combat and gameplay will feel by-the-numbers for Persona fans, the style, soundtrack, characters, and overall levity of this game is endearing, and makes for one of the most engaging, fun RPGs in recent memory.”
  • graphics18 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their vibrant, anime-inspired art style and colorful designs, which complement the gameplay effectively. While some dungeon backgrounds may appear dated, the visuals are considered impressive for a Wii U title, featuring beautiful animated cutscenes and a cohesive aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. The combination of eccentric character designs and stylish presentation contributes to a visually appealing and immersive universe.

    • “The visuals are easy on the eyes; the style and designs mesh well with the game.”
    • “The visuals may not be the best the Wii U has to offer, but they are very pretty to look at, and the game has a nice visual style that extends not only to the menu and UI but also to the beautiful animated cutscenes.”
    • “Graphics are on par for a Wii U during battles, while some dungeon backgrounds look a little dated.”
    • “The graphics also look a lot like an anime and even resemble the CG cutscenes from Fire Emblem Awakening at times.”
    • “Graphics are colorful, but one most definitely won't miss the J-pop influences.”
  • character development5 mentions

    Character development in the game is highly praised, with players enjoying the growth of party members and the addition of new abilities, making it one of the standout features. The side stories contribute to a sense of realism in character arcs, although opinions on character designs vary, with some being considered lackluster. Overall, the engaging character development enhances the gameplay experience.

    • “This is where you get character development for your party members, additional abilities, and they're a lot of fun to do; it's definitely one of the best parts of the game.”
    • “While gripping, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE not only does a fantastic job of keeping gameplay challenging and diverse, but the side stories and character development seem real.”
    • “I love its art style and character design, especially for the Fire Emblem characters.”
    • “Some of the character designs are pretty lame though.”
    • “Some of the character designs are pretty lame though.”
  • grinding5 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while character growth encourages some grinding, the repetitive dungeon traversal and load screens can feel tedious. However, the engaging combat system and lighthearted setting help alleviate the monotony, making the overall experience enjoyable despite the grind.

    • “The need to keep traversing out of the dungeon and back through a bunch of load screens is tedious.”
    • “The growth of the characters was a driving force to do a little bit of grinding, but you don't need to spend too much time on monotonous battles.”
    • “It has its moments, but the game can get pretty tedious, more so than Persona.”
  • emotional5 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by heartwarming character growth and a lighthearted narrative, reminiscent of titles like Persona 4, though not as deeply engaging. Players appreciate the touching tribute to Satoru Iwata, which adds a layer of sentimentality to the experience. Overall, the game offers a blend of silly yet meaningful moments that resonate with fans of turn-based JRPGs.

    • “Watching Tsubasa, Kiria, Itsuki, and all the rest grow in their professions (while becoming more efficient battlers) is truly interesting and heartwarming at times.”
    • “They also had a touching thank you to Satoru Iwata for creating the opportunity for the game to come into the world.”
    • “If you like turn-based JRPGs with silly but heartwarming stories, give this a look.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The optimization in the game is well-executed, allowing players to strategically utilize session attacks and performance attacks to enhance combat effectiveness. The inclusion of ad-lib attacks and duo attacks adds depth and excitement, making battles more dynamic and rewarding, especially in challenging encounters. Overall, the mechanics encourage players to engage with the system for optimal performance in both combat and side quests.

    • “Using session attacks builds your SP meter, which allows for performance attacks.”
    • “Some performance attacks can deal high damage to all enemies, some can deal damage while inflicting ailments, some can fully heal the entire party, and some can heal and buff the party. Completing side quests can unlock ad-lib attacks; they trigger randomly off of certain skills while typically dealing much higher damage than the standard attacks.”
    • “Ad-lib performances and duo attacks are great; ad-libs can be a huge help in tough battles, and duo attacks are very powerful and really fun to watch.”
    • “The game suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during intense battles.”
    • “I found the loading times to be excessively long, which disrupts the flow of gameplay and makes it frustrating to engage with the story.”
    • “The lack of proper optimization for different hardware configurations means that players with lower-end systems experience significant performance problems.”
  • humor3 mentions

    The game features a lighthearted tone and a strong sense of humor, blending quirky elements with a unique narrative rooted in Japanese pop culture. While it includes serious moments, the overall comedic approach makes it a recommended choice for those seeking a funny RPG experience alongside moderately challenging combat.

    • “The tone of the game is pretty lighthearted for the most part, and it has a great sense of humor, though there are definitely more serious parts as well.”
    • “If you want a funny game with moderately challenging combat and a unique take on RPG themes, I definitely recommend it.”
    • “There is a lot of quirky humor with an interesting story behind it all, centering around Japanese pop culture and idols, whether they are singers, actors, or even models.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    The game offers strong replayability, allowing players to revisit cut scenes and access an in-game video gallery. Additionally, the New Game+ feature provides an extended experience for those seeking longer playthroughs.

    • “The replay value is enjoyable, allowing you to revisit all the cutscenes and access all the videos in the in-game gallery.”
    • “Very long if you want it to be, with New Game+ replayability.”
    • “The game offers a very long experience if you choose to engage in New Game Plus, but the replayability feels limited.”
    • “While the New Game Plus mode extends the playtime, it doesn't add enough new content to make replaying feel worthwhile.”
    • “After completing the game once, I found little incentive to replay it, as the changes in New Game Plus weren't significant enough.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

78% average critic score

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