13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim review: Talkin’ ’bout big ole’ robots
By Byron Smith
The Combat
This battle system is possibly the most unique and satisfying battle system I have experienced in 2020.
The game puts the player in control of typically six pilots who control giant mechs of different types and styles. The player can put together the 13 pilots in different teams and combinations to specifically plan and prepare for the various enemy types that will be in the upcoming levels. The pilots can roughly fit into a few key categories, but once they get a few levels beneath them and start learning their unique skills and abilities, they all become unique in their own way.
These pilots are tasked with defending themselves or key locations from the incoming waves of enemies. These enemies come in all shapes and sizes and varieties: big, small, flying, underground, armored, fast, slow, aggressive, defensive. Upon defeating all of the enemies (or lasting a certain amount of time, but it is typically faster to eliminate all of the enemies) the level is considered cleared and the player can move on to the next segment.
The pilots have all sorts of offensive weaponry to help dispose of the attacking foes, from melee weapons to laser beams, to machine guns, to giant missiles, to EMPs, to mines, and everything in between.
These moves are all huge, hit for a ton, and feel extremely satisfying. Punching an enemy throws that back miles, machine guns feel spastic and sharp, laser beams feel like they can level miles, and missiles… like the most powerful attack in all of gaming. Like shooting missiles level all enemies, do immeasurable amounts of damage and will clear waves of enemies by themselves.
This combat system may sound simple or uninteresting, but in full speed and being in control of everything for yourself is exciting and extremely satisfying. I found myself wanting more combat levels after I had finished the game and look forward to potentially more visits to this system.
If I had to complain about something: These levels are way too easy. I S ranked every level without having to replay any of the levels, and they only take like 60 seconds apiece (with a few exceptions)