Sail the deep blue sea!
(UPDATE)Nintendo Switch Version
Graphically, the Switch version looks just a good as the PS4 version, maybe even better. The bright colors pop off the screen and it really looks like you’re watching an Anime while playing. It could also be said that the graphical style could be compared to slight shading, something Nintendo does very well so why wouldn’t this version of One Piece look good on the Switch.
The game had a Simplistic control layout for the Switch Joycons/Pro Controller so it felt easier/simpler to perform attacks compared to the PS4 controller. There were times when I was using the PS4 controller that my attacks were all over the place but when I was using the Switch controls, I didn’t have that problem. You never felt like you were going too fast for your own good, something that I did feel at times with the PS4 controls. The combo system is simplistic for both versions but like I said, it’s design is much easier for the Switch. Using the character interaction combo system was much easier for the Switch as well! I still get the unfortunate feeling that the game is a button masher but it doesn’t push that feeling as much as the PS4 version and I think that’s because of the smooth controls.
Available Variations/costumes for the characters in the PS4 game are in the Switch version as well. The PS4 version and the Switch version are basically the same game. Like most Bandai Namco games, you’re unable to change the spoken dialogue to English but like I always feel like I’m in the minority in the English department. That’s one of my major issues with Bandai Namco as a company in general but I understand their business decision.
I’m giving the Nintendo Switch version of One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition an 8.5/10. I would like to thank Bandai Namco for the review code.
SCORE: 8.5/10
I recently got my hands on a copy of One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition from the friendly folks over at Bandai Namco. Fans of the popular anime/manga series One Piece will want to play this as it follows a new story of Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates.
One issue I always have with Bandai Namco games based off of anime/manga titles is the lack of English translations/dialogue. I’m usually in the minority on this subject but I always would like the option to pick the language for the gameplay. Anyway, let’s set sail!
There are two story files so you’ll have the option to play through the game twice if you saw fit. From the main menu, there is the option to select the Main Story or the Battle Coliseum. The Battle Coliseum adds to the game by allowing you to gain more experience and level up your characters. It also gives you the option to unlock more hidden items/skills/hidden things in the game.
You’ll be fighting a series/chains of battles to gain the upper hand so practice hard! Unlimited World Deluxe has RPG elements where you will need to level up your playable characters and make them stronger. You’ll also have to find items in the wild such as wood/other building materials to build things for the town such as the Inn or the shop. Since you need materials to build, it would be wise to collect pretty much everything you come across because you never really know what you’ll need to build or what material you’ll need for building.
Play through the Main Story first to get the feel of the game/controls and you’ll discover that the action/story is presented in episodes. The controls are pretty simplistic but as with most of the One Piece games, I’m branding it a “button-masher” game. During gameplay you will be presented with a large group of enemies and all you need to do is press the same two to three buttons to get the win. There is more to fighting than mashing buttons such as the “Action” command and the “Dodging” command.
The best way to describe these are like flash commands during battles where it will show up on screen and you push the corresponding button. There are some interesting control mechanics in terms of the Strong Words and Strong Words Attacks. These are unlocked/found during your exploration and different words do different things for your characters. There are “skill” words that boost abilities. There are “custom” words that power abilities and there are “item” words that allow Strong Words to be used whenever you like. It will be up to you to customize these Strong Words to your advantage and set the best lineup possible!
There were times when I was wondering around the various world maps where my three-person party would just appear and reappear for no reason. The lead character for the party would stay in view but the other two would have this happen more often. Also, the locations aren’t too big but each part looks very similar so it’s easy to get lost so pay attention to landmarks. During gameplay, you will need to backtrack and that will take even longer if you forget the locations.
It’s these reasons that I’m giving One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition for the PlayStation 4 an 8.0/10. I would like to thank Bandai Namco for the review code.
SCORE: 8.0/10
Second Opinion: Nintendo Switch Version