Games

• Digimon Story Time Stranger
• Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree
• Shadow Labyrinth
• Patapon 1+2 Replay

While anime was the main focus at Anime Expo, there were also a few video game booths for visitors to explore, and Bandai Namco was one of them showcasing some of their 2025 lineup: Digimon Story Time Stranger, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, Shadow Labyrinth, and Patapon 1+2 Replay. Given a brief amount of time for each game, I was impressed with all of them. Here are my thoughts on each game’s demo.

Digimon Story Time Stranger

The seventh installment of the Digimon Story series, Time Stranger, does not require you to have knowledge of the previous games’ storylines. Additionally, the game has made some modifications and additions compared to the latest Digimon game, such as the ability to ride on a Digimon. Depending on the Digimon, your in-game character can ride on their back or even on their shoulder. Exploring feels smooth, and the vibrant colors add depth to the environment.

Players can have up to four Digimon in battle in this turn-based combat system. There are various types of elements and styles each Digimon can use, so it’s important to understand how to take down enemies quickly. The game also allows players to increase the battle speed up to five times and set it to auto-battle, making exploring easier when encountering battles. Battles occur when you encounter a Digimon in the area. Players can initiate the battle by sending out their Digimon to attack first, giving you the advantage of the first attack. If you are at a higher level, the enemy goes down before entering the battle scene.

The user interface feels clean and looks drastically different compared to the previous Digimon Story entry. There are many options to upgrade your Digimon’s stats, skills, and evolve or even de-evolve them. Having more options that allow players to choose their Digimon’s path is appreciated.

Having not played a Digimon game for over twenty years, I was left with a smile and eager to play more of this next Digimon game. Digimon Story Time Stranger releases on October 2, 2025. Fans can visit the game’s official website for more information.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree

This roguelite game is set in a mystical realm where you, along with the eight companions, must defeat Magatsu. In this demo, players were only allowed to choose between two companions, one of whom is a humanoid koi fish named Nishiki. You control one character while the other closely follows you, mimicking your moves. Co-op mode will be available in this game, allowing you and your friends to play together. It is a fast-paced action game where you must remain aware of your surroundings, as failure to do so will swiftly end your journey. Fortunately, enemy attacks are indicated on the battlefield in vibrant, animated shapes, showing you areas to avoid. Before moving onto the next area, you must defeat all enemies. Afterwards, players can collect power-ups to aid you on your journey. Based on the demo, major battles consist of either boss fights where the main enemy must be defeated or timed events where you must survive against a horde of Magatsu’s minions. If you fail, you will start over but some of the power-ups you obtained in previous attempts will remain with you. The character and environment designs are beautifully drawn with vibrant colors and stylish brushstrokes. Players can also forge weapons, witness their town grow and more.

If you enjoy roguelite adventures with artistic beauty, you will want to keep an eye on this title. Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree will be released on September 19, 2025. Fans can visit the game’s official website for more information.

Shadow Labyrinth

Bandai Namco’s take on metroidvania games involves you, as the player, teaming up with Pluck, a yellow floating sphere representing the iconic Pac-Man, to embark on an adventure to survive and uncover secrets. During the demo, we navigated through part of the labyrinth while facing off against vicious enemies that attacked on-sight. It took some time initially to become comfortable with the game’s mechanics, but it ultimately made the adventure quite enjoyable. The ability to attack in mid-air and dive down for attacks made battles easier, and the smooth grappling hook mechanics helped navigate to harder-to-reach areas, a crucial element that some metroidvania games tend to overlook.

Upon defeat, the game takes you back to the last save point, but based on the demo played, important key scenes and items collected were already saved, eliminating the need to revisit them. Utilizing Pluck’s devouring special ability makes defeating tough enemies easier, although it is time-limited. However, since it uses a gauge, you can conserve it by reverting back to normal form for later use, requiring strategic thinking.

Overall, the time spent with this platformer title was more entertaining than I had initially expected. I view it not as a new type of Pac-Man game, but as a platformer that incorporates Pac-Man as easter eggs. Shadow Labyrinth is set to release on July 18, 2025. Fans can visit the game’s official website for more information.

Patapon 1+2 Replay

A surprise return, the rhythm game is coming back to consoles after its last release on the PlayStation Portable (PSP), not counting its digital release on the PlayStation 4. Now the game will be available not just for the PlayStation 5 console, but for Nintendo Switch and Steam as well.

Use the game’s rhythm to input commands to tell your army what to do such as attack and defend. If you can’t hear the game’s audio, the game initiates a pulse that surrounds the screen to help you stay in rhythm. You’ll travel from left to right, encountering obstacles like enemy fortresses and attacks that try to stop you. Use commands to overthrow enemies but players will need to keep an eye on damage control or their little army will be defeated. It’s a simple and straightforward concept that works really well.

It’s a fun little adventure when compared to the previous demos. Its visual style is still intact and looks smooth and crisp. Those who have missed out or are looking to return don’t have to wait too long as Patapon 1+2 Replay releases on July 11, 2025. Fans can visit the game’s official website for more information.

Overal, a Demo Satisfaction

Each demo was played at Bandai Namco’s booth during Anime Expo 2025 and each one was satisfying. Cat with Monocle greatly appreciates the company setting us a time to test each title.