Tokyo Xanadu eX+ Review (GingerNinja826)
I've heard some forms of entertainment referred to as "comfort food" and I think that is a pretty apt description of Tokyo Xanadu. You're not expecting something that will blow you away, you just want something that you're familiar with and that will scratch that itch.
Most of the comps for this game are Persona and Trails of Cold Steel, and those are definitely accurate. You're in high school, you galavant around town during free time, bond with your friends, do a couple dungeons and then do it again next chapter.
The main feature that sets this apart from the aforementioned games is that this is an action RPG. So if you played Persona and said "I just wish this wasn't turn-based" then this will probably hit the spot. And the combat is quite enjoyable. It's not at the level of Ys VIII or XI, but considering this is a port of a PS Vita game it is very solid. It feels a bit bland at first, but a few chapters in you'll get more moves and more party members which really opens things up.
I have yet to play a Falcom game that doesn't deliver excellent world building and character development, and Tokyo Xanadu is no exception. They have an incredible gift for writing characters. They'll introduce one, and my first impression is "yep, here's the one I'm not spending my free time with" and by the end they're one of my favorite characters.
Yeah there are some generous helpings of cheese in the story. So if you're lactose intolerant, it may be a bit much at times. I, however, have a soft spot for some good cheese and I felt completely satisfied by the end.
And speaking of things that Falcom always seem to nail, we have yet another banger soundtrack. Falcom sound team JDK are absolute legends.
TL;DR
If you're familiar with the "Persona" formula and you just want more of that, then give Tokyo Xanadu a try. If you have a good idea of what to expect going in, there is an wonderful hidden gem to be found here. It feels like Falcom just wanted to have fun with this one, and if this type of game is your jam then you will too