Review: Anima: Gate of Memories – The Nameless Chronicles (PlayStation 4)

Anima The Nameless Chronicles is a third person action RPG that tells the story of a man without a name, an immortal being cursed to walk the world until the end of time.

Pros:

• Cool graphics, Almost cel-shaded.
• 4.65GB Download size.
• Platinum trophy.
• Controls- Invert axis and sensitivity slider.
• Two difficulties- Easy and normal.
• 3D Adventure RPG gameplay.
• Combat is fast and hack n slash, Acts like Bayonetta or Devil May Cry with aerial juggles and long-range attacks along with special moves.
• Combo counter.
• Earn EXP and level up, Select points on the skill tree to unlock new moves and/or buffs. All skills have links between them which give an additional buff usually extra health.
• Lock on the target system with the ability to change target.
• Items- Collectible in game. Health potions, items, and gear.
• Levels are big.
• Some fantastic locations.
• Ki- This is used for long-range attacks and use your powers to enhance your blade. It can be replenished.
• Controller shortcut-Assign items for ease of use.
• Special attacks can be assigned to buttons of your choice.
• Uses DS4 touchpad. Only as a button but still.
• Boss battles, A lot of boss battles.
• Hidden extra areas.
• Unlock a huge array of attacks and very easy to string a set of combos together.
• Light puzzles littered around.
• Central hub area that has a purpose (no spoilers) with an overall puzzle that needed pieces to solve.
• Controls are laid out and easy to use.
• Able to traverse all lands previously visited.
• A wide range of enemies.
• The story is good.
• Cool slow mo upon killing a guy.

Cons:

• Loading screens between areas and I tell you, you see the loading screen a lot.
• No tutorial.
• Never sure what you are doing.
• A lot of backtracking.
• Confusing level design.
• Combat is not great for the first few hours as you just cannot string it together and really get it all going.
• Constant knockbacks when getting it.
• Annoying sections, One with spikes coming out of a wall spring to mind. Terrible hit detection and checkpoint on it.
• Enemies spawn in certain areas but they really put too many in, The whole encounter outstays its welcome.
• Same music track kicks in every encounter and there is a lot of encounters, Het sometimes the music just plays.
• A lot of boss battles.
• Very dry voice work.
• Parts are just flat-out confusing.