Relayer

With a compelling ensemble and intriguing world to build off of, Relayer has the building blocks of a promising new IP, but too many key flaws hold it back from being truly great.

A great cast and a deep job system make Relayer an endearing strategy RPG that is sure to delight mecha fans.

Despite quibbles, though, Relayer is a solid entry into the canon of mecha-based strategy titles. Kadokawa Games developed an original, endearing sci-fi RPG with a strong character focus. It may be held back by its rougher edges, but anyone with a love of sci-fi anime should give it a look.

If you're looking for a hardcore SRPG then you'll likely be disappointed by Relayer but it's still a satisfying spacefaring adventure that features enjoyable cinematic combat, incredible audio, and a memorable cast of characters.

Relayer is a very solid and fun SRPG, with an interesting story, a rich and captivating cast of characters and great systems, which only suffers from its localization problems and the technical issues seen in the PS5 version. If you are a fan of the genre, this is yet another gem that should be on your radar.

Relayer gets so much right. It’s gorgeous on the eyes, the narrative is twisty and fun in the way that the very best pulp sci-fi can be, and the traditional tactics JRPG action is well-executed and clean. It takes such joy in what it is doing that I can’t imagine there will be many people that walk away from it without a smile on their faces. While it might not do enough to stand out as one of the greats of the genre, it is more than worth your time, especially if you’ve ever looked to space and wondered just what tactical warfare up there might look like.

Do you want a completely average, by-the-numbers strategy RPG that revolves around giant robots? Relayer will probably scratch that itch. If you're looking for anything more than that, it falls flat. Nothing the game offers excels beyond "average," and there are enough nagging flaws and problems that you have to put some effort into getting to the good bits. There's the makings of a better sequel here, but for now, Relayer barely makes the grade.

If, however, you enjoy your anime, mecha, turn-based tactics, and a deep and interesting story with a rich cast of attractive characters, it’s easy to recommend Relayer. It’s really as close to a playable sci-fi anime as it gets, and I’m all for it.

Relayer sprinkles in some small, yet surprisingly impactful changes to the tactical RPG formula. Being able to check threat squares and an aggro list, alongside an awesome limit break feature really help this title soar. The gameplay itself is so compelling, and the emotionally resonant space opera pays off in spades. Don’t miss Relayer.

Relayer’s story carries the feels of the old 80s and 90s action robot animation series. The protagonist sisters soldier on throughout the story, unaware that there are plot twists lurking in several corners of the arc. Although the game bears a fantastic storytelling, the in-game system of combat and mechanics show signs of disappointment which fails to support the aligned scenarios within it. While the combat is based on simulation RPG, countless repetitive animations and uncomfortable UI caused unintended actions to occur frequently. Also, the status effects in this game are quite unfit for a single player game.