Digimon World 4

For those who can’t tell their Pokèmon apart from their Digimon, seeing as both animated shows feature trained monsters that - while kind of cute - spend their days fighting to the death, it is Digimon that centers its attention on the monster rather than the trainer. Sure, the series is a Japanese import but it has developed such a loyal following that trading cards and videogames based on it are still being released. Among the games Digimon World 4 has come to the Xbox, but is it what fans have been waiting for? 

Part RPG and all action, Digimon World 4 lets you choose your Digimon monster and begin a story mode that’s straight out of the cartoons. You log into the main server as a new official member of the Digital Security Guard only to find the server suffering from a malfunction error that has all the Digi-Elves in an uproar. It seems that the team that was sent into the Death Valley server has not been heard from again so you are tasked with rescuing them and finding out what is causing the malfunction.

Starting in the main server, you’ll quickly experience the RPG side quickly since you’ll encounter NPCs you can stop to chat with while you explore your surroundings. It is here that you’ll come to learn a bit about the gameplay, mainly what your digital monster is capable of during battle. There are up to 16 different Digimon you can play as (Veemon, Dorumon, Agumon or Guilmon) but depending on which monster you chose each Digimon possess its own skills and abilities. For example, Veemon is a slash-skill specialist, meaning he’s got a mean sword slash. Aside from weapon skill differences, there’s MP Techniques you can select and use during combat. MP skills range from blast, heal and force powers.

The main server also functions as a home world where you can save your game, store collected items in a bank or trade items in shops or with other characters. The collectible items range from rare data crystals (BITS, they’re called here) as well are Trading Cards you can collect and trade. You can even purchase more powerful weapons or learn how to use the digivolve technique to evolve your digimon into a stronger monster.

Right off the bat you’ll notice that the game was meant to be played with others ... up to four to be exact. Even while playing solo you will see how other characters will refer to you as if you were part of a group. One character might say “Hello, you must be the new members!” or the classic “Hey, where did you guys come from?” Even in battle multiple enemies will attack you at once so if you’re not quick to block you’re in for a short trip back to the main server to start all over again. Playing with friends, battles will move along more quickly and isn’t it more fun to coordinate attacks with a group of friends?

It is because of this the game suffers as a solo experience. It also doesn’t help that the enemy somehow dishes more damage than you can even if you manage to equip some powerful Ability chips or deadlier weapons and level up. Brush past an enemy and you get hurt. Attempt a spin slash move and you get hurt. To make matters worse, the enemy AI isn’t even all that smart to begin with so they’ll miss a good majority of the time. This is too bad seeing as there are many dungeons in this game with a variety of enemies to go up against.

Digimon World 4 is not an attractive game to look at and it certainly won’t dazzle you with Xbox only effects. If anything this game looks like a great-looking PSOne game. The backgrounds are colorful and blockish in shape and the characters you’ll encounter will remind you of the cartoon. Still there’s nothing that will have you saying “Oooh, cool” out loud and the combat visual effects aren’t impressive enough.

There’s no voice acting found in this game so be prepared to read a lot of text messages and dialogue from NPC characters you’ll meet. What you will hear, though, are the sound effects and the game’s soundtrack ... all of that aren’t bad at all but nothing to write home about either. You’ll hear the popping of guns, sword slashes and the cartoon-like sound of your Digimon getting hurt. As for the game’s soundtrack, it’s not bad at all but then again it doesn’t stand out either.

Sadly, Digimon World 4 possessed all the right elements that could have made this one a fan favorite for those in the mood for a light RPG with plenty of action. Its flawed design is just too much to be ignored and gamers will quickly be frustrated by the game’s battles no matter how many weapons and skills you accumulate throughout the experience. The game’s saving grace is its co-op multiplayer mode that helps move the combat along more smoothly and makes more sense story-wise. Make this one a weekend rental if you’re into all things Digimon.

Gameplay: 6.5
This game was meant to be played with a group of friends seeing as plural references to multiple characters are made throughout the game. Sure you can play this one on your own, but you’ll find combat and interaction a bit on the frustrating side.

Graphics: 5.5
The Digimon classes are instantly recognizable but the rest of the game just doesn’t scream Xbox. Bright and colorful, the visuals won’t amaze but at least they do the digital monsters right.

Sound: 6.0
No voice acting means all you’ll hear are repetitive sound effects and a soundtrack that isn’t moving nor exciting but still pretty good.

Difficulty: Medium
Alone you’ll be getting killed quite often if you’re not armed well enough, have good armor or not blocking enemy blows. With up to four players on screen, combat is a breeze.

Concept: 6.9
A good majority of recognizable digital monsters are here and its fun to watch them in action seeing as each one has a specialty. There are trading cards to collect and trade, and dozens of items to trade and sell so you’ll be doing a lot of collecting.

Multiplayer: 7.5
The single-player game just isn’t a great experience overall but as an up to four player co-op game things just get a tad better. It’s just a lot more fun teaming up against the enemy as your favorite Digimon and also makes combat all the more enjoyable.

Overall: 6.5
Digimon World 4, you could have been a truly enjoyable Digimon game but with so many weaknesses this one won’t make a fan out of new gamers. This is actually too bad since it has all the right essentials and a co-op option that fits the game nicely enough. Sorry, Digi-fans, but this one is a weekend rental.