TLDR;
This video is a retrospective review of the 1999 PlayStation game Digimon World. The video covers the game's origins as a virtual pet adaptation, its gameplay mechanics, world-building, and overall experience. It highlights the unique aspects of the game, such as its non-linear evolution system and town-building elements, while also addressing its flaws, like the lack of clear guidance and the time-consuming nature of certain tasks.
- Digimon World is a unique RPG that adapts the virtual pet concept into an adventure game.
- The game features a non-linear evolution system, town-building elements, and a challenging but rewarding gameplay loop.
- Despite its flaws, Digimon World has a soul and offers a memorable experience for those who click with it.
Introduction to Digimon and Personal History [0:00]
The author introduces his history with the Digimon franchise, noting that it was a series he enjoyed as a child but had limited ways to engage with. He mentions collecting trading cards, owning transforming toys, and watching VHS tapes of the movie. He expresses that it's easier to be a fan now as an adult due to new series, collectibles, and the franchise's active acknowledgment of its older fans. He also mentions that he didn't get a chance to play the video games until he was in college, when his roommate introduced him to Cyber Sleuth for the PS4.
Digimon World on the PlayStation [0:15]
The author discusses his anticipation for playing Digimon World on the PlayStation, a game he was excited about as a child but couldn't play due to its T rating. He expresses his excitement to finally play the game and see if it lives up to his expectations after over 20 years of curiosity. He shows off his copy of the game, commenting on the American box art and its tagline, as well as the Japanese box art done by Kenji Watanabe.
Premise and Origins of Digimon World [3:42]
The video explains the game's premise, where the player is a kid in Japan who gets sucked into the digital world and tasked by Jijimon to recruit Digimon to rebuild File City. The author points out that the game predates the anime and is actually based on the Tamagotchi virtual pet. He describes the Tamagotchi and its gameplay loop of feeding, training, and cleaning up after the virtual pet. He also mentions the Dreamcast's virtual memory unit (VMU) as another example of a virtual pet device. Bandai created Digimon as a spin-off of the Tamagotchi, designed to appeal to young boys with edgier creatures that could battle each other. The author also touches on the Bandai vital bracelet, a modern take on the v-pet concept that incorporates physical activity.
Gameplay: Raising Your Digimon [9:19]
The video details the gameplay loop of raising a Digimon in Digimon World. The player starts with either an Agumon or Gabumon, depending on their answers to Jijimon's questions. The player must stock up on food, primarily meat from the farm run by Tanemon, and train their Digimon at the Green Gym to raise stats like HP, MP, offense, defense, speed, and brains. Time progresses as the player trains, and the Digimon evolves based on its stats at the end of a certain time period. After reaching the Champion or Ultimate level, the Digimon will die of old age and reform as a Digitama, allowing the player to choose a new evolution tree.
Evolution Mechanics and the Evolution Tool [12:52]
The video explains the non-linear evolution trees in Digimon World, which differ from the anime's linear paths. The player needs to carefully manage stats to achieve specific evolutions, and the game doesn't provide much guidance on this process. The author recommends using Sid Montage's online Evolution tool, which helps players determine the necessary criteria for specific Digimon evolutions, including stats, weight, care mistakes, discipline, happiness, and techniques.
Care Mistakes, Weight, Happiness, and Discipline [19:36]
The video explains the various factors that influence Digimon evolution, including care mistakes, weight, happiness, and discipline. Care mistakes occur when the player fails to meet the Digimon's needs, such as feeding it, letting it sleep, or cleaning up after it. Weight is controlled by feeding the Digimon, with different foods affecting its weight differently. Happiness and discipline are bonus criteria that can influence evolution, and they can be raised by praising or scolding the Digimon. The video also mentions acquiring texts (new attacks) as another bonus criteria for evolution.
Battling and Exploration [26:14]
The video transitions to the battling and exploration aspects of Digimon World. Outside of File City, Digimon are scattered throughout the island, and the player can battle them to earn bits (the game's currency). The battle system relies on the Digimon's stats and techniques, with the player having limited direct control. The player can use the Finish gauge for a powerful finishing technique and train the Digimon's brain stat to call out specific techniques during battle. The player can also use recovery items to restore HP and MP. Losing battles can result in the Digimon losing lives and eventually dying, which has negative consequences for the next evolution cycle.
Recruiting Digimon and File City [35:20]
The video discusses the process of recruiting Digimon to File City. Some Digimon require battles, while others need help with tasks or have specific requirements. As the player recruits more Digimon, File City grows and new facilities and services become available. The video highlights some of the unique recruitment quests, such as working retail for Monochroman and fishing for Seadramon. The growth of File City is a visual reward for the player's efforts, and it provides new tools and benefits that aid in the training process.
Progression and World Building [45:29]
The video emphasizes the sense of progression in Digimon World, even though the Digimon partner routinely reverts to a weaker form. The recruitments provide new tools that make the training process easier, and the player gains more control over the experience as they build connections and strengthen their community. The video also praises the game's world-building, highlighting the unique environments, music, and character designs. The video also touches on the game's story, which involves gathering information on a vague emergency threatening the world.
Mount Infinity and the Analog Man [57:26]
The video describes the final area of the game, Mount Infinity, which is a challenging gauntlet filled with enemies and boss Digimon. The player eventually confronts the Analog Man, a human who survived the previous war with the Digimon and seeks to control them. The Analog Man challenges the player to a battle against his strongest slave, Machinedramon.
Final Battle and Ending [1:00:12]
The video details the final battle against Machinedramon, which the author describes as a tough and intimidating fight. After losing the first attempt, the author uses stat-boosting chips to power up his Digimon and defeat Machinedramon. The Analog Man escapes to the real world and threatens to destroy File Island, but the recruited Digimon help send the destruction code back to his base, destroying it and presumably killing him. The player returns to File City, and the credits roll. The video also mentions a post-game scenario where the Analog Man returns, offering additional content and challenges.
Recommendation and Final Thoughts [1:05:32]
The video concludes with the author's recommendation of Digimon World. He acknowledges the game's flaws, such as its overdrawn mechanics and poor communication, but praises its unique qualities and the connection it fosters with the player and the world. He compares the game's lack of guidance to the early days of Minecraft, where players had to rely on forums and guides to understand the game. The author states that Digimon World has a soul and that the developers cared about creating a living, functional world. He encourages viewers to try the game, noting that it may not be for everyone but that it offers a memorable experience for those who click with it.
Final Words and Patreon Shoutouts [1:10:25]
The author expresses his gratitude for completing the Digimon World review, acknowledging the unexpected amount of work it required. He thanks his Patreon supporters for their support and gives a shout-out to his top-tier patrons. He also mentions that he has easier content planned for the near future and that there will be no Metroid month this year.