Scarlet Nexus is a very good new JRPG from Namco Bandai, and in my review of Scarlet Nexus I discussed the engaging combat and characters. Now that the review is over, I reflect on my time spent with the game.

I came to the conclusion that one of the reasons I liked Scarlet Nexus was its clarity. The game teaches you how to use the mechanics, introduces you to the characters, and tells a story while letting you take down the bad guys. There is no turn-based combat to bore you, and while you might be burned at the stake for saying so, the plot doesn't require you to pay close attention to deciphering obscure literature.

Many JRPGs are trapped in complexity for complexity's sake. From the sheer number of characters to the vague references to previous works in the series, some of these games can be quite overwhelming, especially if you have an attention span problem. Not to mention the sequels, several of which can take more than 60 hours alone.

And more power to those who enjoy these games. They certainly have interesting stories, relatable characters, and impressive worldviews that rival many Western novels. But there is no denying that many of these games are also a serious time investment, and some of them take a while before the action really gets going.

Unfortunately, this has led to a growing number of people shying away from the genre. Some players don't have the time, energy, or willpower to sit through the prologue, which can take hours before anything begins. For example, I had to stop playing Trail of the Coldhearted after 30 hours because it still didn't get going. [Scarlet Nexus, on the other hand, kept me hooked throughout the campaign. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, and unlike many turn-based games, I was excited by the combat sequences because I wasn't bored by the core of the game.

Scarlet Nexus does not dance around in the bushes. It tells you what is going on and lets the bad guys get past you to get to the next line of dialogue. This game shows how developers can tell a story as good as a JRPG without making it complicated. As much as I love to immerse myself in deep lore and rich worlds, I know there is a limit before my brain checks out and moves on.

"Scarlet Nexus" and "Nier Replicant" are two recent examples of JRPGs that focused on telling a story (partially through the game mechanics themselves) while giving the tools to succeed. You don't have to understand the political machinations or delve too deeply into the history of the world to enjoy what's going on. There are a few breadcrumbs to sort out what is actually going on, and enough depth to keep you interested. And the game leaves it up to you to create your own cannon about past events.

We all have our own preferences when it comes to what kind of stories we like. Traditional JRPGs as we know them have their ardent fans. But it's refreshing to see a game like "Scarlet Nexus" bring many of the genre's core strengths to a different stage. It's a great JRPG for old fans and newcomers alike, and I think many will enjoy its frank presentation.