February 10, 2020
Playtime so far: 14 hrs 52 mins – Chapter 3: The Next Generation
My primary interest in picking up Tokyo Mirage Sessions was learning that this was what came from the Fire Emblem X Shin Megami Tensei trailer from 2013. Something that had my attention enough to consider getting a Wii U, when the game comes out. It never properly did, and I still don’t have a Wii U. I have a Switch however! And Tokyo Mirage Sessions received an updated for the Switch.
Starting the game, and learning how the plot will play out, I had to laugh for a second at just how different it is from what I’m used to with Megami Tensei. But in all honesty, I’m enjoying the absurd nature. The plot of the game revolves around teenagers being drawn into a world of Mirage’s (Demons) wanting to take over the hearts and bodies of people with strong “Performa” spirits. You, Itsuki Aoi, are drawn into this world when your childhood friend Tsubasa as kidnapped into the Idolasphere (demon dimension) at an Idol audition. Her initial goal being to become an Idol so she can discover what happened to her sister, a pro-Idol who disappeared in an incident known as the Great Dissaperance. Something she is one of only two survivors for. While rescuing her from the Idolosphere, Itsuki and Tsubaba become fused with Mirage spirits that wish to help and to try to remember who they truly are. Along the way, more members of the cast are revealed, and show themselves to be talented Mirage users. Such as the Tokusatsu obsessed Touma, the pro-Idol and singer Kiria, and Hollywood obsessed Eleonora.
The game is split into Chapters (which given the pop idol nature, feels like it should be Episodes), that sees the cast go through new dungeons and fight new Mirage monsters in order to free corrupted souls.
While the game casts Itsuki Aoi (who lives up to Aoi* with his love of the colour blue) as the main character, given he is the one you play as. It would be more accurate to say that Tsubasa is the central protagonist. Everything seems driven by her wishes and success. This isn’t a bad thing, infact, it feels somewhat fresh and interesting to see the player character taking a back seat, rather than the be all, end all, god amongst people despite having a bland personality. It feels as though you are just thrown into this world, and watching your friends succeed while you try to stumble your way through and help.
*Aoi means Blue
Going into the game, I’m not a fan of Fire Emblem so trying to spot references is a little difficult, but as a Megami Tensei fan, what I recognise, I really enjoy. Something about seeing the spells ‘Agi’, ‘Bufu’ and ‘Zan’ just made me very happy. I love seeing the demon apocalypse aesthetic of the Shin Megam Tensei games, but it’s nice to step back a little and enjoy those mechanics in a somewhat less stressful situation. It’s also interesting to spot Megami Tensei references in the overworld. Like Jack Frost being the mascot for a convenience store.
So far, the game is heavily enjoyable. The occasional musical interlude is interesting, and the song Reincarnation is pretty damn catchy, but it’s very clear they are there for fans of things like Uta No Prince Sama, Love Live, or K-On! Personally, if this was what they were going for, I’d enjoy something more AKB0048 inspired with a little more sci-fi thrown in.
The side quests are manageable so far, and the use of Intermission Chapters makes them feel genuinely doable. Something I tend to struggle with when it comes to JRPGs. I want to do the side quests, but it often feels like I have a lack of time.
Even outside of its Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei roots, Tokyo Mirage Sessions is an engrossing and fun play with plenty to do. Worth the pickup on the Switch, I’m glad this gem wasn’t condemned to simply being a Wii U diamond.