Digimon Story: Time Stranger PS5 Review. Digimon Story: Time Stranger is the latest instalment in the Digimon universe. In 2015, we were treated to a new type of Digimon game, one that draws inspiration from a long-time competitor but alters the formula to make it its own.
In Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, you go into a digital world, encounter digital creatures that you can “capture”, more so that you create, battle, and level up. While, at its core, similar to the other game/media franchise it is often compared to, Digimon added new twists and elements that fans of the Digimon show would truly love.
I’m pleased to report that all the systems I fell in love with back in 2015 are still in use and have been enhanced. Along with that, a fully voiced cast in both English and Japanese is here this time with more Digimon to tame and a more open world to explore. This is truly an upgrade in every way.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger Review
Truly The Next Step
I’ve put hundreds of hours into Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. The systems that game put in place to explain to my 1990s child brain how Digimon can Digivolve and why were something I’m still astounded by. Digimon Story: Time Stranger builds upon these aspects to not only make them feel fresh but also more rewarding.
A significant aspect of Digimon is the process of Digivolving to become stronger. In both the anime and game, this is acquired not just by leveling, but by having specific stats to branch an evolution off from a previous route. For example, Agumon often Digivolves into Graymon.
However, Digimon also have the ability to Digivolve into something different. So if Agumon needs to have their health above 1500 HP and your character needs to be Agent Level 3 (yes, your character comes into play also) to Digivolve into Graymon, as long as you have these boxes checked, it’s possible.
Nevertheless, if you wanted your Agumon to Digivolve into Tyrantamon instead, you may need Defense above 500 or Special Attack greater than 2000. All of these factors go into the Digivolution. Now, an amazing aspect of Digimon is the ability to De-Digivolve. This is a major portion of the game, allowing you to try different Digivolution paths.
For example, say you wanted Tyrantamon. You need an Agent level of 3 or higher and your Maximum defense to be greater than 500. You look, and your Augumon’s maximum defense is 450, and they are at maximum level. Some would see this and assume you would need a different Augmon to be able to Digivolve.
However, if you were to De-Diogivolve back down to Koromon or Digivolve up to Graymon (or any other Digimon available to Digivolve into) and level that Digmon up when you get back to Agumon, their max stats and abilities will be higher.
This is the genius behind Digimon Story. You are rewarded for consistently Digivolving and DeDigivolving. It is not only a requirement to acquire all Digimon, but it also allows players to live out their fantasy of becoming a Digidestin.
Digivolving Gets You To The Battle You Still Have To Fight.
While Digivolving is a key aspect and a large motivator for me to try and acquire all and the strongest Digimon, it’s not the only thing to worry about.
As you progress through the story, you will also be leveling up your character. Skills to allow better synergy between your Digimon. Gaining skills to enhance the health or defense of Digimon with specific personalities.
All of this is to give you and your Digimon an edge in battle. The battling gameplay is just what you would expect from a creature capture game, if you catch my drift. A turn-based exchange with faster Digimon going first or more often. Additionally, different Digimon have advantages and disadvantages based on their type.
A Digimon can be one of three types: Virus, a Vaccine, or a Data, with one type being strong to one and weak to the other. Just like Rock, Paper, Scissors. While this sounds simple with a lack of options, it is just complex enough with skills and stats that you never feel you can’t complete a battle.
If a problem arises, you can figure out a solution with just the Digimon in your party. Whether you have to just level to increase stats, or De-Digivolve and divert onto a different Digivolution path to complete your objective, the solutions are always at your disposal.
We Finally Get To Explore A Digital World
If you played the older Cyber Sleuth or Hacker’s Memory, one of my major gripes was the lack of the Digiworld. You get to explore it here and there, but you’re primarily stuck in Japan and EDEN, a space between the real and Digi worlds.
Time Stranger, I thought, was no different. When starting the game, you are thrown into a very firm and familiar game world if you have past experience with Digimon Story. But that quickly changes.
When the game begins, you start in Japan, in the same locations as the previous games, with additional space to explore. This was fine with me because it’s what I expected. After the past two games, I thought I understood what to expect from this franchise.
However, after a few hours of playing, I started to get increasingly excited. The small story beats of the Digital World that the other games had started showed up much quicker and more often than I was expecting. It finally happened; I was DigiDestined into the Digital World.
Not only was I not expecting this, but it was also technically the end of the intro with the Title Card appearing above this sprawling open world full of Digimon.
Digi-Rap
Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a frontrunner for my personal game of the year. Often, titles like this, which are for fans of a series of established anime, turn out to be disappointing. Digimon Story: Time Stranger breaks this mold by delivering us a game with deep systems and a unique story.
From Digimon evolving and learning what abilities and personalities each Digimon has and what works best for them, to a compelling story about time travel and saving the world from a Digital apocalypse, to allowing players to play the game how they like; Digimon: Time Stranger goes the extra length to provide something fresh.
Quality of life systems also go a long way to enhancing the experience, including auto-battling, auto or manual dialogue, and even quick attacks while you see wild Digimon that often result in a battle completion before the battle even starts.
I was truly amazed at how much this game surprised and delighted me. I knew that if it was even just a continuation of the previous games with just new Digimon added, I would be ecstatic. I’m in awe at how much more they’ve added, along with brand-new Digimon. Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a must-play for anyone who has ever wished to be a DigiDestin.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger releases for PS5 on October 3, 2025.
Review code kindly provided by PR.