On one hand, this game is an absolute mess. The mechanics are either explained poorly or not explained at all, battles mostly come down to spamming recovery items, moving between screens has a chance of having a hostile Digimon walk into you and initiate a battle before the screen fades back in, the translation is rough to say the least, et cetera et cetera. I can absolutely see how this could be called a bad game, and why it reviewed relatively poorly at release and is still seen as an incomprehensible chore to those outside its cult following.
However, having just finished it for the first time as a relatively new Digimon fan with zero childhood nostalgia for this game or this franchise, I must say that Digimon World is one of the most charming games I've ever played. The process of raising Digimon is cryptic, yes, but it is incredibly rewarding once you understand it (or, like me, are using a guide). The Digimon themselves are modeled very well by PS1 standards, there's a lot of personality behind their animations and sounds. Mojyamon's increasingly happy dances as you trade with him, Muchomon's confident little strut, Airdramon adorably curling up to sleep, all these little touches that add such life to these creatures without a single word of dialogue. But even then, the Digimon that do talk are equally charming. From little things like how Tanemon and Palmon remark about how relaxed they are sitting in their little plant pots, or Patamon's sudden curt and near monosyllabic way of speaking to you after getting a job as a shopkeeper, to larger quests such as Myotismon becoming so caught up in his research that he forgets to eat - nearly passing out in the process, or Ogremon trying to seek forgiveness after his game-long rivalry with you. These characters aren't the most fleshed-out ever written or anything, but they are definitely oozing with personality.
The main hub area, File City starts out pretty empty. Just a run-down house for Jijimon, an empty item bank, a toilet, a gym and a garden. But slowly, as you recruit more Digimon to the City, more buildings and NPCs are added. I tell you, few things in video games are as satisfying as coming back from a tough journey and finding out someone you met on said journey has opened up a new shop. Watching File City grow into a true haven is incredibly rewarding, to the point that I went out of my way to recruit every Digimon in the game to reach 100 prosperity points. Adding to that, the scenarios in which you recruit the Digimon to the city are all incredibly memorable. Some are a chore, namely the 5% chance encounters and Monochromon's godforsaken store minigame, but for the most part it's fun. Storming the Ogremon's numerous bases, Exploring the Grey Lord Mansion, Liberating Toy Town from the villainous WaruMonzaemon, going Curling with Penguinmon, there's hardly a dull moment.
I also want to give credit to the excellent atmosphere. The areas you explore feel simultaneously natural and unnatural. The dense jungles, open savannas, rocky cliffs and vast lakes are all filled with bizarre tech anachronisms. LED Signs built into the ground, outlets coming out of rocks, a mysterious invisible bridge, random PC terminals littered around, it's just so unusual and intriguing. These visuals combined with a soundtrack that ranges from environmental ambience to upbeat techno leads to a world that feels truly unique to explore.
Highly recommended, with a guide and a good amount of patience.
-IN MEMORIAM: THE DIGIMON WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES TO HELP SAVE FILE ISLAND-
Grimbo the MetalMamemon (2022-2023)
Flipsy the Megadramon (2023-2023)
Donut the HerculesKabuterimon (2023-2023)
Frank the Monzaemon (2023-2023)
Chili the MetalGreymon (2023- ) (he is still alive)
However, having just finished it for the first time as a relatively new Digimon fan with zero childhood nostalgia for this game or this franchise, I must say that Digimon World is one of the most charming games I've ever played. The process of raising Digimon is cryptic, yes, but it is incredibly rewarding once you understand it (or, like me, are using a guide). The Digimon themselves are modeled very well by PS1 standards, there's a lot of personality behind their animations and sounds. Mojyamon's increasingly happy dances as you trade with him, Muchomon's confident little strut, Airdramon adorably curling up to sleep, all these little touches that add such life to these creatures without a single word of dialogue. But even then, the Digimon that do talk are equally charming. From little things like how Tanemon and Palmon remark about how relaxed they are sitting in their little plant pots, or Patamon's sudden curt and near monosyllabic way of speaking to you after getting a job as a shopkeeper, to larger quests such as Myotismon becoming so caught up in his research that he forgets to eat - nearly passing out in the process, or Ogremon trying to seek forgiveness after his game-long rivalry with you. These characters aren't the most fleshed-out ever written or anything, but they are definitely oozing with personality.
The main hub area, File City starts out pretty empty. Just a run-down house for Jijimon, an empty item bank, a toilet, a gym and a garden. But slowly, as you recruit more Digimon to the City, more buildings and NPCs are added. I tell you, few things in video games are as satisfying as coming back from a tough journey and finding out someone you met on said journey has opened up a new shop. Watching File City grow into a true haven is incredibly rewarding, to the point that I went out of my way to recruit every Digimon in the game to reach 100 prosperity points. Adding to that, the scenarios in which you recruit the Digimon to the city are all incredibly memorable. Some are a chore, namely the 5% chance encounters and Monochromon's godforsaken store minigame, but for the most part it's fun. Storming the Ogremon's numerous bases, Exploring the Grey Lord Mansion, Liberating Toy Town from the villainous WaruMonzaemon, going Curling with Penguinmon, there's hardly a dull moment.
I also want to give credit to the excellent atmosphere. The areas you explore feel simultaneously natural and unnatural. The dense jungles, open savannas, rocky cliffs and vast lakes are all filled with bizarre tech anachronisms. LED Signs built into the ground, outlets coming out of rocks, a mysterious invisible bridge, random PC terminals littered around, it's just so unusual and intriguing. These visuals combined with a soundtrack that ranges from environmental ambience to upbeat techno leads to a world that feels truly unique to explore.
Highly recommended, with a guide and a good amount of patience.
-IN MEMORIAM: THE DIGIMON WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES TO HELP SAVE FILE ISLAND-
Grimbo the MetalMamemon (2022-2023)
Flipsy the Megadramon (2023-2023)
Donut the HerculesKabuterimon (2023-2023)
Frank the Monzaemon (2023-2023)
Chili the MetalGreymon (2023- ) (he is still alive)
2 Comments
Thank you!
ninedrive
6 months ago