Hey gang, Valkor here. Tokyo Xanadu definitely ranks as one of my favorites titles in 2017; while the majority of the game plays out like an anime, it’s the action bits is where it’s at – and those are the parts that are lots of fun! So, without hesitation, I took on the task of playing through the title again in “Tokyo Xanadu EX+”. And while it’s pretty much the same game as I’ve played on the Playstation Vita, it does offer enough that would warrant a revisit.
Tokyo Xanadu EX+ is pretty much the same game as what I’ve played on the Vita – same storyline and all, but with some new additions. So, rather than go through all that again, I’ll just point you to my full review. And from here on, we’ll take a look at what’s new, or what makes it EX+ a "plus". I'll also be forgoing the "good, bad, and ugly" format because the game is still awesome, so we really don't need to get into all that.
First up, Tokyo Xanadu EX+ utilizes the full potential of the Playstation 4, by bumping the frame rate to 60fps. I didn’t have too big of an issue with the Vita version, but with the frame rate bump, it does make for a much smoother experience; the character animation is much more fluid, especially during combat and the controls are much more responsive. There’s also a greater attention to detail in the main areas as well as the dungeons when switching from the small screen to a big one. The dungeons don't appear "similar", and when traveling around Morimiya, everything looks as though you've dropped into an area in Japan; this is especially true when walking around the Nanahoshi Mall. Next, we’re given a new character to play as – a White Shroud, who is just the boost this game needed. He comes along with a series of side stories that you’ll enter once you complete a chapter. The side stories further develop the main characters and add some additional details missing from the original. I love Asuka’s story because it introduces her “overpower” mode. Finally, in EX+ you have two new options – Time Attack and Boss Rush, both of which I have not played but here’s the info that's taken from the press release:
In Time Attack, defeat various bosses that appear in the main story as quickly as possible. In Boss Rush mode, you can battle each boss one after the other.
Before I forget, there’s also a chapter that you can play once the main game is finished, the game’s difficulty has been given a tweak and even NPCs give you a bit more to do than what was done with the original Vita version. A bigger plus point worth mentioning is that the game makes full use of the PS4 controller; rather than just the trigger buttons, the game makes use of the bumpers as well as the touchpad, which is a welcome inclusion from what the Vita offered. I mean I didn’t have too big of an issue with the Vita, but the game plays so much better with the controller. In the end, Falcom truly took advantage of the bigger canvas the PS4 provides for Tokyo Xanadu EX+. And if you’ve already played the Vita version and you’re wondering if the PS4 version is worth it? I’d say it’s a definite yes!
My only drawback with the title is the same gripe I had with the original, in that the chapters are far too drawn out. The new chapters and new objectives from NPCs help, plus you can always replay dungeons if you feel the need to give your fingers a workout; but once you start the main story, you have to go forward with no going back to do anything else. And there are times where you'll be sitting for a good stretch before any action takes place.
Tokyo Xanadu EX+ is available now in a standard and a limited collector’s edition, which includes a statue, soundtrack, art book, and much more. But whatever version of the game you decide to pick up, in the end, you won't be disappointed. I highly recommend it. And out of TOV 5 stars, I’m giving Tokyo Xanadu EX+ a bump up from the original to a 4.5.
