Common Sense Media Review
By David Chapman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Digimon franchise grows up in adventure collection.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Complete Edition
What's It About?
In the world of DIGIMON STORY: CYBER SLEUTH COMPLETE EDITION, nearly all electronic devices are connected via a massive cyberspace network dubbed "EDEN." Recently, though, EDEN has been the source of some unusual problems. People have been plugging into the network, but found themselves unable to leave. Meanwhile, there have been reports of digital monsters, or Digimon, making their home within this virtual reality. In Cyber Sleuth, players are first introduced to this world after a malfunctioning EDEN leaves them somehow caught in a state between the real world and the virtual one, as a sort of half-digital creation. With the unique ability to exist in both planes simultaneously, players must recruit Digimon helpers, joining forces to uncover the source of EDEN's corruption. Meanwhile, in Hacker's Memory, players take on the role of a young boy whose EDEN account is stolen in an attack on the system. Now framed for a crime they didn't commit, players must dive deep into the EDEN framework to recover their identity, discovering and befriending various Digimon creatures, using their help in tracking down the real culprit of the crimes which they've been accused of. Is it possible that both mysteries tie together as a part of a bigger conspiracy? One that threatens both human and Digimon alike?
Is It Any Good?
It was back in 2016 when this franchise debuted on the PlayStation 4 with a fresh take on the popular series. After establishing a whole new, somewhat more mature Digimon Universe, the game's sequel came along with another, even grittier spin on things, cementing these shifts in the status quo and giving eager fans something unexpected, and now, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Complete Edition brings both of these adventures to a new audience. Packaging the two games together makes for a huge Digimon adventure. Alone, each game already kept players constantly busy, whether by following the story, taking on a litany of side quests, or caring for and playing with your Digimon pals on their virtual refuge. Doubling up on that is a massive time sink that can feel a bit daunting and exhausting, but still a lot of fun … much like binging a show on Netflix.
Admittedly, the Cyber Story games already looked a little dated when they first came out in 2016, and not much has been done to improve on that in the years since. The animations are still a bit stiff and there are still issues with the in-game camera. Things improve significantly in combat, where the animation is dynamic, smooth, and chock-full of action. And while Hacker's Memory seemed more like an expansion than a true sequel when it was first released, the game's "more of the same" feeling feels perfectly fine when packed in with the original. Moving right from one game to the other feels like a much more natural progression this time around.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about creating and developing friendships. What are some of the ways we build relationships with others and what can help to strengthen bonds of friendship?
How much do our interests change as we get older? What are some of the reasons we hold onto certain childhood interests and is it good to have those things evolve and grow with us over time?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Switch , Windows
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Bandai Namco
- Release date : October 18, 2019
- Genre : Role-Playing
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy , STEM
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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